Morris plays key role in comeback
CELTICS NOTEBOOK
LONDON — In Marcus Morris’ estimation, the worst part about a minutes restriction is that it deprives a player of rhythm.
And though Brad Stevens said yesterday he will still be careful about managing the power forward’s playing time, it’s clear that Morris’ flow is back.
The forward came off the bench with 19 points and eight rebounds in the C’s 114-103 win over Philadelphia, playing a particularly crucial role as part of a 15-2 fourth quarter run that put the game away.
“It felt good, man. The first time being out there and not having to worry about the six-minute mark or coming out,” said Morris. “I’m just trying to continue to build my confidence and rhythm and just help the team any way I can.
“The only thing that’s different is I’m up all night because of the time difference. I’m trying to get some rest and I know for that 71⁄2-hour trip back, I’m probably gonna sleep the entire time.”
Morris, who missed 22 games over the first half of the season because of a sore left knee, is only starting to show what he can produce, good health willing.
“I think I can help them a lot. Bring the scoring, either starting or coming off the bench, and being a veteran,” he said. “But actually getting out there and being able to play some meaningful minutes and not having to come in and out, not putting pressure on coach when he wants to play me a longer stint but can’t.
“I know that it’s hard to coach a guy that you don’t know when to take me out or when to play me. It’s timing. So now that the restriction is off I can kind of jell and play both sides of the ball.”
Scrap in London-town
The sold-out O2 Arena crowd, sprinkled generously with basketball fans from all over the continent, also got a mild sample of what passes for hurt feelings in the NBA these days.
Morris was knocked to the floor by a hard Ben Simmons pick with 4:48 left in the game, and then jumped to his feet to shove the Sixers rookie. Simmons was whistled for the foul, Morris drew a technical foul and was even booed when he went to the line.
“A little frustration kicked in,” he said. “I think he took a little cheap shot but it’s all right. I take a lot of cheap shots, too. It’s good that Philly’s got some OK guys, some tougher guys, but I promise you that won’t happen again.
“But it’s a good shot. It is what it is. Hopefully I don’t have to get fined for that. That’s what I’m really worried about.”
Sibling reunion
Daniel Theis enjoyed the treat of not only playing in front of a sizable German media contingent, but also his older brother Frank,a former teammate.
Theis produced a highlight with his third quarter block of Joel Embiid. But Frank Theis is about to witness something better, said the Celtics forward.
“It was special for me yes, but he’s coming to Boston in March. I’m more excited when we’re in the TD Garden and we play in front of our fans, because our home fans are special,” said Theis. “I’m happy he’s here, but I’m more happy that he’s coming to the TD Garden.”
Rookie stars shine
One of the most intriguing aspects of the game was the two heralded rookies on the floor — Jayson Tatum and Simmons, the latter generally considered the Rookie of the Year front-runner.
Simmons is as known for his confidence as Tatum is for his shyness, and it was telling when both players were asked about their award prospects.
“I want to be an All-Star, so if I’m an All-Star then I know I’m Rookie of the Year,” Simmons said. “I already know I’m the best rookie in the league.”
Tatum, asked the same question, paused before finally saying, “I would like to win.”
Tatum’s confidence may be on the quieter side from his Philly counterpart, but he’s picked up speed in similar fashion.
“It’s like night and day from where I first started,” he said. “You do have to learn on the fly. How quick the game comes, how many games we played, against good teams. Not that much room for error. I’m still learning, but I’m a lot more confident and comfortable.”
Asked about where he’s noticed his growth the most, Tatum said, “Just the rhythm I’m playing with, and I just feel a lot more comfortable out there.” ...
The second round of All-Star voting was released yesterday, with Kyrie Irving (1,370,643) the leader by a substantial margin among Eastern Conference guards, and third in the conference overall behind LeBron James and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But the Celtics were significantly well represented otherwise as well, with Al Horford sixth among forwards and Tatum right behind him in seventh. Jaylen Brown is 10th among conference guards.