clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Marcus Smart Returns For Celtics Game 5 Against Bucks

Marcus Smart has been cleared to return from his thumb injury for the Celtics.

NBA: Charlotte Hornets at Boston Celtics Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics have been without Marcus Smart since March when he had surgery on his thumb. The Celtics have missed Smart’s suffocating defense and intense style of play so in far in the playoffs. If Smart had been able to play, the Celtics might have been able to pull out game 4 in Milwaukee. Instead, the Bucks won the game 104-102 and evened the series at 2 games apiece.

Marcus Smart has been one of the emotional leaders for the Celtics since they drafted him 6th overall in 2014. His style of play has become famous in Boston, and Celtics fans love him for his hustle.

Celtics Twitter is immense, and they have fully embraced Marcus Smart. That’s because he affects the game in a positive way in every category but shooting. If hustle plays were a stat, Smart would lead the league. He has earned a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league. He also has an ability to get under opposing players skin, something I’m sure will be on full display during tonight’s game 5 in Boston.

Smart was just cleared to play in tonight’s game 5 earlier today and Celtics Twitter is already having a field day with the news. Marcus Smart was always coming back as soon as he could possibly talk his way back onto the floor. Aside from dealing with his thumb injury, he also recently learned that his mom has been diagnosed with cancer. He will be extra emotional tonight, playing for his mom and for his teammates. This is a game will be must see TV for Smart fans, and NBA fans in general. Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m. CDT on NBATV.

Hopefully Boston can pull out a win behind a classic gut-it-out performance from Marcus Smart. Tune in to the rest of the playoffs to see Smart guard positions 1-5, shoot the ball poorly, and have the best plus-minus of any player in the series. We love you, Marcus.