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Well, so much for that sweep. With the loss of Isaiah Thomas to a hip injury for the rest of the playoffs, the Celtics appeared to be all but done. The loss of a superstar seemed to spell the end of Boston’s postseason run.
Marcus Smart wasn’t ready for that to happen.
The former Cowboy took over Game 3, scoring a career-high 27 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including 7-of-10 from 3-point range and 4-of-6 from the free throw line. His team-high 27 points were accompanied by five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, a block and only one foul in 41 minutes of play.
Huge night from @smart_MS3 in a @celtics win. The Cowboy great dropped a team-high 27 points on 7-10 shooting from 3-point. #okstate pic.twitter.com/SRPqtZYuU0
— Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) May 22, 2017
The Celtics needed Smart to go off, and they also needed a bit of luck to put the Cleveland Cavaliers away and earn their first victory in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Avery Bradley...for the Game 3 WIN!@celtics cut series to 2-1, defeat @cavs 111-108.
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2017
Marcus Smart: 27 PTS, 5 REB & 7 AST. pic.twitter.com/LUEc01pXhn
As you would expect, Twitter was on fire following Smart’s career night.
Marcus Smart when he sees Steph Curry pic.twitter.com/a1nPHr0ZHM
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 22, 2017
I love you @smart_MS3 ☘️
— Phil Forte (@PhilForte13) May 22, 2017
"All those Joe's cheese fries make you accurate from 3." -@Buccigross talking about Smart going off tonight. Go Freaking Pokes!!!!
— Joel Penfield (@joeliopenfield) May 22, 2017
How @smart_MS3 feels after his 27 point performance tonight #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/evpJhQqhaI
— Boone Pickens State (@BP_State) May 22, 2017
Cold-blooded Marcus Smart pulling up three after three, tying the game.
— Spark ⚡️ Sports (@Spark_Sports_) May 22, 2017
pic.twitter.com/9QhNqJ30Ny
MARCUS SMART OR MICHAEL JORDAN I DONT KNOW
— Kazeem Famuyide (@RealLifeKaz) May 22, 2017
"The key for us is just fighting back. We wanted to chip away..."
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 22, 2017
Avery Bradley & Marcus Smart w/ @daldridgetnt after Game 3 win. pic.twitter.com/Mij0tSDwCU
Now we know that there will at least be a Game 5 in Boston before the season is over. Game 4 in Cleveland will be Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. CST on TNT.