There's a pretty surprising stat on the Boston Celtics box score after their Game 3 NBA Finals win over the Golden State Warriors. Beside Marcus Smart's name there are two zeros under “steals” and “blocks”.
It's just one example, but those two goose eggs prove that defense is more than just the counting stats. That's because the Celtics guard and reigning Defensive Player of the Year was a defensive demon in Game 3, even without registering a single traditional defensive stat.
Golden State was frigid against Smart when he was the primary defender contesting a shot, ensuring that there was another zero that he was ultimately responsible for. According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Warriors went 0-for-9 against the Celtics guard.
Marcus Smart also impacted the game in other ways for the Celtics. He had himself one of his most complete performances of the postseason, posting 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to go along with his stellar lockdown defense.
The Boston Celtics now stand two wins away from winning it all and giving the franchise it's historic 18th banner. If Marcus Smart continues to terrorize the Warriors on the defensive end, there's a good chance he's doing confetti angels while holding the Larry O'Brien trophy when it's all said and done.