If there's one way to describe Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, it has to be “intense.”
That has been very evident in the Celtics grabbing a 2-0 series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The team has thrived off Smart's aggressiveness and no-nonsense approach to every possession.
This same intensity has even affected the Celtics outside of games. In a tweet by ESPN's Chris Forsberg, head coach Brad Stevens talked about changing how they conduct practices all because of Smart.
Brad Stevens discussing Marcus Smart’s intensity: “That’s one of the reasons why we don’t do a lot of scrimmaging late in the year. Marcus plays like that no matter what.”
Smart wasn't with the team when they began the playoffs due to a self-inflicted injury. His absence was felt against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round as the series reached the seven-game distance. Against the Philadelphia 76ers in round two, the Celtics edged out their opponents via a gentleman's sweep with Smart in tow.
Not saying that Smart is the one difference maker in the two matchups, but he played a great part. He's able to defend up to four positions on the court. In 10 playoff games, Smart is averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.9 steals in 30.5 minutes per game. More importantly, the little things that he does pile up within games and their impact manifests late in crunch time.
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