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Boston Celtics: Marcus Morris making early claim for Sixth Man award

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 30: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics defends Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden on October 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Pistons 108-105. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 30: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics defends Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden on October 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Pistons 108-105. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics were off to a slow start to start the 2018-19 NBA season, but Marcus Morris has been off to a fast start off the bench.

The Boston Celtics are a deep, versatile basketball team and no player on the team symbolizes that more than Marcus Morris.

A player that would probably start for most teams across the NBA, the outspoken, trigger happy forward has been a bright spot for the Celtics so far this season.  Averaging 12.4 points and 7.4 rebounds off the bench, Morris is a major reason the team is 5-2 to start the season after an underwhelming start.

In a way, Marcus Morris has been the team MVP.  Last Thursday, Morris poured in 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in leading the Celtics to a comeback victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.  His clutch shooting and game-winning shot showed just how much poise Morris has.

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Add to that his ability to score from all points on the floor and the 6-foot-9 forward has become a go to guy off the bench for Celtics coach Brad Stevens.

"“He can post smalls.  He can stretch bigs,” Stevens said.  “He’s a tough guy to guard.”"

He also fits into what the Celtics want to do on the floor.  It’s kinda funny.  In the offseason, Marcus Morris appeared to be the odd man out with both Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning.  In a contract year, he appeared to be a player Danny Ainge would trade at some point in the season.

That possibility still exists, but what Morris is giving the team goes much deeper than the points he provides off the bench.  He gives them that attitude and toughness the team will need as the season goes on and into the playoffs.  His size and ability to get under the opposing player’s skin makes him the type of player other team’s fans hate but would love to have on their team.

Making an impact

In all, he is a difference maker when he is on the court.  He proved that once again in Tuesday night’s 105-102 victory over the Detroit Pistons.  In another near double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds, Morris was involved in one of the key moments of the game.

With the team leading by just two points with 15.1 seconds left in the game, Morris drew a foul on Pistons big man Andre Drummond.  He sank the two free throws with poise to put the team up 103-99.

Again, there is that word poise, a major ingredient in why Marcus Morris is an early front runner for Sixth Man of the Year.

Just ask his coach.

"“He’s an awfully good one, and he’s playing at a high level,” Stevens said following the game.  “Wouldn’t surprise me if a lot of our guys get in that conversation.  But certainly he’s – the way he started the season’s been really, really good.  He’s got a great way about him and he’s bringing a lot of energy on both ends.  He’s playing the right way.  He’s been really efficient.  He’s been very, very good.”"

Next. Boston Celtics: 3 players who need to start strong in 2018-19 season. dark

Morris and the depth the Boston Celtics have on the bench is a big reason why the team would be just fine if one of the starters went down with injury.  His play so far has also allowed the team to ease Gordon Hayward back into the flow of the game, even resting him a game here or there.

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