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Boston Celtics: 3 C’s that will prove to be pivotal during the team’s grueling January/ February schedule

By Mark Nilon

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 25, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 25, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Marcus Smart

Arguably the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics, when healthy, Marcus Smart has always proven to be an integral part of this team’s success. He can play anywhere from the one to the three on offense and defensively has proven capable of going up against even centers.

What he provides for this unit is irreplaceable, which was made apparent during his eight-game absence due to viral conjunctivitis. But now he’s back in the nick of time, and if his recent hiatus is any indicator, he’s well rested heading into this 23 game stretch.

Prior to injury, the NBA All-Defensive guard was having himself quite a nice season. Through 22 games, Smart has averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He fit seamlessly into starting situations when both Brown and Hayward were bit by the injury bug, and was a huge part in the C’s 10-game winning streak early on in the season.

With Marcus Smart on the floor, the Celtics have yet another player who can handle the ball and distribute to teammates while also being able to lock down his assignment on defense. We’ve seen the 25-year-old make stupendous plays for the C’s through the early stages of this season, and we’re sure he’ll continue this “Defensive Player of the Year” hungry style of play starting tonight and continuing throughout.

Smart has been missed from the rotation during his absence. Now, it appears he himself is hungry to get right back into the swing of things. During this stretch, the Celtics will need his big play in a big way!

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