The Boston Celtics are gearing up for their NBA playoff run and Marcus Smart is poised to play a crucial role once again. As the team’s point guard, Smart played an instrumental role in the Celtics’ journey to the NBA Finals in 2022. This year, Smart plans to take his game to the next level and help lead the Celtics back to the championship round.
Marcus Smart’s Struggles This Season
Despite being named the reigning Defensive Player of the Year last season, Smart has struggled at times during this year’s regular season. He’s suffered from injuries and off-court issues, resulting in inconsistent performances on both ends of the court.
Admitting that he hasn’t played up to his standards, Smart plans to return to his top form for the playoffs. His defense will be instrumental in containing key players such as Trae Young, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Celtics’ Journey to the Playoffs
The Celtics returned all five starters from last year’s NBA Finals appearance, but faced numerous challenges during the regular season. Key offseason addition Danilo Gallinari was lost for the season due to a torn ACL, while head coach Ime Udoka was suspended for “violations of team policies.” Center Robert Williams III missed a month with arthroscopic knee surgery.
Despite these setbacks, interim head coach Joe Mazzulla proved more than capable, leading Boston to a 57-25 record and securing their spot as the East’s second seed. But they also see themselves battling against odds and a tough Atlanta Hawks squad eyeing an upset.
Smart Takes On Trae Young Once Again
Smart has never been one to shy away from confrontation on or off the court. In March during a regular season game between the Celtics and Hawks, he and Trae Young got into a heated exchange that quickly went viral. But Smart says any animosity between the two players was short-lived.
Smart and Young are respected competitors, and despite their high-intensity battle in March, they quickly cleared the air and are cool with each other. Smart knows that Young is a great player, but he’s prepared to take on the challenge of stopping him during the playoffs.
Smart Poised to Lead Celtics’ Defense
The Celtics had the second-best defense rating in the NBA this season, and Smart will be leading their point of attack. His defensive versatility and intensity could give the Celtics an edge in the playoffs.
A healthy Robert Williams III will also give Smart and his fellow guards more defensive freedom. The team’s togetherness off the court has also played a big role in their success.
Smart Focused on Earning Place in Celtics Lore
For Smart, the playoffs are a chance to cement himself as one of the all-time greats in Boston Celtics history. He knows that winning another championship would be an amazing feeling and is leaving everything on the court.
Smart recently partnered with Pronamel to launch their new Active Shield toothpaste. The partnership aligns perfectly with his defensive mindset on the court, and he’s eager to see what he can accomplish during this year’s playoff run.
The Celtics and Hawks will play Game One of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Saturday at 3:30 PM ET. Celtics fans are hoping that Marcus Smart will elevate his play when it matters most, and lead this talented team back to another appearance in the NBA Finals.
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