Celtics Notes: Marcus Smart Returns; Evan Turner Has Thumb Checked

Marcus Smart returned to action for the Boston Celtics on Monday, one day after missing a game to attend the funeral of a family member.

Smart’s cousin, 49-year-old Vincent Dorsey, was murdered Jan. 15 in Texas, according to The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn. The rookie point guard left the team Friday night to attend the services before rejoining his teammates in Salt Lake City ahead of Monday’s 99-90 win over the Utah Jazz.

“It was difficult, but this is my life,” Smart told reporters after the game. “I love, play, sleep and eat basketball. My mom called me right before (the game), and I talked to her. She just kind of told me, ‘Focus on the game, and we can talk about everything else later.’ So, I just tried to keep my mind clear and focus on the game.”

Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters Monday that he left the decision up to Smart about when to return.

“That’s our whole organizational policy,” Stevens said, per the Globe. “I’m pleased that I work for an organization that does that. The important thing without a doubt will always take precedence, so it was a no-brainer to go.”

Smart played well in the win over Utah, finishing with nine points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal in 29 minutes. His defensive intensity was on display during the second quarter in particular, as the Celtics outscored the Jazz 38-14 in the frame.

Smart tweeted out the following after the game:

[tweet https://twitter.com/smart_MS3/status/559940531417919488 align=’center’]

— Starting point guard Evan Turner left the game on two occasions after reaggravating his injured right thumb. He still managed to log 21 minutes, and postgame X-rays came back negative, per Washburn.

[tweet https://twitter.com/GwashburnGlobe/status/559947067213115394 align=’center’]

— Also via Washburn, a Celtics fan apparently informed rookie James Young after the game that he bears a striking resemblance to late rapper Tupac Shakur.

[tweet https://twitter.com/celticsblog/status/559937167040868355 align=’center’]

Jeff Clark of CelticsBlog subsequently suggested a new nickname for Young, which we wholeheartedly endorse.

[tweet https://twitter.com/celticsblog/status/559937543181848576 align=’center’]

— Walter White Jr. (or, as he’s known in real life, actor RJ Mitte) took in the game from courtside. No word on whether breakfast was served.

NBA: Boston Celtics at Utah Jazz