In the many seasons I have watched Russell Westbrook play in Oklahoma City, I can count on one hand the times\u00a0he has\u00a0met his match in the opposing guard.\u00a0 Last night, Westbrook had a great 1st quarter, getting approximately half (27 a odd number non-math people)\u00a0of his 27 points, displaying an energy that is a trademark of one of basketball’s greatest players.\u00a0 Yet, his counter part for the Boston Celtics, 2nd year (6th player taken in the 2014 draft) guard Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State 6’4 230) was competing with Westbrook equally in emotion, feistiness, and most importantly, effectiveness.\u00a0 The younger but equally stout Smart was holding his own on offense and part of a group of Celtics that were hell bent on not allowing Westbrook to get into the paint consistently. Plus, the two went at it both\u00a0punishing the other physically throughout the game.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Frustration all around, both Smart and Westbrook clawed each other in a great battle of two exceptional players.\u00a0Both got T’d up.\u00a0Yes, give Westbrook his due, he brings it every game, something that Smart could copy as he continues to improve his game. But for the time each\u00a0went at it against the other\u00a0in Peak, they showed why the NBA is as great as it is. Both these two have pride and to give quarter is to give up.\u00a0 Both were complete professional high end combatants and it was a pleasure to see the battle.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I was always a Smart follower in college and thought he would be a big star in the Association. I liked him to a future Chris Paul.\u00a0 After last night (Smart’s 26 points was his career high) I can see that he won’t be the point guard of a Paul, even a Westbrook. But his physicality, his improved 3-point shot, his toughness on defense, and most importantly, his “Russell Westbrook” all-out\u00a0hustle and never give up\u00a0quarter is just like that of the greats such as number “0”.\u00a0 If it plays out in\u00a0future years,\u00a0Smart will be the leader of the Celtics and will be looked\u00a0upon as one of the best players the league. Last night in the gym he says he likes to play in, I was the best player on the court.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Above photo:\u00a0 Marcus Smart scored 16 points on 9 of 14 shooting,\u00a0eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal\u00a0in the Thunder\u2019s 100-85 loss to the Boston Celtics Sunday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n