LEBRON James is gone but the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics still have an intense NBA rivalry that spilled over into a scuffle in a preseason game.
Cleveland guard J.R. Smith and Celtics guard Marcus Smart were involved in an altercation eight minutes and 22 seconds into the first quarter of the Cavaliers’ 113-102 preseason home victory over Boston.
The rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals lacked some of the drama of May’s showdown between the clubs, which featured James before the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player left the Cavs for the Los Angeles Lakers.
But it wasn’t lacking for passion after Smith and Australian forward Aron Baynes of the Celtics tangled in the paint and began shoving each other. This prompted Smart to join in and shove Smith, with both men needing to be restrained to calm matters.
Smart was ejected and Smith issued a technical foul. More punishment could be coming from the league.
“I’m not too worried about it,” Smart said. “Whatever consequences come with it, come with it.”
Smart also said he gestured for Smith to “meet him in the back” to which Smith replied on Twitter: “Meet me on street damn the back!!”
The teams will have some time to cool off before they meet again. That will come in a regular-season contest at Boston on Nov. 30.
The Cavaliers open the season Oct. 17 at Toronto while the Celtics open Oct. 16 at home against Philadelphia. (AFP)
