Marcus Smart did not play in his return to TD Garden on Sunday night but his impact was felt across the arena all night. The Celtics played a tribute video for their former point guard in the first quarter and the crowd chanted “We Love Marcus” throughout Boston’s blowout win as an injured Smart watched from the sidelines. After the contest, Smart spent several minutes greeting former teammates and Boston staffers before giving the Garden crowd a final goodbye.
After the game, Boston’s win was an afterthought throughout postgame press conferences as Smart’s former teammates reflected on his return. Here’s what the Celtics said about an emotional night.
Jayson Tatum on Smart’s reception: “I mean, it was an incredible moment. You know what he meant to the team, what he meant to the organization, what he meant to the city. He was loved. He was obviously a fan favorite. So for him to come back and get the kind of reception and love that he did, it was cool to see. I was happy for him. You know, he had his wife and some of his friends and family here to see that. It was much deserved. So that was a cool moment to see him get those flowers and things like that. he way he played, he wore his heart on his sleeve and every night, he gave it his all. We have some very smart fans, right, and they saw that and they appreciated that. So, it was just really cool to see. I’m happy for him. I’m surprised he didn’t cry because that was that was special.”
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Jordan Walsh on Smart’s impact: “I think it’s amazing to have somebody who obviously is still a part of Boston but doesn’t play for the Celtics. For him to still get that level of love from the fans, from the staff and the players, I feel like that’s amazing to what he has done for the organization and what he’s done for the community. So I feel like that’s a big part of it and I’m happy for him, you know, a fellow guy from Dallas so definitely happy for him.”
Al Horford on Smart’s reception: “It’s special. It was special to be able to share those moments with him. I knew that the crowd was gonna be very grateful and appreciative and they were. They were great. They really showed their appreciation. And it was nice to see not only Marcus but also his wife and the people that were along with them. They were kind of taking everything in, appreciating the moment, and feeling the love. Boston has real love for Marcus and even though he’s on another team, it doesn’t change you know how we feel about him, our guys, and also the fans show how they feel about him as well.”
Horford on Smart’s impact on coming to Boston: “It was good to see him. Good to see him today. My time with Marcus here was very special, and I said this before, but one of the reasons why I came here initially in ‘16 was Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart. I had a lot of respect for Smart even when he was a really young player, and how he cared about winning. Just a very special person and somebody that I really appreciated when he was here with us throughout the years, so just seeing him tonight was nice. It was nice to catch up with him to see him, he’s doing well and trying to recover from his injury. It was good to see him.”
Tatum on filling Smart’s void: “It’s a collective effort. We all have to play a part in that. I think that as the years go by, you get more comfortable in your role, in your position, your voice gets louder and louder. You become more of a leader through experiences, and I think that’s what’s happened.”
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