Marcus Smart Fined $15,000

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart was fined for public criticism of the officiating of Friday’s game versus the Milwaukee Bucks. Smart was hypercritical of the officiating concerning Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“Giannis had six fouls and they didn’t want to get him out,” said Smart. “It was Giannis’ sixth foul. Let’s just call a spade a spade.”

This is how we got here.

Less than a minute left in the game with a tied score, Antetokounmpo fell on Smart after completing a layup. After Antetokounmpo and Smart slid almost off the paint, referees decided Smart committed a blocking foul. Refs most likely considered a blocking foul Smart’s left foot was in the restricted area until the fall.

Celtics small forward and guard Jaylen Brown posted a meme of Antetokounmpo and the referee holding hands, presumably in solidarity with his teammate.

The Bucks won (119-112). Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists.