Celtics star Marcus Smart reveals what he proved to the rest of the NBA after Game 2 heroics vs the Heat
Marcus Smart was the star for the Celtics in their Game 2 victory against the Heat.
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Jimmy Butler and Marcus Smart
Boston Celtics leveled the Eastern Conference Final series rather convincingly with Marcus Smart and Al Horford making their way back to the team. Smart in particular was clinical in the game and he spoke about the same in the postgame press conference.
Miami Heat and Boston Celtics faced off against each other in Game 2 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals with the home team having a 1-0 lead. The venue was the same, the opponents were the same but the result was different this time.
It was perhaps the drastic change in the visiting team’s tactics and shooting that hurt Miami at the FTX Arena. Marcus Smart and Al Horford returned to the lineup and made a huge difference in the game. Smart stated that he waited for the opportunity to do what he was drafted for.
Lot of pride, that what I have been doing my whole career, that why I am drafted here to do. I'm blessed to be in the situation to have the opportunity to show what I can do. Everybody, at the organization and in the world has seen what I can do at the point guard position.Smart said.
After the 11-point loss in Game 1, the Celtics were like wounded tigers, who threw themselves on the court for every possession and were solid on defense too in the game. Marcus Smart played a huge role, with a near-triple-double performance to carry the Celtics over the line- more importantly, helping them equalize the series.
Marcus Smart admits being gutted after missing Game 1
Marcus Smart was out of Game 1 of the EC Finals because of a mid-foot sprain that he suffered in Game 7 against the Milwaukee Bucks. But he was cleared to play in Game 2 and admitted feeling bad to miss the opening game.
I was pumped. I felt bad that I couldn't be out there with my teammates and go to battle with them, We're playing against a really good Miami Heat team. I got to get my rest, I got my health back, I got to watch and see some things and come out to execute this game.Smart added.
A strong 1st half performance from the team made the game a bit easier for Boston, as they started to cover the ground and took an 11-point lead at the end of the 1st quarter, bettering it to 25 at the half. Smart was more of a play-maker for the 1st half, contributing with just 7 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in the half.
But the reigning defensive player of the year started draining some buckets as he scored 11 points in the 3rd quarter and ended with 24 points in total. Hot hand Smart was 50% from the field in 2nd half. Marcus had a staggering 24 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals in the game, helping the Celtics to level the series in dominating fashion.
Considered a defensive juggernaut, 28-year-old Marcus showcased his all-around play. He dominated the game offensively with 24 points and 12 assists and defensively with 9 rebounds and 3 steals. This was Smart’s 3rd highest score in his Playoff career. Interestingly all top 2 were also scored in the Conference finals.
No player other than Jimmy Butler from Miami could match up against the surging Boston Celtics. Butler scored a game-high 29 points with 6 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum tallied 26 points to lead the Celts in scoring.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)