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Boston Celtics: 6 of the top moments from the 2021-22 season

By Ryan Cinque

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics gestures during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics gestures during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Top Boston Celtics moment No. 4) Smart wins Defensive Player of the Year

Marcus Smart is the epitome of a “you love him if he’s on your team and hate him if he’s not” type of player. He can get under his opponents skin with his embellishment of contact and other antics, but there is no denying that he is an elite defender who gives 110 percent every night.

Smart is commonly referred to as the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics and his efforts on the defensive end are the main reason why. His teammates and fans hold him in such high regard because of his competitive spirit and what he means to the organization.

With this, it was absolutely gratifying to see him earn the Defensive Player of the Year award with his efforts since he was the defensive leader on the top-ranked defense in the league.

Ime Udoka came up with a clever way to present him his award without making it obvious. He decided to hold Smart for a one-on-one film session as his teammates and the front office gathered together to present the award.

In typical Smart fashion, he ended up taking the film session a little too seriously which caused him and Ime to be late for the surprise presentation.

The award was presented by none other than Gary “The Glove” Payton, the last guard to win the award (1996).

It was a great moment to see Smart earn the recognition and how much it meant to everyone involved.

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