Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
Marcus Smart topped Celtics in matchup time vs. Giannis during Game 6, per NBA data.
Allowed 12 points on 5-11 FG with 2 shooting fouls and a turnover.
Grant Williams had similar numbers (10 points, 4-11 FG, as primary defender). Giannis = 5-13 FG vs. Al Horford. – 9:11 AM

Jay King @ByJayKing
Jayson Tatum on Marcus Smart’s response to the end of Game 5: “That was to be expected.” – 11:32 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Marcus Smart on Game 7 in Boston: “It’s gonna be loud. I’ve had a few Game 7s here in Boston and I understand and know that being in the Garden is not where you want to be on the road in Game 7.” – 11:06 PM

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Marcus Smart on Game 7: “It’s going to be loud. Being on the road is a place you don’t want to be at the Garden” – 11:05 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Marcus Smart on having Game 7 in Boston: “It’s gonna be loud. It means a lot. I just know that being on the road, in Boston, for a Game 7, that’s not a place you want to be.” – 11:05 PM

Jay King @ByJayKing
Marcus Smart: “Being in the Garden is a place you don’t want to be on the road in a Game 7.” – 11:05 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Marcus Smart: “Giannis is a beast. He’s got that 7-footer wingspan and those long strides. We just need to make it as tough on him as possible.” – 11:04 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Marcus Smart: “We go as I go. I’m the heart and soul of this team. My teammates say that all the time and I try to bring that for them.” – 11:03 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Marcus Smart on Game 5: “Those final minutes ate me alive. My guys did a good job making sure I stayed as composed as I could and keep my mind right, because I was really hurting after that. I felt like I let my team down.” – 11:03 PM

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Marcus Smart after Game 5: “I was really hurting after that. I felt I let my team down…I wanted to go make it up for my teammates” – 11:02 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Marcus Smart on Game 5: “Those final minutes at me alive. I was really hurting after that. I feel like I let my team down. Damon Stoudamire pulled me aside and told me not to lose confidence in myself.” – 11:02 PM

Jay King @ByJayKing
Marcus Smart on Game 5: “Those final minutes ate me alive. … I was really hurting after that. I feel like I let my team down.” – 11:02 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Marcus Smart: “When you got two juggernauts going at it, it’s tough. You got two defensive-minded teams that are physical and beating each other up.” – 11:02 PM

Jay King @ByJayKing
Marcus Smart said tonight will be the first time he has slept since Game 5. Said he went right to the practice facility after the way that game ended. – 11:01 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Marcus Smart explains the Celtics’ approach to Game 6: “Take what they gave us and not be robots out there and make plays.” – 11:00 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Marcus Smart just tried to slide under Giannis Antetokounmpo in transition. Got whistled for a charge.
Ime Udoka challenge. – 8:31 PM

Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
Big-time 3-point shooting from the Celtics — 10-for-17 in opening 15 minutes. Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart each with four 3s and Jaylen Brown with two. – 8:23 PM

Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
One team barely survives a scoring barrage by another team’s best player and award winner.
But enough about Marcus Smart. – 8:18 PM

Jay King @ByJayKing
Great defense by Marcus Smart on that last possession. Keeps Giannis from touching the paint on two different touches. Forces a tough jumper. Then converts at the other end to get to 14 first-quarter points. Huge start for Smart after a rough end to Game 5. – 8:11 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks up, 24-20, with 2:45 left in the first quarter.
It wasn’t intentional, but Jrue Holiday tripped up Marcus Smart. The Bucks crowd booed the call, even after replays. – 8:08 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics starters for Game 6:
Al Horford
Grant Williams
Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown
Marcus Smart
Buck starters:
Brook Lopez
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Wesley Matthews
Grayson Allen
Jrue Holiday – 7:18 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
How would you rank the remaining point guards in the playoffs? Legit curious about the answers.
Jrue Holiday
Marcus Smart
Steph Curry
Ja Morant (hurt but whatever)
Chris Paul
Luka Doncic
Kyle Lowry – 4:15 PM