During Sunday`s game where the Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards 124-90, a fan was removed from TD Garden following a verbal dispute with Wizards guard Marcus Smart. This was Smart`s first game back in Boston after playing nine seasons with the Celtics.
Although Smart didn`t play in the game, he and a fan engaged in a heated verbal exchange while Smart was on the bench. Teammates had to physically restrain Smart during the incident. Security then escorted the fan out of the arena.
After the game, Smart commented on the situation, stating, “The fan simply crossed the line, and everyone knows I don`t tolerate that.” He added, “That`s all there is to it. We`re moving forward. It`s unfortunate, especially in my return to a city I`ve given so much to, but it is what it is. We`ll take the energy and move on to the next game.”
Aside from this isolated incident, Smart`s return to Boston seemed positive. A fan was seen wearing a t-shirt proclaiming `Marcus Smart forever a Celtic,` and chants of `We want Marcus` echoed through the arena.
Smart was a vital part of the Celtics for a decade, earning three All-Defensive selections and the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021-22. He remains the only guard since 1996 to receive this Defensive Player of the Year honor.
His time since leaving Boston has been marked by injuries, limiting him to just 54 games over the last two seasons with the Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies. Traded to Washington from Memphis in February as part of a multi-team deal, Smart has averaged nine points, two rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 39% from three-point range in his 15 games with the Wizards.
Recognized as the heart and soul of the Celtics for many years, it is regrettable that a fan attempted to spoil what was otherwise a warm homecoming. Fortunately, Smart`s teammates and arena security intervened before the situation escalated physically.
Jasper Hawthorne