Marcus Smart has been quietly building a reputation as one of the best defenders in the NBA. He has moved past having the typical ‘pest’ mentality of a defender that aggravates the shooter into making mistakes. However, he also has the tenacity and skill to deliver in the clutch.

J.J. Redick broke down Smart’s game and what makes him unique in his podcast with guest Duncan Robinson of the Miami Heat. Robinson is playing against Smart’s Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

“I love Marcus. If I make a basketball team, I want Marcus on it. He gets under your skin, he competes. You know there is a level of flopping in his game through the Marcus Smart Experience, but that overshadows all the other stuff that he does. He is a guy that just makes winning plays consistently… I just enjoy watching him play and compete like that.”

Marcus Smart and his intangible game

A casual fan would see the numbers Smart puts up and think he is an average to above-average player. However, those numbers don’t do justice to his value on the court. He is a defensive machine that forces opposing teams to play in uncomfortable ways. While that wouldn’t always result in a direct contribution to Smart’s stat-sheet, it helps the team’s game overall.

Smart has slowly developed a more competent offensive game, and his numbers are bound to keep going up. Even though he averaged just 12.9 points a game during the season, he is doing damage in the Playoffs.

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In the Conference Finals, Smart is averaging an even 20 points. His defensive production has dropped (1.7 steals during the season to 0.3 in this series), but his presence is felt during games in more ways than one.

Keeping Marcus at bay will be the key for the Heat’s success, as he is the heart of this Celtics team.