Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart leaves Game 1 vs. Bucks with arm injury
Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart was off to a hot start in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals No. 2-No. 3 matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks before he left the court in the first half with a right arm injury.
Smart drove to the rim, got tangled up with Bucks guard Jevon Carter, and walked off the floor to go straight to the locker room.
In his absence, Milwaukee ran the halftime score to 56-46 in the midst of struggles from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who combined to go 5/18 in the first half.
Tim Bontempts was on hand for the unfortunate injury, which came after Smart accumulated seven points and four assists in 16 minutes of floor-time:
It appears Marcus Smart just had his shoulder pop out. He went into the lane, and got grabbed by Jevon Carter. Smart immediately called to the bench and went to the locker room with the help of a trainer, and appeared unable to move his right arm.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 1, 2022
Will Marcus Smart return for the Boston Celtics in Game 1?
The heart and soul of the Cs and the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year will in fact be back for the second half of Sunday afternoon’s Game 1 vs. the Bucks.
Shams Charania reported that despite a few ailments, Smart is expected to return ASAP:
Celtics say DPOY Marcus Smart is expected to return with a right shoulder stinger and right quad contusion.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 1, 2022
It’s arguable that Smart is even more essential to Boston than Khris Middleton is for Milwaukee. His return will be essential in not only slowing down Jrue Holiday, but also in keeping the ball moving on offense for the Celtics.
The Boston Celtics caught a break with Smart’s injury not being serious enough for him to miss any time.