‘Marcus brothers’ make their mark
Kevin McHale called them “the Marcus brothers” in a Friday phone conversation and lauded Brad Stevens‘ decision to start Messrs. Smart and Morris “because all they want to do is compete and win.”
And while Stevens was quick to point out that the first unit with those guys was a minus-11 in Saturday’s win over Minnesota, the overall effect on the Celtics’ opening quarters seems pretty clear — even for just three measly games, which just happen to be wins.
The starting group was plus-13 in 20 minutes overall in New Orleans a week ago Monday when the Celts led 34-21 after a quarter. It was plus-11 in 13 minutes against Cleveland Friday when the C’s were up 30-26 after one. And even with that nasty minus-10 in 15 overall minutes against the Timberwolves, the Shamrocks still went on to post 29 points in the opening period and lead by three.
No doubt Marcus Smart and Marcus Morris are bringing more to the party than appetizers.
“Just that energy, that spark, you know, like the energizer bunny,” said Smart of their contribution. “We’re the guys that come in and we kind of start things or get things going on energy-wise, defensive-wise, just all around, the dirtiness of the game.
“I’m constantly telling these guys that a lot of games we win are not going to be pretty. If you try to be pretty, then this isn’t the game for you. You’ve got to be able to get your nose bloody and get dirty to win these games.
“We’re just doing whatever we have to do for the team.”
Morris is on board with that.
“I think us getting off to better starts comes with being veterans and understanding the game and understanding what we need to do to put ourselves in the best position of winning,” he said. “I mean, obviously we complement guys on the team, but I think just the understanding of bringing that energy from start to finish, I think that’s what’s best for the team.
“Everybody has to take some type of role in this team, and I just think that’s what’s going to make the team better. Me and Smarty are veterans in the league. We understand what’s going on. Big picture, you want to win.”
Morris had already stepped in when Stevens decided to balance his rotation by moving Gordon Hayward to a reserve role two weeks ago in Charlotte. Smart joined the first five in New Orleans after
Jaylen Brown bruised his tailbone in a fall in the Nov. 24 loss in Dallas.
“I think, obviously, first of all, that group has played well together, except against Minnesota, minus-10 during that game so, like, we have to play well as a team,” said the coach. “And whoever is on the court at one time, it’s not on one guy, it’s on all of us to play better as a team. I’m not going to overreact to that stretch just like we wouldn’t overreact to a really good one in one game. But those guys have brought us good versatility like they would in any lineup.”
Progress for Brown
Brown went through a full workout Monday and was back at it before yesterday’s practice. He’ll likely be available when the Celts host New York tomorrow.
“I have not been given or been told that there’s any restrictions on his practice,” said Stevens. “Should be ready to go.
Brown concurred later, saying, “I’m good. I’m ready to go. I’m feeling better every day. I’m just looking forward to being there (tomorrow). Let’s keep this win streak going.
“They’ve pretty much gone away,” he added with regard to his back spasms. “I feel pretty good. I thought the rest was good for my body and other parts of my body that were aching, so I should be ready to go (tomorrow).”