Celtics anticipate ‘heavyweight punch’ in Game 2 against Cavs

The assignment for Boston Celtics forward Marcus Morris in his first start this post-season was easy to explain but nearly impossible to execute: Guard LeBron James and keep the four-time NBA MVP from running the Celtics out of their own gym in the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals for the second year in a row.

“He’s obviously the best player in the game,” said Morris, who during the week boasted that he was up to the challenge and on Sunday night explained why he wanted it. “Because I’m a competitor. He’s the best player, and I’m going to be able to tell my kids this one day.”

Morris scored 21 points and added 10 rebounds while pestering James into a playoff-high seven turnovers — and a playoff-low 15 points — and the Celtics opened a 21-point, first-quarter lead to scorch Cleveland 108-83 in Game 1. Game 2 is tonight, again in Boston.