Marcus Smart dodges suspension for altercation with DeAndre Bembry, fined $35,000

Marcus Smart lost his cool on Saturday night against the Hawks but it won't cost him a chance to play on Monday night against the Miami Heat. The NBA announced on Monday afternoon that Smart was fined $35,000 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 against the Hawks. He avoids a suspension though, marking the second time this season Smart has avoided a harsh punishment for a physical altercation.

BSJ Analysis: A look at Smart's prior altercation with J.R. Smith (which was arguably more egregious and resulted in no suspension) made the odds strong

that the veteran guard would avoid missing any time after this one. For some reason, the NBA has taken it easy on players this year in fights (example: Chris Paul just getting two games for throwing punches). Still, this incident should serve as a wake-up call to Smart in terms of his value to the team. He's also lucky that the NBA doesn't follow the NHL discipline protocol, which factors in past behavior into any punishment a player receives.

Smart will be busy tonight trying to slow down the likes of Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson as the C's try to avenge an ugly loss against the Heat from two weeks ago in South Beach.