Celtics' Smart needed stitches after slashing hand on glass at hotel

Marcus Smart's absence from the Boston Celtics' slump-busting win against the Los Angeles Clippers was the result of a cut on his hand severe enough to require stitches, according to coach Brad Stevens.

"He lacerated his hand on glass in the hotel, got stitches," Stevens said before Wednesday's game in L.A., according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg. "I don't know the full story. We're learning more about that. (Assistant general manager) Mike Zarren and (assistant athletic trainer) Brian Dolan were with him at the hospital two hours ago (when he) got stitches. It doesn't sound like a long-term injury, but we're doing more research on how it happened."

Asked why the incident merits a team investigation, Stevens said he was just trying to get the facts straight.

"Obviously, I want to make sure that I'm thorough in telling you how it happened and what happened," said Stevens, explaining the team's internal investigation into the situation. "But, again, I think that he cut his hand in the hotel on glass sometime this afternoon."

It is unclear whether the cut is on Smart's shooting or non-shooting hand. Before the cut, the fourth-year guard was shooting just 35.7 percent from the floor and 29.9 percent on 3-point attempts.