Coming into the Eastern Conference Finals, the big talk was the matchup between Marcus Morris and LeBron James. Before the series even started, Morris let the trash talking begin saying he thought he was the second-best in the league, at guarding James.

“I’m a little older, a little more experienced,” said Morris via Chris Forsberg of ESPN. Personally, I think I’m probably the best guy defending him in the league, outside of Kawhi.”

Morris drew the start in Game 1 to match up against James, and he didn't disappoint. Morris finished the game +25, while James finished the game a -32.

One of the big reasons James finished a -32 was because of how Morris was able to guard him. Morris guarded him on 24 plays, and only gave up five points, and held LeBron to 2-6 from the field.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks to pass in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum issues 7-word message on Achilles injury rehabDaniel Donabedian ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Shaquille O’Neal throws shade at Celtics’ Jayson Tatum’s HOF credentialsZachary Howell ·
Jaylen Brown photoshopped in Spurs jersey
Spurs’ trade proposal for Jaylen Brown if Celtics blow it upBailey Bassett ·
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (middle left) and forward Tari Eason (middle right) hold towels on their faces during game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Rockets ‘anticipating’ Celtics trade talksDavid Yapkowitz ·
image thumbnail
Celtics rumors: Will Boston target rising center prospect in NBA Draft?Owen Crisafulli ·
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and center Al Horford (42) and guard Jrue Holiday (4) react in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Insider suggests Knicks could steal Celtics veteranMalik Brown ·

Morris wasn't only good on the defensive side of the floor. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds while hitting 3-4 from deep.

In this series for the Celtics to be successful, it's going to come down to the matchup between James and Morris. If Morris could lock him down like he did in Game 1, it won't matter if he scores zero points, that's all the Celtics need. The 21 points and 10 rebounds he added is all just a bonus at this point.

The big question now facing these two is how will each person respond in Game 2. Will James find a way to get past Morris and make life difficult for the Celtics, or is Morris going to lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals?