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Marcus Smart has the physical and emotional fire every team needs

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Marcus Smart will almost certainly pick up a fine for his rant to the officials after Boston's 129-120 overtime loss to the Brooklyn Nets last night. A suspension is also a possibility. He doesn't care. The current Celtics squad is certainly a legitimate Title contender, but they lack the internal fire - except for Marcus Smart.

Red Auerbach had it. Danny Ainge had it. Larry Bird certainly had it, and so does Marcus Smart - that internal fire that drives the emotions and physical play. Red would punch people out and then accept the consequences. Danny was all-emotion on the court and had his share of physical clashes. Ditto for Bird.


The present crop of Guys in Green are a finesse group, often lacking physicality. Even the coach, Brad Stevens, isn't the most animated guy on the sidelines. It's just not in him. Not so for Smart.


Marcus was not happy with the loss - the way it happened - or picking up his sixth foul that forced him out of the game. And he made the officials aware of his discontentment. Auerbach used to purposely get tossed out of games to fire up his team. Smart's sixth foul was not intentional, and he will pay for his outburst - but in the end, someone has to do it.


I wrote recently of Smart's gentle side, comforting my great grandson, Carson, and my daughter, Lisa. We saw the other side last night, and I love both "Marci".


Where would this team be without Marcus? My hope is that another Celtics player steps forward and displays that physical and emotional fire we see constantly in Smart. Rookie, Grant Williams, may evolve into that player. Make it happen, GWill.



Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel and @CausewayStreet

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