BOSTON -- For as long as Marquis Daniels has been on the Boston Celtics, he has stayed true to two mantras.
Never too high, never too low.
Stay ready when your numbers called.
On Friday, both contributed to one of his most impressive postseason performances during the Celtics 101-91 Game 3 win over the Miami Heat.
Marquis was phenomenal tonight, said Doc Rivers.
After playing less than two minutes in the first two games of the series combined, Rivers turned to Daniels with over a minute left in the first quarter. His impact was nearly as sudden as his reprieve from the bench.
In only 17 minutes, he posted nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. He finished the game with a - of plus-14.
Boston Celtics
Marquis hasnt really played a lot for us in this series, but when his name was called upon, he was ready, said Paul Pierce. Thats what being a professional is all about. Every day he comes in, gets his work in. Doc called upon him tonight and he did a tremendous job guarding LeBron (James). He even contributed on the offensive end and that was huge for us.
Daniels provided an offensive spark while locking down on defense, all because he has stayed poised for the moment Rivers called his name.
I stay in every day at the shootaround, come in early, and keep working out because you never know when your number is going to be called, Daniels said . So you have to be ready for whenever it is.
A year ago, Daniels didnt know when whenever would be. In February of 2011, he experienced temporary paralysis and crashed into the parquet during a game against the Orlando Magic. He learned he suffered from spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, which would require surgery.
With the future of his NBA career in question, Daniels took his road to recovery one day at a time, never getting too high or too low over progress or setbacks.
Once making his return to the court and re-signing with the Celtics last winter, Daniels carried that mindset into the season. His minutes decreased. His role lessened from years passed. All along, he stuck with his rules to live by.
Never too high, never too low.
Stay ready when your numbers called.
Doc told me the last two games, Be ready. Youre going to play tonight, Daniels said. He didnt say anything to me tonight. Hopefully he doesnt say anything to me next game.