Marcus Smart did not check into Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics, with the Grizzlies guard still sidelined due to an injured finger.
But the longtime Celtics stalwart and fan favorite was still on hand at TD Garden for an anticipated return to the parquet.
And as expected, the beloved defensive scrapper was greeted with several booming ovations from a raucous crowd on Causeway Street.
With Sunday marking Smart’s first trek back to the Garden since the Celtics traded him in a shocking blockbuster deal last June, Boston carved out several opportunities for Smart to receive a curtain call — even though he was unable to play.