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.
Smart welcomes it all, figuring he’ll do a better job on anyone the next time. He’s heard about how every aspect of the game ramps up in the playoffs, especially the intensity. Nothing could have accentuated those conditions more than the shots Irving hit at the Celtics’ expense.
But Smart gave a calm, almost serene nod when asked about the conditions yesterday. Teammate Evan Turner, recalling his own rookie playoff experience, has talked about going from an “eyes wide open rookie” to an “eyes wide open rookie in the playoffs.”
Based on his own first experience Sunday, Smart acknowledged the change in intensity.
“It came to my level,” he said.
Some would say that Smart’s generous supply of confidence is a prime reason he was a lottery pick last June. Offensively he needed work, but Smart probably believed back then that he deserved the chance to guard LeBron James, too.
“I saw that it increased, but I’m used to it because I’m always playing with high intensity,” he said. “So that intensity doesn’t seem like a big difference to me.”
Turner is familiar with Smart’s career path. If there’s one thing he can vouch for regarding Smart, it’s the rookie’s hunger to take big shots.
“He’s an aggressive personality. He’s an aggressive kid,” said Turner. “Even when he eats he’s aggressive.
“I don’t think he gets nervous, because he’s already played in a lot of big games in this league already, believe it or not,” he said. “A lot of big, defining games. He’s done a great job of preparing and competing.”
Boston Herald – Marcus Smart not discouraged
Wow. Now that’s a bold statement made by the rookie. But he’s done it before, saying most players give up on chase down blocks, or the second, or third time he’s made some wild statements. Marcus Smart had a solid playoff debut for a rookie, albeit with a few holes. But the one thing that you can’t question was his intensity and effort level in Game 1 against the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers. Smart, like the rest of his Celtics teammates, seem undeterred by the Cavs or the playoff stage. You know you have a guy that C’s fans will love when teammate Evan Turner says ‘even when he eats he’s aggressive.’ I can see Smart just boxing guys out from grabbing the salt shaker at the dinner table. That’s good because for the Celtics to pull off a victory (or two), they need to be hungry and aggressive. They also need to keep playing how they have been since their team got bit by a radioactive spider around February.
Since then, they’ve played very well, defeating teams that they probably shouldn’t have, and compiled a ridiculous record on the second night of back-to-backs. But the playoffs are a different beast, and the Cavs are the beasts of all beasts. Game 1 started great for the C’s, but unfortunately, the Cavs flexed their overpowering muscles and never really relinquished control. It was almost like Cleveland was the Sinister Six and the Celtics were Spider-Man… without his powers. Right now, LeBron is like Doc Ock at the height of his powers, just toying with the young Celtics. The C’s are in the early stages of learning how to correctly harness their powers, or even if their powers are enough to overcome massive odds. Game 2 is tonight, and we’re all eager to see how they respond.
On Page 2, Game 1 drew incredible TV ratings
The ABC broadcast of Sunday’s Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers drew a 4.5 overnight rating, according to Nielsen — the third-highest overnight rating ever for a first-round NBA playoff game.
According to a press release from ESPN, the rating was up 13 percent from the game in a similar time slot last season between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats.
Sunday’s Game 1 also resulted in a 7.5 rating in Boston, the fourth-best rating ever in the market for a first-round game. The rating in Cleveland was 20.9, likewise the fourth-best for a first-round game in that market.
When you think of memorable first round playoff games in NBA history, games like Jordan’s 63 vs the C’s in 1986 come to mind. Or the incredible first round series in 2009 featuring the Celtics and Bulls. There are the games from the Warriors and Mavs in 2007. There are plenty of others that could have had huge anticipation, thus the expected results in the ratings would be huge. Call me crazy, but I did not expect Sunday’s Game 1 between the Celtics and Cavs to sniff NBA TV ratings history, even for a first round game. The third highest ever for a first round game? Like Jay King aptly stated, obviously everyone wanted to watch Brad Stevens’ mad scientist coaching skills. All kidding aside, it’s a bit baffling to me why this game drew such huge ratings, but if the C’s can make this series interesting at all, the ratings record could be broken… especially if they somehow make it to Game 7.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Celtics’ Bradley: ‘Expect to see different team’ | Dinner and movie with the Stevens family
Boston Globe – Cavaliers are Cleveland’s best (and only) hope for a title | Celtics hope to learn, improve from Game 1 loss | In game 2, Celtics will have to do a better job rebounding | Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas gives Cavaliers plenty to think about
Boston Herald – Isaiah Thomas relishes playoff spotlight | Celtics Notebook: Big stage, big moments | Cavs have sixth sense for Isaiah Thomas
CSNNE – Celtics won’t play scared despite Game 1 loss | Thomas finishes second to Lou Williams for Sixth Man Award | Boston Celtics must control the boards in Game 2 vs Cleveland Cavaliers | Cavs role players Tristan Thompson, James Jones problematic for Celtics | Thomsen: Stevens ‘defining who the Celtics are’
WEEI – Irish Coffee: Should Jae Crowder start against LeBron James? | Lou Williams wins sixth man over Isaiah Thomas | J.R. Smith compares Avery Bradley to to Kobe Bryant, and not in a good way | If Celtics hope to prove broadcaster Mike Gorman right, they’d better beat Cavs in Game 2 | Celtics must crash glass in case of emergency
MassLive – Brandon Bass: Like the old days, Boston Celtics ‘up for the challenge’ of competing against LeBron James |
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