J.R. fined for his part in confrontation with Smart

Smith was hit with a $15,000 fine.

Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith has been fined $15,000 for ‘escalating’ his altercation with Celtics guard Marcus Smart.

The two players engaged in shoving match during Saturday’s preseason game after Smith had his arms hooked by Celtics center Aron Baynes while the two battled for rebounding positioning and then Smith shoved Baynes. Smart then shoved Smith from behind before the two then had to be separated. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum ultimately wrestled Smart to the ground.

Smith received a technical on the play, while Smart was ejected. Smart received a $25,000 fine. Smart later called out his Smith in his postgame comments — telling Smith to “meet him in the back” — and then Smith tweeted that Smart should meet him on the street.

For those wondering, the Cavs and Celtics next play on Nov. 30 in Boston .