Gary Trent Jr. seized his moment. Stepping into the starting lineup for the Milwaukee Bucks in a must-win Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers. The sharpshooter erupted for a playoff career-high 37 points, including a franchise-record-tying nine three-pointers, to lead a 117-101 victory. With the Bucks facing a 0-2 series deficit, Trent’s electric performance flipped the script, giving Milwaukee life and etching his name alongside a legend.

That legend? Ray Allen. Trent’s nine triples matched the Bucks’ postseason mark set by Allen on April 14, 2002, against the Charlotte Hornets, a 98-91 win that sent Milwaukee to the NBA Finals. Allen, then in his prime, was the league’s premier sniper, and Trent’s precision from deep, going 9-of-12, recreated that iconic night over two decades later.

Even legends took notice of Gary Trent Jr.’s successful night. Kevin Garnett, the NBA Hall of Famer, couldn’t ignore Gary Trent Jr.’s explosion. He posted an Instagram story hyping up the young guard. “Ok nephew… keep it going… n keep shooting it,” Garnett wrote, tagging Trent. The playful “nephew” nod was pure KG, respect wrapped in old-school tough love. He also shouted out Trent’s father, Gary Trent Sr., a former NBA player. “Ok, Bump I see the work paying off…salute to you and your family.”  He acknowledged the Trent family’s basketball legacy. The message was clear: hard work runs in their blood.

Trent wasn’t alone in his heroics. Giannis Antetokounmpo matched his 37 points, marking the first time in Bucks history two teammates scored 35+ in a playoff game. Antetokounmpo said, “Incredible game by Gary, not just offensively, but defensively, He set the tone.” Damian Lillard, who had pushed for Trent’s signing, wasn’t surprised: “This type of game doesn’t surprise me, and it came when we needed it.” He mentioned that Gary Trent Jr. is an unshakable and stubborn guy who will not fold when moments come.

The basketball world erupted, too. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions as fans, analysts, and peers celebrated Trent’s breakout night. One thing was clear from Twitter threads to Reddit debates: Gary Trent Jr. had arrived on the playoff stage.

GTJ’s record night breaks the NBA Internet

Under the Milwaukee Bucks’ viral tweet, “Gary Trent Jr. has tied Ray Allen’s record for most threes (9) in a Bucks playoff game,” fans unleashed a frenzy of reactions celebrating his historic night. Bucks fans erupted on social media after the historic performance, with one declaring, “Single-handedly won us the game.” The comment perfectly captured Trent’s dominance, which flipped the series’ momentum. With Milwaukee facing elimination, his shooting barrage was the lifeline they desperately needed, proving that one player can change a playoff game.

“Demon Gary Trent” trended instantly, a nod to his unstoppable, almost supernatural shooting display. The nickname stuck as fans marveled at his fearless shot-making, particularly his back-to-back deep threes that buried the Pacers. The moniker echoed Damian Lillard’s “Dame Time,” suggesting Trent might have his clutch persona in the making. One frustrated fan directed their coach, “All Doc needs to do is look at the box score; the starting lineup is spelled out for him.” The jab at Doc Rivers highlighted Trent’s unexpected rise from role player to playoff savior. After this performance, keeping him out of the starting five would be unthinkable, even for a championship-winning coach.

Another fan crowned him “GARY CLUTCH JR.,” a title that stuck as highlights of his threes spread online. The comments celebrated his ice-cold composure and his heated persona on the hardwood. From Ray Allen’s record to Kevin Garnett’s praise, Trent’s night wasn’t just a breakout, it was a star-making moment that Bucks fans won’t forget.