Celtics' Marcus Smart suspended one game for punching Spurs' Bonner
Boston Celtics rookie guard Marcus Smart was suspended one game on Saturday for punching San Antonio Spurs center Matt Bonner during Friday's game. He will miss the Celtics' home game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
The Spurs won 101-89 in San Antonio after Smart struck Bonner below the belt with just under nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Bonner attempted to set a high screen at the top of the key, and as Smart came around a different screen to face Bonner, he appeared to wind up and strike Bonner in the groin.
No foul was called initially, but Smart was eventually assessed a flagrant foul 2 after referees convened to review the play. A flagrant foul 2 results in an automatic ejection. Smart left the game with 10 points and four assists in 23 minutes.
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The NBA league office reviews all flagrant fouls to determine if additional fines and/or suspensions are warranted.
Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 22 points and added seven rebounds and three steals. Bonner played five minutes and scored one point with two rebounds.
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Celtics guard Evan Turner led Boston with 17 points and four assists.
- Mike Fiammetta
