Wizards Veteran Marcus Smart Involved in Heated Exchange with Celtics Fan During Recent Game in Boston
Marcus Smart, now with the Washington Wizards, had a brief but heated confrontation with a Celtics fan during his return to TD Garden on Sunday night. The altercation took place amidst the Wizards’ 124-90 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics.
Smart Reacts After Celtics Fan Crosses the Line
During the game, Smart was seen leaning over the Wizards’ bench and engaging with a fan, a situation that quickly escalated. According to Smart, the fan’s comments “crossed the line.” Teammates had to step in to separate the two before security escorted the fan out of the arena. At one point, Smart attempted to approach the fan, but he was restrained by his teammates and ultimately walked away from the confrontation.
Although the exact details of the exchange remain unclear, Smart was adamant that the fan’s actions were unacceptable. “We all know I don’t do line crossing,” Smart explained in an interview with the Boston Herald. “And that was it. We move on. It’s unfortunate, especially for a guy who’s coming back and has given this city everything he has.”
Smart’s Career with the Celtics and Current Role with the Wizards
Smart, drafted by the Celtics as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, spent nine seasons with Boston, becoming a key figure for the franchise. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Smart helped the Celtics reach the NBA Finals once and the Eastern Conference Finals six times. However, after being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 and subsequently to the Wizards in 2025, Smart is now adjusting to a new role.
In the current season, Smart is averaging 9 points and 3.2 assists per game for the Wizards. He has one year left on his four-year, $76 million contract.
The Wizards’ Struggles Continue
Despite Smart’s presence, the Washington Wizards are enduring a tough season. With a 17-61 record and just four games left in the regular season, the Wizards hold the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the second-worst in the NBA, only behind the Utah Jazz. Having already been eliminated from playoff contention, the team is focusing on the upcoming NBA Draft, where they are in contention to secure the No. 1 overall pick, potentially bringing in Duke star Cooper Flagg.
Memories and Emotions for Smart
Despite the incident with the fan, Smart expressed gratitude for his time in Boston and the support of Celtics fans. “Flashbacks, baby,” Smart remarked, reminiscing on his time in Boston. “But it’s always great. The fans have always shown love, and it definitely brings back memories.” Smart also noted the emotional moment for his wife, who was in the stands, “trying not to cry” during the return.
While one fan may not have appreciated Smart’s return to TD Garden, the majority of Celtics fans continue to hold fond memories of his contributions to the team.
