Boston Celtics vs Memphis Grizzlies: Three Stars of the Night

2 Stars Winner- Marcus Smart

Boy has Marcus Smart come alive as of late. Up to this point in his career, Smart could do just about everything on the court but shoot. Now? I’m not so sure that is the case for the 5th year wing. Since the turn of the new year, Smart is shooting a ridiculous 53.3% from downtown. Yes, I am talking about the same Marcus Smart that is statistically the 6th worst shooter in the NBA among current players.

Marcus went off for 20 points (6-8 from 3) 6 rebounds and 3 assists. He swiped 3 balls and finished with a game-high +23 plus/minus. He also knows a thing or two about boxing out, as exhibited by this stellar play late in the contest.

For Celtics fans, this is nothing new. Smart has made a career out of simply outhustling and outwilling his opposition. In this case, he bullies a much bigger (and quite frankly much more athletic) Jaren Jackson Jr for a key rebound late in the game.

Time and time again Smart makes game-winning hustle plays that draw a minimal impact on the stat sheet, but drastically alters the outcome of the game at hand.