Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Carmelo Anthony seemed a bit incredulous. It was, after all, an exhibition game. But that didn’t stop Evan Turner from hounding Anthony and barking at him on the court and on the bench. Now here the two were shoving each other a bit after a whistle. Anthony shot Turner a glance as if to say, “C’mon, man, it’s the preseason!”
Evan Turner Doesn’t Plan To Let Up-Chris Forsberg
If you’re like me, this is something you like to hear. Defense has long been a staple of Boston Celtics basketball, and guys like KG and Bill Russell, to name just a couple, made it their mission to play tough D and it was contagious. Others followed, and championships were won. And of course I’m not comparing Turner to either of them. More so just pointing out how Turner’s intensity is something positive and can add to a team that has said it wants to make defense a focal point this season. This year’s Celtics squad will obviously not win a title, but it’s definitely something to build on. So far this preseason, Turner’s defense has been solid.
Through four games, Turner also has been a surprisingly competitive defender. Synergy Sports defensive data says he’s allowing 0.743 points per play, which is a very good number for the talent he opposed at his position and is below the team average of 0.868 points per play, which ranked Boston in the middle of the NBA pack through Saturday’s action.
If Turner can keep this up, Boston could have arguably one of the league’s best defensive backcourts. We already know exactly what Avery Bradley is capable of and Marcus Smart looks to be a guy who will make a name for himself in the NBA on the defensive end. Turner could end up being a decent fit for Boston. Folks forget that he’s still young-he’ll turn 26 in about two weeks. But at the same time, he’s got some valuable NBA experience. And coming into this season, he says that defense is definitely something he wants to focus on.
“I just wanted to make sure this year I come in with a defensive mindset,” Turner said. “It’s tough to play both sides of the ball. The biggest thing for me is making sure I get my body conditioned for it. But [Anthony is] a tough scorer, of course. I personally, for the longest time, thought he was the best scorer in the league. Even [Friday] night, DeMar Derozan’s a tough guard too. I’m glad to at least try to make it uncomfortable for him a little bit.”
And sometimes making opponents uncomfortable requires getting under their skin or in their jersey, which might explain the jousting with Anthony. When that bumping was referenced, Turner added, “I think he thought I tried to push him. I don’t really remember what happened. I just remember he pushed me, I pushed him. But it wasn’t anything to go crazy over. I just think it’s a misunderstanding. It’s whatever. Whatever happens happens. You just leave it at that.”
Related links:
Globe: Turner Sets Tone For Celtics |NESN: Turner Earning Trust Of Brad Stevens, Celtics Teammates
On Page 2, A condensed version of Saturday’s game
If you missed Saturday night’s 96-80 loss to the Knicks, here’s a condensed version from CelticsLowdown. Sully led Boston w/15 points & Evan Turner had 11.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND6tUn0MYeI
The rest of the links:
Herald : To Celtics’ Joel Anthony, Staying Put Not About Green |NESN: Report: Celtics Considering Waving Faverani|Injury Update
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