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Marcus Smart needs games like last night's to remind us of his value

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Marcus Smart always plays like he is on steroids, and hopefully this will not mean a random Enes Kanter-type drug test. But in last night's double-OT thriller, Marcus reminded his critics just how valuable he is to his team. In 45 minutes of play, he poured in 31 points on 10-of-20 FG, 5-of-14 3P and 6-of-8 FT, while adding in four rebounds, three assists and four steals.


Marcus was just feeling it on offense. He was everywhere and did it all - isolations, 3-pointers, drives, turnaround jumpers and on-the-money passes to his teammates. He did all of this in the flow of the game, and it was obvious from the start that Marcus wanted this win and would control much of what went down on both ends of the floor. His four steals were masterful.


We expect the rebounds, assists and steals, but the 31 points via 50% marksmanship - in a crucial game - versus a tough opponent - from The Wolverine was quite welcome . We could tell by his expressions during the contest that Smart knew he had the hot hand. I have written in the past about Gordon Hayward deferring to his teammates, but Marcus does the same thing - usually. This night was different. Jaylen Brown was out of action with a thigh contusion, and someone had to step up. Smart started the game and took over. Starter? Second unit? Doesn't seem to matter. Marcus needs this type of game occasionally to remind us of his value to his team.

Follow Tom @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook



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