Marcus Smart is the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics, so when it was announced that Smart would miss time with an oblique injury throughout the start of the playoffs, Boston fans were bummed.

Ahead of Monday night’s Game 4 between the Bucks and Celtics, however, it was announced that Smart would return. As one would expect, Smart was given a warm reception from the Boston faithful in TD Garden when he made his 2019 playoffs debut.

Though Smart has never been a magnificent offensive player, his grittiness and defensive prowess make him a joy to watch. He leverages truly excellent athletic tools to excel in the areas of the box score that don’t usually pop: hustle plays and heady, high-IQ plays the lead to winning basketball games.

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Beyond that, Smart is a terrific guy off the court as well, as his recent signing of a jersey for a Celtics fan, and the father of The Ringer reporter Kevin O’ Connor, would indicate.

Perhaps Smart might not be all the way back from his injury, but even his presence on the court will likely aid the mindset of the rest of his Celtics teammates as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.