In his return to TD Garden on Sunday night, Marcus Smart found himself in a heated exchange with a Celtics fan. After the game, Smart revealed that the fan had “crossed the line.”
Now playing for the Washington Wizards, Smart was seen confronting a fan near the team’s bench during their 124-90 loss to Boston. The situation escalated, and Smart had to be restrained by teammates as the fan was escorted out of the arena. Smart even attempted to approach the fan at one point but was stopped by his teammates.
Although the exact words that sparked the altercation remain unknown, Smart made it clear that the fan had gone too far.
“We all know I don’t do line crossing,” Smart stated, as reported by the Boston Herald. “And that was it. We move on. [It’s] unfortunate. You never want to see that, especially for a guy who’s coming back and who’s given this city everything he has. But it is what it is.”
The Celtics drafted Smart with the No. 6 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and he spent nine seasons with the team before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 and then to the Wizards this season.
Despite missing out on the Celtics’ recent championship victory, Smart has been a key player in the team’s multiple playoff runs. This season, he is averaging nine points and 3.2 assists per game.
With the Wizards currently holding a 17-61 record and no chance of making the playoffs, they are looking towards the NBA Draft for a potential turnaround. Smart’s return to Boston brought back fond memories for him, despite the altercation with the fan.
“Flashbacks, baby,” Smart remarked. “No, but it’s always great. The fans have always shown love, and it definitely brings back memories. I know my wife is over there, trying not to cry. It’s always a great feeling, but it definitely brought back some memories.”