Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart's confidence was at an all-time high on Friday, following his team's 102-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Smart recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 39 minutes, helping Boston go up 3-0. The C's are now just a win away from the next round.
Shortly after the match, the 6-foot-4 defensive specialist boldly proclaimed that he is the best defender in the NBA right now.
Marcus Smart on why the Celtics can rely on him to be in the right place at the right time when the Celtics need him: "That's just what I do. That's just me being me. Being the best defensive player in this league that I know I am and that my teammates know I am."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 22, 2020
While Marcus Smart's words may seem arrogant for some, it's hard to deny his claims following another masterful performance on the defensive side of the ball on Friday. Smart once again started for Gordon Hayward, who is out indefinitely due to a sprained ankle.
The 26-year-old Oklahoma State alum completed one of the most crucial stops in the closing minutes of the match, allowing Boston to regain control of the ball game.
With the C's down by two with under two minutes left, Smart recklessly dove for a crosscourt pass thrown by Joel Embiid. He caught the ball mid-air and threw a brilliant two-handed pass to a streaking Jaylen Brown for the breakaway lay-up plus the harm.
HUGE PLAY. https://t.co/1jCi05C9Wa
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 22, 2020
The Celtics used that momentum to take over the game, as Kemba Walker put on the finishing touches with a dagger stepback jumper.
Marcus Smart, on the other hand, already received his first-ever NBA All-Defensive Team citation last year. It appears he's well on his way to a second straight nod this season.
While he does play with seemingly reckless abandon, Smart never backs down from any challenge. Oftentimes, Smart shadows players much bigger than him, and he still gets the job done. The Celtics will certainly rely on Smart's defensive ferocity as they look to advance further in the postseason.
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