Marcus Smart played a pivotal role for the Boston Celtics on Friday, as they defeated the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of their second-round playoffs matchup. He was involved in a key defensive stop down the stretch, as he blocked Raptors shooting guard Norman Powell in what would have been a huge bucket for the defending champs.

Following the series-clinching victory, Marcus Smart opened up about that particular play, as he shared exactly what was going through his mind at that moment.

“When he caught the ball, in my mind I was just telling myself, ‘He has to dunk it, I’m not going to give him no foul, I’m just going to meet him up top and see who wins that battle,’” said Smart, via Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston.

That block turned out to be a game-saving block for Boston, as they eventually secured the win, 92-87. The C's are now on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals to face off against the Miami Heat in what is shaping up to be another epic series.

As for Smart, he was recently named in the All-Defensive first team — an honor the 26-year-old believes he deserves completely:

“I bet on myself 110 percent of the time, and I’m first team All-Defense for a reason, and I believe in that wholeheartedly,” he added.

Smart's tenacious defense was on full display on Friday, and the key block he had in a crucial juncture of the game was the cherry on top of the cake. The 6-foot-3 combo guard will need to be in his absolute best in the East Finals, as he will have his hands full with Jimmy Butler and company.