Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart continues to rack up accolades.
Smart, who already was named the Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the All-Defensive First Team, now is the recipient of the 2021-22 NBA Hustle Award, as revealed by the league Monday.
It’s the second time Smart has earned the honor in its brief six-year existence, making him the first repeat winner. The veteran guard also claimed the award following the 2018-19 season.
Smart, who is widely respected due to his defensive tenacity and all-out pursuit of the basketball, put together a breakout offensive season. Smart filled the role as Boston’s point guard after previously finding himself in a supplemental role with Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker commanding those duties during their respective tenures with the organization.
Smart played a crucial role on both ends of the floor in the Celtics’ in-season turnaround. It now has Boston playing in the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat, a best-of-seven series the Celtics trail 2-1. Smart’s hustle, however, has been on display throughout the postseason.
Smart is questionable for Game 4 against Miami on Monday night at TD Garden. Celtics head coach Ime Udoka shared that Smart was dealing with swelling after injuring his ankle in Saturday’s Game 3 loss.
