Morris gets start over Baynes in Game 1 vs Cavs

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BOSTON – The Boston Celtics are wasting no time in playing the adjustments game, inserting Marcus Morris into the starting lineup in place of Aron Baynes. 

The move was made in part because of the unique challenge Cleveland presents when Kevin Love is beginning the game at center.

The move also gives Boston a better shot at slowing down LeBron James with Morris the likely Celtic to begin the game defending him. 

In the last matchup against Cleveland, James was 4-for-11 shooting when guarded by Morris according to nba.com/stats.

And in the days leading up to today’s Game 1 matchup, Morris has made no secret about wanting to be on the floor as much as possible to defend James. 

“Personally, I think I’m probably the best guy defending him in the league, outside of Kawhi (Leonard),” Morris told reporters recently. 

While it may come across as being quite boastful, Morris leaves little doubt about the respect he has for James. 

“He’s a load. He’s a load,” Morris told NBC Sports Boston recently. “6-8, 6-9, 260, whatever he is, just come down the lane. Very strong, very aggressive … right up my alley.”

Morris added, “I don’t expect to shut him all the way down until he doesn’t score. I know he’s going to score. My main thing is staying out foul trouble and just eliminating the easy baskets. He’s the best player in the world; he’s gonna score the ball. He’s going to get his team in the game, but my job is to keep making sure he feels me.”

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