Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart won't be suspended for his role in a heated altercation during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 19, but he has been slapped with a $35,000 fine.
According to NBA.com, the league's Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Kiki VanDeWeghe, today announced that Smart will be docked $35k for "aggressively pursuing an opponent in an attempt to escalate a physical altercation and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection."
As seen in the footage embedded below, Smart was ejected after being hit with a second technical foul during the third quarter of Boston's 113-105 victory against the Hawks over the weekend.
Smart and Atlanta's DeAndre' Bembry had to be separated after an exchange of words as players lined up for a jump ball midway through the third. After being restrained by teammates and coaches, Smart broke free and charged toward Bembry again before being restrained for a second time.
Smart, 24, is averaging 7.9 points and 4.0 assists in 26.3 minutes per game this season. He has started 25 of the 45 games that he has played in.
The Celtics are currently sitting at 28-18 for the season which is good enough for fifth in the Eastern Conference.