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Marquis Daniels Preaches Importance of Staying Ready, Brings Energy, Intensity to Celtics (Video)

Rajon Rondo was expected to carry the Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. But Marquis Daniels?

That's right. Daniels, who didn't play at all in Game 2 and logged just two minutes in Game 1, played more than 17 meaningful minutes during Friday's Game 3. He made them count, chipping in nine points on 4 of 6 shooting, while providing a tremendous amount of energy for Boston.

After the game, Daniels talked about staying ready regardless of whether he plays the previous game or not. He said that you never know when your number is going to be called.

"It's kind of funny you said that," Daniels said in response to a question about how he keeps from getting discouraged when he doesn't play. "[Head coach Doc Rivers] told me the last two games, 'Be ready. You're going to play tonight.' He didn't say nothing to me tonight. Hopefully, he doesn't say anything to me next game."

Rondo, meanwhile, scored 21 points and dished out 10 assists for the Celtics as they pulled off a 101-91 victory to cut their Eastern Conference Finals series deficit in half at 2-1.

Check out the video above to hear more from Daniels and Rondo.