The Boston Celtics forced a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with the 76ers on the back of Marcus Smart as he led the way for Boston in Game 6.

Smart finished the night having scored 22-points on 8-of-15 shooting with seven assists and seven rebounds.

After the big win, Marcus Smart made a surprising comment about Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, saying he deserved to be “killed” by the media and fans for some of his coaching decisions.

“To be able to have Rob in there, he changes the game a lot. Being able to have a lob threat, a rim threat, to be able to protect the rim on the other end. He’s huge for us. And I was proud to have him on the court.”

Smart then dives into how Mazzulla’s been learning game-by-game.

“And that just goes to show you Joe’s learning just like all of us. I know he’s been killed a lot—rightfully so. He needs to make some adjustments and he did that. And that’s all you can ask for.”

Smart’s comments are surprising because of the way it comes off. You know? Most players don’t want to see their coach or teammate be berated and defeated by the media and Smart opening the door for it, welcoming it even.

It was shocking.

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