The Boston Celtics enjoyed a spectacular turnaround during the 2021-22 season, overcoming an 18-21 start to finish with a dominant 51-31 record and the top-ranked defense in the NBA. Under first-year head coach Ime Udoka, the team captured the Atlantic Division title and surged through the playoffs with a historic sweep of the Brooklyn Nets and grueling seven-game victories over the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. Led by All-NBA First Team selection Jayson Tatum and Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, the Celtics secured the Eastern Conference Championship and made a thrilling return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defensive First Team selection, Marcus Smart was a tenacious lead guard and emotional anchor for the Boston Celtics who helped lead the franchise to the 2022 NBA Finals during his nine-season tenure.