As my readers know well, I have repeatedly broached the Marcus Smart-as-starter argument. The 124-107 win over the Pelicans last night was only one game, but it was a delight. Marcus started the game - played a team-high 39 minutes - and was absolutely instrumental in the victory.
My argument was always that Smart ignites his team right out of the gate. He is not a scorer and may never be. Doesn't matter! The other starters, Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Morris all scored 19 or more points.