The Celtics guard provided an update on his lower back condition after taking a hard fall in Friday night’s 130-122 loss to the Hawks in Game 3.
Celtics guard Marcus Smart on tailbone injury
After dominating the first two games, the Boston Celtics were defeated 130-122 by the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 at State Farm Arena.
While Boston shot well from outside the arc, they were unable to match Atlanta’s rebounding and transition offense. After tying or leading in paint points in the first two games, the Celtics were outrebounded 48-29 and outscored in the paint 54-40.
Late in the game, guard Marcus Smart took a brutal tumble and landed squarely on his tailbone. Following the competition, the former DPOY stated he was sore.
NBC Sports Boston reports:
“It’s sore, um, same spot as the last time, just caught me off guard with the fall, but we’ll see how I feel in the morning.”
Marcus Smart on his tailbone: “It’s better than I expected it to be, to be honest.”
— Souichi Terada | 寺田惣一 (@SouichiTerada) April 22, 2023
Marcus Smart’s status is unknown for the time being, although he played excellent basketball in the loss. The 29-year-old scored a season-high 24 points while also grabbing three rebounds and handing out eight assists.
His absence would be difficult to compensate for, especially because Trae Young and Dejounte Murray are just getting started.
Boston found themselves in foul problems in Game 3 against Atlanta, with both Jaylen Brown and Derrick White picking up whistles left and right; if the Celtics are to preserve a lead in this series, Smart is an absolute must.
Smart is labeled as questionable for Sunday’s Game 4 after team providing an update during media availability Saturday afternoon.
While the Celtics may win this series without Smart, having him on the court is clearly preferable. Along with the leadership, his presence on both sides of the floor is critical for Boston.
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