It’s Marcus being Marcus
Mates see his work ethic on D
SAN FRANCISCO — While Marcus Smart has certainly made some rather spectacular defensive plays to light the Celtics’ early season run, Brad Stevens doesn’t think it’s necessarily out of Smart’s ordinary.
“I don’t know about higher level defending. I think he’s just a really good defender,” the coach said before taking on the Warriors Friday night. “I think you’re going to improve obviously over time, but he’s always been…”
Stevens caught himself and went on with a strong statement.
“Him not making the All-Defensive team a couple of those years kind of ‘de-validates’ the honor, because he should be on it every year,” he said. “He should be on it every time. Marcus Smart should be one of the first names on it every year, and so I think he’s always been a great defender. But he’s improving every year. His versatility defensively has helped, but it’s also helped that he has other versatile defenders around.”
Stevens spoke about the ability of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker to switch easily with Smart if Marcus is defending a guard. But it’s against bigger people that Smart’s reputation has grown this year. His block of a Mo Wagner dunk attempt in Wednesday’s win over Washington raised the eyebrows of even those used to his defense.
“Yeah, that was ridiculous,” said Walker. “I always said he’s like a little big man. You know, I don’t know how he blocked that shot. It was crazy.”
Stevens learned of Smart’s ability to play beyond his height (6-3) back when he put him on Paul Millsap in
Atlanta and Kristaps Porzingis in New York.
“It was like, maybe we can just play small and he can match up with 4’s,” the coach said. “So we’ve been doing that for a long time. There’s just more need to now because we’re smaller than we were with Al (Horford) and (Aron) Baynes and those guys.”
Walker has gotten new appreciation for Smart’s defense now that he’s seeing it more frequently.
“Aw, it’s amazing, man,” Walker said. “He’s a stud. He takes pride on that end of the floor, and it’s fun to watch. It’s fun to be a part of, and it makes you want to get out there and kind of do the same things as much as possible. I think it’s really inspiring to see what he does, and you just try to apply it to your game, as well, try to help him out as much as possible.”
As for his own ability to take more chances, Walker said, “Oh, yeah, you’re definitely always comfortable with Smart on your side. He’s amazing, man. He just does things that wows me sometimes. I’ve always known what kind of defensive player he was, but, you know, when you get a chance to see it every night, it definitely is a little different.”
Bowman a regular
Ky Bowman, the 6-foot-1 rookie from Boston College, is on a two-way contract, meaning he can spend just 45 days in the NBA from the G-League. But, with the Warriors’ injury issues, he’s played in every Golden State game heading into Friday.
“I always thought the biggest thing about Ky is he’s really tough,” said Stevens. “He’s a good player, he can get to the paint, he can shoot it, he can guard, but he’s really tough, and I’ve always respected him for that.
“I didn’t go to very many games, but I know (BC coach) Jim Christian well and he’s good friend, and it’s fun to follow all the local teams. So I watched those guys whenever I could.”
Change of pace
Walker is obviously enjoying life at the upper end of the standings after the lean years in Charlotte. He’s talked often about the Celtics’ chemistry, but talent is obviously a huge part of the change in record altitude.
“You know, having guys of the caliber that we have, I mean, it’s just different,” Walker said. “You know, Jayson and Jaylen and Marcus and Gordon (Hayward) — especially Gordon. He’s an All-Star. I never played with another All-Star player. So, yeah, I think it’s definitely just a lot more (talent).
“And, you know, these guys have been really far, as well, in their early careers. They’ve been to the Eastern Conference finals and stuff like that. We haven’t had anybody like that in my time in Charlotte. Not saying that to discredit anybody, but it just is what it is.”
Bad luck
Stevens was more concerned with the Warriors’ capabilities than their poor record due to injuries to Steph Curry (expected to be out into the new calendar year with a broken hand), Klay Thompson (should miss the whole season with a torn ACL) and others and Kevin Durant leaving as a free agent after his and Thompson’s injuries doomed them in the playoffs.
“It’s amazing the amount of bad luck and bad fortune they’ve had with regard to those injuries to Steph and Klay — and then obviously Durant,” Stevens said. “When you think about all that happening within a course of maybe 20 games or 15 games, it’s just bad luck. But they’ve had a great run, they’re in a great position for a long time coming, and they certainly have our attention with what they’re capable of.”