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What is the Boston Celtics closing lineup?

By Logan Reardon

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Gordon Hayward
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Gordon Hayward /
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BOSTON – APRIL 24: Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart defends Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap in the second half of Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs at TD Garden in Boston on April 24, 2016. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON – APRIL 24: Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart defends Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap in the second half of Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs at TD Garden in Boston on April 24, 2016. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

Marcus Smart

Last year, Stevens used Smart to close many games. The lineups included Smart alongside Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas. Smart routinely guarded opposing power forwards in big moments, and did a respectable job. But, now that Bradley and Thomas are gone, Smart will likely be able to slide down and guard players closer to his height.

With Kyrie’s defensive struggles, Smart will guard the opposing team’s best scorer. This is a role he shared with Bradley last year.

In addition to his defense, Smart made strides last year offensively. He shot 82 percent from the free throw line, but still struggled from the field, shooting 36 percent.

Smart did, however, make real progress as a distributor. He averaged 5.5 assists per 36 minutes last year, up from 4.0 in 2015-16.

Smart thrived in the ball handler role when Stevens moved Thomas off the ball more last year. Expect more of the same when Smart is in the lineup with Irving this year.

All in all, he just has a knack for playing in big moments. Pencil Smart in for the fourth spot in the closing lineup.

Smart, Irving, Hayward and Horford are a solid four with different sizes and skills that should give teams trouble. Those are the core four that should close every game.

After those four, things get murky. The final spot will likely be handled on a game-by-game basis. Stevens could ride the hot hand, use size if necessary or go with a more defensive lineup. Some of his options for the last spot include:

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