BOSTON — Marcus Smart knows shooting is the biggest part of his game that he needed to improve. His work paid off with a timely 3-pointer on Monday night.

Jared Sullinger had 27 points and 10 rebounds, Smart made the key 3 in the closing minute, and the Boston Celtics beat the New Orleans Pelicans 108-100.

With the Celtics leading 101-100, Avery Bradley’s shot was blocked by the Pelicans’ Anthony Davis in the lane, before Smart got a pass from Bradley and made a fadeaway 3 from the left corner, falling into the seats as the shot swished through the basket with 39.7 seconds left.

“That was the biggest knock on my game that I couldn’t shoot,” said Smart, Boston’s first-round pick in last year’s NBA draft. “The last 12, 13 games I think I’ve been shooting the ball really well and working on it every day.”

Jae Crowder added 22 points, Marcus Thornton had 13 and Brandon Bass 12 to help the Celtics get their third win in 12 games.

“One heck of a shot,” Sullinger said of Smart’s basket. “I knew if he got it to the other side of the rim I was going to get that rebound. I was in perfect position to get that rebound. One heck of a shot.”

Davis led the Pelicans with 34 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Eric Gordon scored 21 points and Tyreke Evans 19 with eight boards.