Marcus Morris will be a factor this series.

[gouki88]

I think one key to winning is to tire LeBron out. He plays 40+ minutes a game, and he counts on being able to rest during the game in order to be fresh enough to close out at the end. Watch video of him against Toronto and you will see him taking lots of possessions off because he’s hidden on their weakest offensive player. He will walk up the floor When they bring the ball up.

Whoever LBJ is guarding should run him off picks, or if they’re the ball handler, put him in a pick and roll. Do not let him rest. It’s OK if he plays good defense, so long as he’s grabbing his shorts by the middle of the fourth quarter.

Yeah, this is a huge factor. Hiding LeBron on guys who are no threats to score is a good tactic - except, we can field lineups where everyone is a threat to score without having any defensive liabilities. We are the most well-rounded team LeBron has come up against this post-season, and we also don't have the mental weakness Toronto has

[Celtics4ever]

He did not play well against Philly save one game.  He needs a good series.

[bellerephon]

He doesn't even need to be great, he just needs to shoot his normal average, play good defense, and not make too many bone headed plays.

[LilRip]

I sure hope so! This series can be won by the bench guys! Morris and Smart stepping up will go a long way

[Greyman]

After last season's ECF it was obvious that the Celtics would have to move on from some players who had been great servants but would struggle to get beyond LBJ. When the trade that brought Morris to the C's was made I loved the fact he was a known effective defender of LeBron.

DA probably saw more in Morris than thinking this day would come and the team would need Morris to help blunt LeBron, though he must have also factored this into his thinking. The team needed to be longer and stronger when it came to playing the Cavs. Morris may have other shortcomings and certainly wasn't a perfect fit for the Stevens system, but he can be significant in this series.

At least partially I feel like this is the reason Morris is on the Celtics. He should be a factor.

[TheReaLPuba]

By "factor," I presume you mean that he'll be a positive factor. Because Morris is always a factor, just not necessarily a positive one.

And I certainly do hope he has a positive impact in this series, on both sides of the ball.

He WAS a positive factor last series.....for the SIXERS !!!

[Hank Finkel]

His defense on Lebron has to come first.  If he can score too that will be a plus but he must play great defense first and foremost.

[chilidawg]

Will he use his powers for good or evil?

[rondofan1255]

Will he use his powers for good or evil?

Whew, Game 1 was the good kind. 

[chilidawg]

Will he use his powers for good or evil?

Whew, Game 1 was the good kind. 

Our knight in shining armor kind!

[goz421]

Told ya! Now hope he keeps it up.

[goz421]

Told ya

[KGs Knee]

Told ya

Actually, I said it first, just in a different thread. 

I think Stevens is going to need to switch it up and start Morris instead of Baynes...Morris is probably our best bet at making LeBron have to work for his points

And just for some statistical substantiation of what we saw today:

James was guarded by Marcus Morris on 24 plays, finishing with 5 points on 2-6 shooting.

Since 2013-14, LeBron James has at least 50 FGA against 26 players in the halfcourt. He's shooting 33% when defended by Marcus Morris. The only player to force James into a lower percentage in that span is Draymond Green.

[rondofan1255]

Told ya

Actually, I said it first, just in a different thread. 

I think Stevens is going to need to switch it up and start Morris instead of Baynes...Morris is probably our best bet at making LeBron have to work for his points

And just for some statistical substantiation of what we saw today:

James was guarded by Marcus Morris on 24 plays, finishing with 5 points on 2-6 shooting.

Since 2013-14, LeBron James has at least 50 FGA against 26 players in the halfcourt. He's shooting 33% when defended by Marcus Morris. The only player to force James into a lower percentage in that span is Draymond Green.

TP to both of u!

[pearljammer10]

Told ya

Actually, I said it first, just in a different thread. 

I think Stevens is going to need to switch it up and start Morris instead of Baynes...Morris is probably our best bet at making LeBron have to work for his points

And just for some statistical substantiation of what we saw today:

James was guarded by Marcus Morris on 24 plays, finishing with 5 points on 2-6 shooting.

Since 2013-14, LeBron James has at least 50 FGA against 26 players in the halfcourt. He's shooting 33% when defended by Marcus Morris. The only player to force James into a lower percentage in that span is Draymond Green.

TP good sir. TP.