The Memphis Grizzlies have had three games since playing the New Orleans Pelicans on December 26 and came out with an overtime victory.
But point guard Marcus Smart is still dealing with an injury he suffered during the win, and it’s quite peculiar.
Smart, with duct tape around his left hand, revealed to reporters after his throw Tuesday that he is dealing with the aftereffects of splinters he suffered after diving for a loose ball.
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Marcus Smart #36 of the Memphis Grizzlies watches during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on December 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
“When I dove, my hand slid onto the court and the court just took everything with it,” Smart told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “Last night, [the sore] it continued to be reopened. Every time the ball hit him, he just opened up with blood.”
“When I caught the ball, when I got enough feeling back, it was time to make a play, shoot it or drive it,” Smart added. “I didn’t put anything on it, Band-Aid, nothing, it didn’t stay there. It just opened back up, opened back up. Every time we closed it, it opened back up.”
Smart was seen during the television broadcast of the game catching the attention of a team trainer, who appeared to remove the splinter from his hand.
Marcus Smart #36 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on December 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Smart removed the bandage from his hand to show reporters what he’s dealing with, one of whom at The Daily Memphian called the wound “nasty.” The report adds that it is the size of a ping-pong ball.
Despite the pain and discomfort in his hand, Smart won’t be taking any time off. He is expected to be on the court against the San Antonio Spurs at home Tuesday night.
Marcus Smart #36 of the Memphis Grizzlies watches during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on December 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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However, since that win over the Pelicans, Memphis has been unable to add to its win column. They have lost three games in a row, although Smart has done well with 17 points, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals on average per game.
