The Boston Celtics have been one of the most impacted teams by injuries and COVID-19 health and safety protocols. The team has only had a handful of games with the starting five at full strength this season, in large part due to Marcus Smart’s 18-game absence. His importance to everything he does for the Celtics was on full display Sunday night against the Rockets. Marcus Smart may have only finished the game with only 5 points and 3 assists, however his impact was felt on the court each minute he played.
Once Smart checked in, the offense was more lively with the ball swinging around more, and on defense, there is more communication and a sense of grit with everyone on the floor.