Boston Celtics’ Evan Turner Shines In Debut At Point Guard
By Kevin McHugh
@Mchughinthebean
Bill Strelcher-USA TODAY Sports
Coach Brad Stevens went with a different look for the starting five Wednesday afternoon with Evan Turner starting at the point guard position against the Sacramento Kings. The decision proved effective as Turner had a career-high 11 assists in the 106-84 blowout win.
Stevens is attempting to master the balancing act of winning games and developing rookie point guard Marcus Smart. The win was as good of one as he could have hoped for. Turner had a great performance at point guard, and Smart played well coming off the bench after a four-game losing streak. The Boston Celtics played shut down defense as well and neutralized Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins showed up to the game a little cranky. The big man was more concerned with complaining to the referees and jarring with Celtics players than making shots or guarding Jared Sullinger who had 20 points. Cousins was 5-of-17 from the floor.
After getting a technical foul in the first quarter, Cousins was ejected in the fourth quarter after grabbing Smart by the jersey and throwing him to the ground. Cousins was hardly provoked, as Smart was merely boxing him out. Cousins acted like a child the entire game, taking his time getting up and down the court and talking to the referees, even while his team was attempting to run their offense.
Smart got his first taste of how mean the NBA can be and how childish particular superstars can be. This rotation will likely be seen again with Turner starting and Smart coming off the bench to play 25-30 minutes.
Kevin McHugh is a Boston Celtics writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MchughintheBean or add him to your network on Google.
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