Image Source: NBC Sports
[Saba Sports News] In his first visit to TD Garden since his offseason trade, Marcus Smart’s return as part of the Memphis Grizzlies for the Sunday game against the Boston Celtics was a heartfelt moment. Despite being sidelined with a thumb injury, Smart made the trip to Boston, where he was honored with a tribute video and warmly embraced by the TD Garden audience. The emotional connection was palpable, with Smart, the audience, and even his former Celtics teammates participating in a standing ovation. Following the tribute, the crowd’s appreciation for Smart continued with chants of “we love Marcus.”
Over his nine seasons with the Celtics, Smart established himself as a defensive stalwart and a hustler, playing a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the NBA Finals in 2022 and earning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Although Smart’s trade, which facilitated the Celtics’ acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis, left him with mixed feelings, the warm reception from the fans showed that there was no love lost between Smart and the Boston faithful.