A leaked audio recording captures Marcus Smart and Isaiah Stewart’s intense trash talk and near altercation.

Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The tension between Marcus Smart and Isaiah Stewart reached its peak in a heated exchange during the Detroit Pistons’ 20-point win over the Washington Wizards.

The game, which had already featured some intense moments, escalated when Smart and Stewart found themselves at the center of a verbal altercation that was caught on a leaked audio recording.

According to the audio, Stewart initially called out Smart for flopping.

“Your a** flopping bro.” 

Smart, known for his fiery personality and defensive tenacity, did not take the comment lightly and fired back.

“N***a, f**k that. Bro, stop that s**t. That’s a f**king foul n***a. I ain’t the right one. Stop that s**t bro. Calm that down. Calm that s**t down n***a.”

The tension continued to escalate when Stewart expressed his willingness to fight, prompting Smart to double down with:

“You shut up n***a. What are you talking about n***a? That ain’t scaring me… F**k you wanna do.”

The exchange, full of expletives and hostility, quickly spread across social media, fueling discussions about Smart’s trash-talking history and Stewart’s reputation for physical play.

The incident took another turn when Smart seemingly followed Stewart toward the Pistons’ bench, further escalating the situation.

As Stewart checked out of the game, Ron Holland and Bub Carrington intervened to prevent things from getting physical. Holland, aware of Stewart’s history of on-court altercations, stepped in to defuse the situation while Carrington also tried to hold Smart back.

Officials reviewed the confrontation and assessed double technical fouls, a controversial decision given that Stewart appeared to remain relatively calm while Smart was the one verbally attacking him.

Many fans and analysts questioned why Stewart received a technical at all, as he had not made any aggressive moves or initiated any physical contact.

Some speculated that his reputation as an enforcer in the league played a role in the decision, making him an easy target for officials trying to control the game.

This wasn’t the first time Smart has been involved in an on-court incident. The former Defensive Player of the Year has built a reputation for relentless defense, aggressive play, and a knack for getting under opponents’ skin.

Whether it’s drawing charges, flopping to sell contact, or engaging in heated exchanges, Smart always finds a way to be at the center of the action.

Stewart, on the other hand, has his own reputation as a tough, no-nonsense competitor, most famously remembered for his near brawl with LeBron James in 2021.

Despite the altercation, Detroit comfortably won the game, with Stewart contributing solid minutes and the team proving that they wouldn’t be rattled by Smart’s antics. While the Pistons have struggled this season, moments like this highlight their growing intensity and fight as a young team.

As for Smart, this incident serves as another reminder of why he is both loved and hated around the league. His passion and energy are undeniable, but his confrontational nature often puts him in controversial situations.

Whether or not this will lead to further repercussions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Smart and Stewart won’t be forgetting this encounter anytime soon.