Why Is Marcus Smart Not Playing? Despite Absence, 30YO Star Faces Ejection & Hefty Fine For Verbal Clash With NBA Ref

The Memphis Grizzlies were at the Kings‘ home court as they defeated Memphis 121-111 tonight. With the loss, the Grizzlies are on a three-game losing streak as they continue at the bottom three in the West. While they might have a 23-45 record, their road record is at a respectable 15-18. But unfortunately, tonight was not the night. To add injury to the defeat, Marcus Smart, who has been out with a right ring finger injury, got tossed out.

As per updates, the Grizzlies guard was seen arguing with the referee and will most likely face a hefty fine on top of ejection.

The Kings and Grizzlies were involved in pretty much a lot of back-and-forth throughout the game. As the matchup went into overtime, Sacramento, with around three minutes left on the clock, took a 109-107 lead. Seeing an opportunity, Desmond Bane tried to tie the score but got hit. No foul was called there and the Kings proceeded to extend their lead to 115. The Grizzlies were still at 107. After a brilliant dunk by Domantas Sabonis, Memphis called for a timeout.

It was at this point that Smart lost it. The episode was soon followed by the announcement that Marcus Smart was ejected. Of course, the 30-year-old point guard getting ejected while in street clothes was called out for its ridiculousness. But this season has been fraught with so many officiating incidents that nobody is even surprised anymore. But not playing and getting ejected? First time, unless you count the 2018 incident involving DeMarcus Cousins.

Getting ejected in street clothes before Marcus Smart

The incident is in the name of DeMarcus Cousins. The ex-Kings star is a recipient of 143 technical fouls and has amassed 14 ejections in his NBA career. Not your average Joe. When an explosive center like Cousins is part of your team, you have to be ready for the unexpected.

Read More: What Happened to Marcus Smart? Grizzlies Mortified With Another Injury Scare After Ja Morant News

And that’s what happened when he was part of the Golden State Warriors. After undergoing a season-ending injury while with the Pelicans, he didn’t get any outstanding offers from other teams. The circumstances led him to sign with the Dubs on a midlevel exception for a one-year $5.3 million deal in 2018. Even before making his debut with his new team, Cousins managed to get thrown out of a Warriors vs Knicks game while on the bench.

He was arguing with Scott Foster during the October 26, 2018 matchup. Still recovering from his Achilles tendon injury, he was present at MSG on the sidelines. Since he hadn’t suited up yet, his first official statistic with the GSW was the ejection.

While it is a rare scene, it isn’t completely new. And seeing how Nikola Jokic was ejected during Serbian Heritage Night or Thomas Bryant was thrown out during his ring ceremony, it’s not all that surprising for this to happen. What are your thoughts?