Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
While the rookie enjoyed his return home and visited his former Oklahoma State teammates Tuesday night before they embarked on the NCAA Tournament, Smart continues to establish himself as a villain in opposing arenas, a hard-nosed player who does not fear those he once idolized.
He trash-talked with Westbrook and got into a fourth-quarter mix-up with veteran Anthony Morrow after both dived on the floor for loose balls. The night was not a total failure. Smart grew as a player and a leader during his first trip home.
A scout was asked who will represent the toughness and identity of the Celtics in coming years with Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce in different uniforms. “Marcus Smart,” he said. “But it’s going to take time. He’s going to be the one the fans boo every time he goes into an opposing arena.”
That has already started. Smart is respectful and humble off the court and fearless on it. Before the game, he talked about staying at home during the cold Boston winter, driving his heating bill up trying to stay warm. Snow would be afraid to touch his on-court persona. He is mean and nasty. He glared at Westbrook during possessions, knowing it was his responsibility to shadow one of the league’s most prolific and explosive scorers.
He made Westbrook work. Westbrook was so worked up that he began screaming at the Celtics bench in the third quarter, perhaps using someone who had objected to a foul call as motivation. It doesn’t take much for Westbrook to get motivated, but the Celtics were successful in their quest to contain him.
If you told me before the game that Russell Westbrook would shoot 8-26 with 7 turnovers, I would have smiled. Sure, the 22 free throw attempts were a big problem, but we all know Westbrook can pretty much get to the line whenever he wants (and the officials bail him out at least 2-3 times per game).
Smart was splashing 3 pointers from all over the court last night, but my favorite play was the bull-rush drive to the hoop that nearly gave Westbrook another facial fracture. The play symbolized Smart’s physicality and intensity.
We rave about Smart’s defense, toughness and improved long range shooting. But we need to start recognizing his poise. For a guy labeled with attitude problems in college, he’s displayed tremendous maturity while playing the role of Celtics chief instigator. He’s willing to mix it up with just about anyone (even DeMarcus Cousins), but never to the detriment of the team (a mere 2 techs and 1 bull-sh*t flagrant/ejection).
The scout quoted in Gary Washburn’s story says it will take time for Smart to assume the title of Boston’s Most Hated. By time, I think he means another year or two.
Related: CSNNE – Smart ‘locked in’ in return to OK | Herald – Smart happy to return | ESPN Boston – Sooner the better for Marcus
On Page 2, second-chance points killed the Celtics last night.
Anthony Morrow took advantage of the attention on Westbrook to net 20 points, but what hurt the C’s even more was Enes Kanter (seven offensive boards, 22 points) and Steven Adams (six and 14) hitting the offensive glass to lead a crushing 21-6 Thunder edge in second-chance points.
“Second-chance points killed us, and those two guys average six offensive rebounds a game, so you knew that wasn’t going to be easy,” said Stevens. “It’s not like our guys were turning and looking all the time. I thought it was that they went over us, and at some point the taller guy’s going to get a rebound.
“We’ve got to take care of the ones where we can block out that we missed, but you can’t lose sleep over some of those.”
Not only are the Thunder taller, they’re also much more physical. Steven Adams and Enes Kanter pretty much bullied the Celtics in the paint.
I understand that Kelly Olynyk’s value is on the offensive end. He’s likely never going to be a legit rim protector or fierce rebounder.
But he really needs to get stronger and work on his techniques:
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The rest of the links:
Herald – Win streak ends in OKC | CSNNE – Despite loss, C’s move into final playoff spot | Globe – Celts lose to Thunder, but remain in playoff race | Stevens impressed by Westbrook | CSNNE – Are Stevens and Doc ‘equals’? | Mass Live – Westbrook breaks game open
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