While he sometimes frustrates fans with his shot selection, Marcus Smart again showed why he’s so important to the team.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combine for 42 in their first game together for Los Angeles.

Jayson Tatum scores 24 points — including a dunk with 1:36 left to give Boston the lead — in a 105-100 road victory.

Boston, which leads the NBA with a 9-1 record, begins a five-game trip Friday against Golden State.

Kemba Walker scores 25 points in Boston’s 140-133 win at home.

Gordon Hayward is encouraged that his broken hand will only sideline him for six weeks, but also knows he was finally finding a rhythm and returning to the level he was at before breaking his leg in 2017.

The Celtics have a key six-week stretch with Gordon Hayward out with a broken hand, and will need contributions from up and down the roster to compensate for the loss.

Jaylen Brown adds 25 points as Boston remains unbeaten since opening night with a win over Dallas.