Scrappy point guard Marcus Smart of the Celtics is the first guard since Gary Payton in 1996 to win the award.

Horford had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and made some big defensive plays in Boston’s 115-114 win over Brooklyn.

Jayson Tatum caps a 31-point game with a basket as time run out, allowing Boston to overcome Kyrie Irving’s 39 points.

Boston has been red-hot since the start of the new year but is still considered by some an underdog against Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Brooklyn.

With its No. 2 seed and a smothering defense, Boston should have a level of confidence, even facing the Nets with stars Kryie Irving and Kevin Durant.

Kyrie Irving may wish he had done some things differently during his time in Boston, but don’t expect a warm welcome when Irving and the Nets face the Celtics in the playoffs.

Boston played its stars on Sunday and earned a potential date with the Brooklyn Nets in the first round.

Boston plays its stars for three quarters against a resting Memphis team, and cruises to the win.

Boston, playing without Jayson Tatum and Al Horford, succumbs to a late Milwaukee run and drops into third place in the Eastern Conference.

Boston can finish no worse than fourth place in the Eastern Conference after a 117-94 win over Chicago.