Washington Wizards player Marcus Smart got into a shouting match with a heckling fan on the Boston Celtics’ home turf.
Smart, 31, screamed at the fan during the Wizards’ Sunday, April 6, game against the Celtics. Afterward, security booted the fan from TD Garden, where the Wizards ultimately lost to the Celtics, 90-124.
“[The fan] just crossed the line and we all know I don’t do line-crossing,” the point guard said after Sunday’s game, according to CBS Sports. “That was it. We move on. Unfortunate, you never want to see that, especially for a guy who’s coming back, and who’s given the city everything he has, but it is what it is. Take the spirit, we’ll take it. Onto the next one.”
Smart began his NBA career with the Celtics. He was drafted to the team in 2014 and stayed in Boston for nine years. He was pro basketball’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-2022 season and helped take the Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022. (The team lost to the Golden State Warriors that year.)
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In 2023, Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, and two years later, was shuffled in another trade to the Wizards.
Returning to Boston on Sunday, the athlete did not get time on the court, but he did receive lots of love from Celtics fans (aside from the one).
“We want Marcus! We want Marcus!” the crowd chanted in the stands.
Injuries have kept Smart from playing these days. He suited up for just 54 games amid his seasons with the Grizzlies and the Wizards. On the latter team, he’s averaged nine points, two rebounds and 2.5 assists while making 39 percent of his three-pointers.
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Smart told reporters following the Wizards-Celtics matchup that coming back to TD Garden was a bittersweet feeling.
“The love is always there from both sides,” he said. “Myself and the fans, the city. It’s definitely emotional coming back. You try to hold it back, but I love it, I love every last bit of it. I’m a part of the city. Nine years here. A kid to a young man, so it’s all love.”
He remains close with his former Celtics teammates.
“Actually often, more than you would probably think. … It’s definitely good to keep in touch with those guys,” he said. “Grew up with those guys. We went through a lot of battles. It’s blood, sweat, and tears.” Few of those guys came to my mom’s funeral so it’s a deeper bond than just basketball between us.”
