Marcus Smart appeared at ease with his Celtics exit and new beginning on the Grizzlies on Sunday that Al Horford believed marks his first major step.
BOSTON — 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, which would once more prohibit him fromBOSTON — 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 had a quick conversation with Phil Pressey, the assistant coach for the Celtics and one of his first colleagues as a rookie nine.
“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 was always required to listen to tales of rival teams visiting this place and their disparate emotions. 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. He is now focused on healing it. After 13 games, the break is predicted to continue for a few more weeks. 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. When he left the court following the game, the Celtics cheerleaders were positioned on either side of him. He made people grin in every space
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