Boston’s Smart denies being a 'dirty player' after Steph Curry injury

SAN FRANCISCO – Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart said that he was not a "dirty player" after a collision Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) with Stephen Curry that injured the Golden State Warriors star.

Curry left the game in San Francisco in the second quarter after Smart dived for a loose ball and crashed into the Golden State talisman's left leg.

Curry was undergoing an MRI scan on his foot following the Warriors' 110-88 defeat to assess the extent of the injury.

The incident — which saw Warriors coach Steve Kerr angrily remonstrate with Smart on the court — dominated the post-game discussion.

Steph was limping and headed to the locker room after an awkward loose ball exchange with Marcus Smart

(via @NBCSWarriors)pic.twitter.com/UCcPBYBRZZ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 17, 2022

Kerr described Smart's actions as "dangerous play."

"I thought Marcus dove into Steph's knee and that's what I was upset about," Kerr said. 

"I've got a lot of respect for Marcus, he’s a hell of a player, gamer and competitor. I coached him in the World Cup a few summers ago. We talked after the game, we’re good. 

"But I thought it was a dangerous play and I let him know."

Smart said he understood Kerr's criticism, but insisted he would never intentionally hurt a fellow professional.

"(Kerr) is doing what any coach or person would do and that's backing up his guys," Smart said. 

"Me and Steve have a relationship from USA basketball so he knows I'm never trying to hurt anybody. I hate to see any injury. I hope Steph's alright.

"I didn't even see him, just dove on the ball and tried to make a play. I'm really down right now about it."

Smart added: "I know who I am, my teammates and my colleagues know I'm not a dirty player.

"Unfortunately sometimes injuries happen. I'm sure I'm going to get called dirty. That's their opinion."