Boston Celtics

Nov 18, 2019; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts to a foul call in the first half of an NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com

The NBA announced Thursday Marcus Smart will be fined $35,000 for the verbal altercation he got into with officials after the Celtics 129-120 overtime loss to the Nets on Tuesday.

Smart had to be restrained by TD Garden security after the game when questioning officials about a call late in the fourth quarter.

The NBA’s statement, in full reads:

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been fined $35,000 for confronting and verbally abusing the game officials, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations. The incident occurred at the conclusion of the Celtics’ 129-120 OT loss to the Brooklyn Nets on March 3 … The amount of Smart’s fine also reflects his multiple prior violations of acceptable on-court decorum.

As noted in the statement, the seeming excess amount of the fine is due to Smart’s previous run-ins with the NBA’s disciplinary arm. According to Spotrac, this fine brings Smart’s total bill to the league to a whopping $318,848. Spread out over his 44 infractions, that comes to $7,246.55 a fine. Here’s hoping he feels like he’s getting his money’s worth.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Hate mail? Let him hear it on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.