Marcus Smart is happy for the Celtics as the Grizzlies are losing because to injuries.
Marcus Smart is happy for the Celtics as the Grizzlies are losing because to injuries.
An hour before tip-off, Marcus Smart entered the Celtics locker room
after his return to TD Garden for a press conference.
With a splint on his right hand that would once more keep him
from playing against his old team, he embraced Payton Pritchard
and Sam Hauser as soon as they entered his corner locker,
hugged Jayson Tatum, and scurried across the room
to Al Horford.
After that, Smart spoke briefly with Phil Pressey, the assistant
coach for the Celtics and one of Smart’s rookie teammates
nine years prior, explaining that he was merely attempting
to get his finger in the proper position.
“It’s a smaller visitor locker room,” stated Smart. It is distinct.
It’s distinct, yet we all know. For nine years, I could sit in
that locker room and feel the energy of the home crowd.
I had to constantly hear about rival teams playing in town.
this location and their conflicting feelings.
The special opportunity to be on that side at this time and
to realize the true power of playing in the Garden.
With a finger ailment that he informed everyone he reconnected
with in the locker room, Smart was unable to play in his
second game against his former Celtics.
His current concentration is on curing it.
It is anticipated that the break would last for a few more weeks after 13 games.
A memorable night
He was able to fully enjoy a night dedicated to him, which included a full video tribute during the first timeout, recognition as the team’s Hero Among Us for his community work during his Boston tenure,
and thank you Marcus chants throughout. He was wearing a denim outfit from head to toe and had a splint on his right ring finger.
Following the game, as he walked off the court, the Celtics cheerleaders
were placed on both sides of him.
. He made people grin in every space.
There were also reminders of his impending near-complete restart throughout the evening. When it comes to a Memphis team that
already lost its season before the all-star break due to season-ending injuries to Ja Morant, Steven Adams, who was traded last week, Brandon Clarke, and Desmond Bane, who joined them on the sidelines last month with a severe ankle sprain,
Horford offered his perspective on changing teams and called
Smart’s return to Boston the first step in moving on to what’s next.
The starting lineup for Sunday’s 131-91 loss to the Celtics included players of the G-League caliber, as Jaren Jackson Jr.
and Santi Aldama were sidelined. Similar to his counsel in
November, Smart offered the Grizzlies pregame guidance on facing Boston.
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