The Boston Celtics' massive win over the Golden State Warriors was tainted with controversy. During a loose ball situation, Marcus Smart dove for the ball, undercutting star point guard Stephen Curry in the process. The Warriors star would come up limping, and was later ruled out for a significant chunk of the season.
NBA fans were immediately torn on the play in question. There's a portion of the fanbase that believes it wasn't a dirty hit from Marcus Smart, while other believed he intentionally tried to injure Stephen Curry. Recently, Smart commented on the situation. The Celtics guard said it was never his intention to injure Curry, and that he was just making a play for the ball. (via Mercury News)
āI didnāt see [Curry]. I saw the ball, I dove for the ball, trying to make a playā¦ Unfortunately that occurred. Iām sure Iām going to get called dirty. But I know who I amā¦ I play very hard and I leave everything on the courtā¦ My teammates, my colleagues, they know Iām not a dirty player.ā
Smart's reputation unfortunately doesn't do him any favors here. The Celtics guard has been rather notorious for being a ādirtyā player, due to some questionable actions he did before. His reputation as a flopper also paints him in a negative light. Regardless of whether it was intentional or not, Smart will get a lot of flak on social media for this.
For what it's worth, Warriors star Draymond Green sided with Smart on this one. The bruiser and enforcer of the Warriors thought it was a reckless play, not an intentional play to harm someone. Steve Kerr echoed a similar sentiment, saying that it was a dangerous play regardless of intent.
āI thought it was a dangerous play. I thought Marcus dove into Stephās knee and thatās what I was upset about. I have a lot of respect for Marcus. Heās a hell of a player, gamer, competitor. I coached him in the World Cup a few summers agoā¦ We talked after the game and weāre good, but I thought it was a dangerous play. I just let him know.ā
Follow Us
Subscribe