J.R. Smith has had a long history with the Celtics when it comes to dirty plays. In 2013, Smith caught Jason Terry with an elbow in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, a move that led to a one-game suspension. Three years later, Smith was hit with a two-game suspension after blatantly elbowing Celtics forward Jae Crowder in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Marcus Smart witnessed that Crowder incident firsthand and he also was on the scene for Smith’s most recent Celtic cheap shot in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals. The veteran guard caught Horford with a two-handed shove from behind on a layup, a move that resulted in a flagrant foul and could have been considered suspension worthy.
Marcus Smart didn't hesitate to get in JR Smith's face pic.twitter.com/I1XR9IqM1F
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) May 16, 2018
JR Smith and Marcus Smart was about to throw hands? NBA is back! pic.twitter.com/4TBLbkv1tR
— NBA Inside Stuff (@NBAInside_Stuff) October 7, 2018
Meet me on street damn the back!! https://t.co/oP2jsVcyUc
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) October 7, 2018