The Boston Celtics defeated the Memphis Grizzlies on the road this weekend, the first game between the clubs since a surprise trade over the offseason sent long-time Celtic Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies. Smart played his first nine seasons as a pro in Boston, building a strong and lasting relationship with the team and the city. When a player leaves an organization after many years, the first matchup against his former team can be emotional.
For Smart, however, Sunday’s game was challenging for different reasons. Last week the veteran guard suffered an ankle sprain and will miss the next few weeks of action. As a result, he was unavailable to suit up for Memphis with Boston in town. In an interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin, Smart admitted he was quite upset to miss a chance to square off with the Celtics.
“We’ve been struggling,” Smart said. “We got a great win last night and, to come back and play a team like Boston, not to be a part of it is definitely devastating.”
PHOTOS – Boston at Memphis: Celtics survive Grizzlies' attack https://t.co/U3ruyT1RKm pic.twitter.com/FZqXYRbtvf
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 20, 2023
Before the action, Smart was able to catch up with his old teammates. He shared laughs and hugs with Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and others, even if he was in street clothes for the game itself.
That doesn’t mean Smart’s presence wasn’t felt on the floor. He made sure to give his Grizzlies teammates plenty of insight and tips for guarding Tatum and others.
The Grizzlies will visit Boston in early February. Smart is expected to be back on the floor long before then, but either way, expect another emotional game.
Joe Mazzulla needs to keep trusting Sam Hauser off the bench for the Boston Celtics https://t.co/pjt9Pevcas pic.twitter.com/xm4DFQRqS4
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 20, 2023
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