Though not likely to ever be the tallest or the most skilled player on the court at a given time, NBA veteran Marcus Smart has long been known for his tenacious defense and grit. Clearly, that toughness hasn’t left him since being traded to the Washington Wizards earlier this month.
Playing in just his third game with the team out of the nation's capital, Smart took a fourth-quarter charge while guarding Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford—and drew a foul. He then proceeded to get himself off the floor with a kip-up and fired up the Washington crowd.
Here's a look at the sequence:
MARCUS SMART IS FIRED UP 😤
— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2025
TAKES THE CHARGE. HITS THE KIP UP. 🕺 pic.twitter.com/jKhoe69BkG
Smart's tough play had not only Wizards fans excited, but the rest of the NBA as well. Here's a look at some of the best reactions across X (formerly Twitter):
https://t.co/priCoanaoT pic.twitter.com/D5SbwT0acA
— Bryan Lambert (@BryanLambert8) February 25, 2025
Everyone needs a vet! https://t.co/ktzzDYJlOs
— J$ (@JMoney4Prez) February 25, 2025
Marcus Smart is already my favorite Wizard. Extend him.
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) February 25, 2025
Love and Trust https://t.co/Nehg1Nnvgd
— Chiefshampoo (@Chiefshampoo) February 25, 2025
Marcus Smart didn't come here to lose on purpose 😤
— Domo (@Domo8186) February 25, 2025
Had me reminiscing https://t.co/Q9E8Bq0hWM pic.twitter.com/PVhjm1twhO
— Roo (@roovols) February 25, 2025
He’s played less than two games for us so far and I already love Marcus Smart.
— Wizards Film Room (@KevinFolliNBA) February 25, 2025
Marcus Smart might be Prime John Wall in a Wizards jersey pic.twitter.com/cG866a50xs
— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) February 25, 2025
It's awesome watching the Wizards broadcast fall in love with Marcus Smart as he does Marcus Smart stuff.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 25, 2025
He might not be in Washington long, but they'll be better off for having had Smart around for however long he's there.
"Just wanted to continue to show everybody that I still do this shit. Excuse my French." - Marcus Smart 😤 pic.twitter.com/0uHhccXbjs
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) February 25, 2025
"I just wanted to continue to show everybody I still do this sh**," Smart said after the game. "I think a couple people forgot... We got a good young team here, we play our a** off, and I just want to come in here and contribute."
Smart finished Monday night with 10 points, two assists, one rebound, and a steal while leading the Wizards to their 10th win this season.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as NBA Fans Loved Seeing Vintage Marcus Smart in Wizards Upset Win Over Nets.
