WATCH: Marcus Smart, Trae Young get in heated exchange, wrestle each other to the floor
The Bedlam basketball rivalry bled over to an NBA court Saturday in a matchup between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. Former Oklahoma State star Marcus Smart and former Oklahoma star Trae Young got into a scuffle late in the fourth quarter as their teammates had to separate them.
The exchange began after Smart fouled Young on his way to the basket. However, it appears the Hawks guard inadvertently kicks Smart in the groin area while going up for the shot.
Smart took issue with the contact, grabbing Young as the two appeared to share a few words with each other before pulling each other to the ground. You can view the moment below.
Both Marcus Smart and Trae Young received a technical foul for their part in the skirmish. Additionally, Smart was ejected with just 1:25 remaining. Boston went on to claim a 134-25 victory to improve to 47-21 and maintain its second-place spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Smart, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year winner, failed to slow down Young, who finished with 35 points (12-27 FG) and 13 assists in the win. The Celtics guard had 11 points (4-12 FG) and six assists himself.
Smart played at Oklahoma State during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons, leading them to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. Young played just one season at Oklahoma in 2017-18, averaging 27.4 points and 8.7 assists per game to earn consensus All-American honors. He also helped the Sooners to a tournament appearance.
Both players have gone on to enjoy successful NBA careers, with Young making third team All-NBA last season. The Hawks (34-34) are currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and would make the NBA play-in if the season ended today.
This won’t be the last time this season that Young and Smart face off, as the Celtics and Hawks are set to square off once more during the regular season on April 9. Based on where things are in the current standings, a playoff series between Boston and Atlanta is also possible.