The Miami Heat beat the Boston Celtics in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The final score of that game was 118-107 but did not tell the whole picture. Boston played their heart out but lost. And the biggest reason was Marcus Smart was out.
Marcus Smart has played 10 games in the 2022 NBA playoffs so far. He’s been averaging 15 points, 6 assists, and 1 steal per game. This was a great season for him and he finally reached his defensive peak. He won the Defensive Player of the Year and was key in Boston’s success.
Marcus Smart is listed as probable for game 2
In the 2022 NBA playoffs so far he’s been pretty great. In the first game itself, he scored 20 against Brooklyn. He went on to do this again in elimination game 4 against Brooklyn. His performances against Milwaukee kept the reigning NBA champions at bay.
In-Game 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks, he scored 21 points and dished out 7 assists to force a game 7. And in game 7 he finished with his best +/- of 18. But he left that game earlier than he a need to. In the first quarter with 2 minutes left, Marcus Smart jumped to contest Giannis but his knee met Giannis’ face.
He was forced to miss game 1 of the conference finals where they lost. Boston outscored the Heat in 3 out of the 4 quarters. But Miami had a great run in the 3rd quarter and outscored them by 25. If Miami was taking on the Celtics with the best defender on their side, the outcome could’ve been a lot more different.
But he’s at home right now suffering a foot injury. As of right now, he is listed as probable for game 2. Marcus Smart underwent an MRI for it. The image returned clean which is great news. However, that would never amount to anything if Boston keeps losing without him.
Celtics injury update: Al Horford upgraded to questionable vs. Heat in Game 2; Marcus Smart probable https://t.co/aup0S4hqEw
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 19, 2022
Marcus Smart’s impact is so great that Charles Barkley was defending him against Shaq and that’s all you need to know about how much Boston is awaiting his return.
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