Stevens: Ish Smith has ‘ignited' Sixers offense

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By Kevin O’Connor

With a game against the 76ers, even hardcore Celtics fans might consider keeping one eye on Sunday’s NFL Playoffs. But Celtics coaches and players must be laser focused; the Sixers aren’t the laughing stocks of the NBA they once were. 

Before Christmas, the Sixers were 1-30 while being outscored 13.6 points per 100 possessions, which ranked last in the NBA. But then they acquired Ish Smith, who has flipped the script on their season. Since, they’re 5-8, with two of their losses coming in overtime.

“He’s always been a guy that gives people fits because of his speed and because of his ability to get inside the teeth of the defense,” Brad Stevens said to reporters before the game. “He’s really ignited their offense here. That’s clear.”

The Sixers offense has been about eight points better since adding Smith. They’re also only being outscored by 3.1 points per 100 possessions, which means since Christmas they have been better statistically than the Magic, Hornets, and Heat -- three teams the Celtics are competing against for a playoff spot.

“It’s not a surprise that [the addition of Smith has] gotten them over the hump in a lot of these games,” Stevens added. “You look at the last four games they’ve played, they’ve played really outstanding. It’s a credit to their players, but certainly he’s had a large impact on that.”

Smith has made an especially positive impact on second-year big man Nerlens Noel, who has become a popular target for alley-oops. Noel has 25 alley-oop layups or dunks this season, per NBA Savant, with 17 of them coming via Smith.

Noel shoots 63.9 percent when Smith is on the floor, compared to just 46.6 percent when he’s off. Similarly, rookie Jahlil Okafor is shooting 18 percent better with Smith on the court. Smith’s dribble penetration has accelerated the development of Philadelphia’s two star big men, and they’re staying more games because of their collective efforts.

The Celtics have already experienced letdown losses against the bottom-feeding Nets, and have had too many too-close-for-comfort wins.

Amir Johnson will make his return to the starting lineup, so the Celtics will get a boost on the defensive end of the floor, but as a team they can’t discount the new-look 76ers.

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