It was clear after the Boston Celtics' Game 1 collapse that they badly needed Marcus Smart back. The newly-crowned Defensive Player of the Year is the glue that held this team together for a long time. Without him and Al Horford on the court, the Cs looked like a completely different team in the worst way possible.

It didn't come a surprise, then, that the bulldog's return signaled a shift in the team's intensity. Trae Young certainly knew about this, as he commented on Marcus Smart's incredible Game 2 performance. The Atlanta Hawks star said what every Celtics fan was thinking: Smart is a true difference-maker.

Smart has built up a solid reputation over the years as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Despite his size, the Celtics guard is able to guard multiple positions effectively. He has also routinely displayed a high defensive IQ, making crucial reads and having the intensity to make the hustle plays for the team.

However, an underrated part of Smart's development over the years has been his offensive evolution. The Celtics guard used to be on the same boat as Tony Allen and Andre Roberson: great defenders with limited offensive capabilities. Smart knew this, and he clearly took the time to develop his skills as a ball-handler and shooter.

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Now, Smart functions as a secondary ball-handler and playmaker for the Celtics behind Jayson Tatum. He's also been an average to above-average shooter over the years too. This growth in his offense has truly unlocked Smart's ability to change the game. Now, he's not a liability on offense: in fact, when he's hot, he could be a legitimate threat to opposing defenses.

Aside from Smart, the Celtics welcomed back Al Horford in Game 2 of the series against the Heat. Similar to Game 1, the Cs jumped to a huge half-time lead against their opponents. Unlike that game though, Ime Udoka's squad was able to hold on to their lead in the second half. This team is looking a spooky pick to win it all this season. Unless the Heat figure something out, Boston will be the clear favorites in this matchup.