Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder analysis: Marcus Smart, Russell

Smart helped lead Boston to the victory with a team-high 26 points (9-14 FG) to go along with eight boards and three assists. On Sunday, he crafted another one, this time while locked in a competitive and even testy duel with the Thunder’s all-everything point guard, Russell Westbrook.

“He had a good game”, Westbrook said. “I felt like I was in a good groove before, but it’s a part of the game”. A few of it was tactical, but as the game progressed and turned physical, I think Boston’s defense got into his head. When asked if there was anything special about the way Smart played, Westbrook responded with a resounding “No”.

Smart, the No. 6 pick in the 2014 draft, clearly enjoyed the challenge of going against Westbrook.

“That’s the type of guy that Russ is”, Smart said.

Pressed on Westbrook’s intimidation tactics, Smart added, “You can’t be [intimidated]”. Augustin to break out in transition for what looked like an easy layup. Smart had been on the opposite side of the floor when Augustin started the other way but charged hard and slowed only to time his approach from behind.

Westbrook had posted triple-doubles in his previous two games but finished this one with just five assists and four rebounds. I’m not sold Boston can maintain this pace of turnovers, but they likely remain near the top of the league. He entered the game averaging only five three-pointers a game on the season.

Durant made it to the eighth game of this season before suffering his first injury of the year, a strained left hamstring. The youth movement in Minnesota of Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns were great on Sunday, but the veteran lineup in Memphis was too much for a Timberwolves team without Ricky Rubio.

Smart scored but two points in the fourth quarter Sunday night, but no matter. “Kind of like what we did with Marcus (Smart)”. There was a marriage proposal during Kiss Cam in the third quarter….

Westbrook had a game-high 27 points on 5 of 20 shooting.

Charlotte responded with an 8-0 run, getting two free throws each by Walker and Batum and two baskets by Jefferson to push the lead back to double digits in winning its third straight home game. Stevens coached at Butler before heading to the National Basketball Association to coach the Celtics. By cutting off driving lanes and giving Westbrook air space to shoot, you’re trying to get him or any other superstar to take long-2’s.

MassLive Celtics beat reporter Jay King and sports producer Tom Westerholm broke down the Celtics’ win, including Smart’s performance, Westbrook’s displeasure and the Celtics defense, which seems to get more dominant every game.