The Celtics returned to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2008 when Boston won a championship. It will be the first time for Marcus Smart as well for his teammates to play at this stage.

The 28-year-old point guard, who was one of the top three scorers for the Celtics alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown with 24 points, says that his team is up for a challenge of facing the Warriors in the Finals.

“No matter what adversity is put in front of us. No obstacle, no loop. We’re gonna get through it. We’re gonna get over it. We’re gonna get around it,” Smart said postgame. “This is how we live our lives on the court. We really truly believe that.

“We know we’re going up against a great team with the Warriors. Great players, great organization. They have a track record to prove it. They know exactly what it takes. They’ve been here. There they’re vets. We know we got a long road in front of us, but we’re up for the challenge.”