Watch: Marcus Smart receives standing ovation from Celtics fans in return to TD Garden

"We Love Marcus!" cheers erupted from TD Garden during Sunday's Celtics-Grizzlies game.

Marcus Smart made his return to Boston on Sunday night. NBC Sports Boston

February 4, 2024

2 minutes to read

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.

During the first quarter, the Celtics honored Smart with a video tribute showcasing some of his signature gritty plays over nine seasons with Boston — including his chase-down block on Norm Powell during the 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinal and his two charges drawn against James Harden in 2017.

Marcus Smart poured his blood, sweat and tears into the Celtics' franchise

Emotions were high during his tribute video during for his return pic.twitter.com/sIxtWGUYbS
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 4, 2024

After some lengthy cheers from the Garden crowd, a cheer of “We Love Marcus!” spilled out across the arena.

The tributes didn’t stop there, however. While Smart ingratiated himself to Celtics fans due to his hustle and defensive intensity, his impact in Boston was felt far beyond his scrappy play on the court.

During the second, Smart was honored as a “Hero Among Us” on the Garden court due to the several charities and community endeavors that he spearheaded during his time in Boston.

You can watch Smart’s “Hero Among Us” ceremony — and the subsequent cheers — below:

Marcus Smart is honored as the Celtics “Hero Among Us” for his years of community outreach in Boston. pic.twitter.com/pGbDbo7XDL
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) February 4, 2024

“Smart would visit the Boston Children’s Hospital regularly throughout his time in Boston to spend one-on-one time with kids undergoing cancer treatments,” the Celtics wrote in a press release detailing Smart’s off-the-court contributions. “He also worked to donate mobile charging stations which included tablets and video game consoles called ‘Smart Carts’. These entertainment hubs were designed to serve as a form of communication and diversion during patients’ treatment and recovery.

“In 2017, Smart launched the YounGameChanger Foundation to serve as a source of guidance, motivation, encouragement, and empowerment for inner-city student-athletes to be GameChangers on and off the court or field. The YounGameChanger Foundation also aims to provide inspiration and life-changing experiences to pediatric cancer patients and their families. Since the organization’s launch, it has created opportunities through education, sports and mentorships with a special emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) experiences.”

The “Hero Among Us” program was established by the Celtics in 1997, honoring “outstanding individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities” at every home game.