Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Celtics

3. Marcus Smart is the heartbeat of the Celtics

Last season when the Cavs and Celtics faced off in the Eastern Conference Finals, both teams looked different. Kyrie Irving was a Cavalier and Isaiah Thomas was the feel-good story of the league. Losing both games at home to start the series, Boston needed a change of attack. Enter Marcus Smart.

Smart helped deliver a Game 3 win in Clevelandm finishing with a team high 27 points. Smart was seen motivating his teammates as his emotion on both sides of the floor spread throughout the team.

Fast forward a year later and on a much more improved and talented roster, Smart is finding ways to stand out again.

Smart finished with 11 points, nine assists, five rebounds and four steals in Game 2, but it was one play that meant more than any other.

This play got the approval of many, including Celtics legend Bill Russell.

The intangibles alone are what makes Marcus Smart important and beloved. He possesses a hustle that can’t be taught or practiced. Some players have it, and other don’t.

Role players often help teams win championships. Smart has battled plenty to be where he’s at and has arguably sacrificed even more. We may often forget Smart as Boston possesses so many crucial elements, but Game 2 was another reminder of his importance to the world, and the Celtics.