Marcus Smart News: Busy on Defense in Win Marcus Smart was a defensive force to be reckoned with as the Boston Celtics took down the Charlotte Hornets 120-115. The veteran guard logged 32 minutes and recorded 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Smart was instrumental in keeping All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball at bay, limiting him to just 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the field. His ability to harass Ball and disrupt his rhythm had a significant impact on the Hornets' offense, which struggled to find consistency throughout the game. In addition to his defensive prowess, Smart also showed off his scoring touch, going 4-for-7 from beyond the arc to account for half of his points. He has now scored in double figures in three consecutive games and is averaging 10.3 points per contest over that stretch. Smart's all-around performance was a key factor in the Celtics' win, as they were able to overcome a sluggish first quarter to take control of the game down the stretch. With their victory, Boston improves to 24-16 on the season and stays in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.#Charlotte_Hornets #Marcus_Smart #Boston_Celtics #LaMelo_Ball