Following Tuesday's Game 2 against the Nets, former Celtics guard Kyrie Irving said he was hoping for no "belligerence" or "subtle racism" when he returns to TD Garden in front of fans for the first time Friday night.
The comments and Irving's return is now arguably the biggest storyline going into Game 3.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Marcus Smart was asked if he's heard racial remarks from the crowd at home game towards opponents and he said he has.
"Yeah, I've heard a couple of them," Smart said. "It's kind of sad and sickening. Even though it's an opposing team, we've had guys on your home team that you're saying these racial slurs and you expect us to go out here and play for you. It's tough.
"We just want everyone to be respectful — on and off the court. We want that same respect that we give to fans and the crowd to come out here and put on a good show and not to interfere in that type of manner with them. We expect the same in return for us."
Game 3 will begin at 8:30 p.m. Friday.
