Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell was asked on Monday about the play of Lamar Stevens since moving into the starting lineup.
(via Bally Sports Ohio):
“He’s Mr. Everything. He’s guarding. He’s running the floor. He’s making the extra effort. He’s holding us accountable. He came in the huddle and said I was getting my a** busted when they scored on me twice. I don’t think anybody scored on me after that. You need a guy like that. I respect that and appreciate that. It wasn’t just me, he’s told others. But when you have a guy that’s vocal about that, and not afraid to speak to everybody on the team in the same way, it kinda lifts you up and gets your energy up. And I think that’s what he brings. He brings a voice that’s definitely needed. An attitude, a positivity, accountability, as well. So it’s not always coming from JB.
“On the defensive end, he held an All-Star guard in Dejounte Murray to 4-18. He did a great job on the ball and made tonight tough on him. He’s done that on several occasions. You’re seeing him play well in his minutes, in spots. I keep telling him to shoot the ball. He shot fakes a lot. I just keep telling him to shoot it and trust it. And that’s gonna come with time. When you get out there, you want to make the right play all the time, but sometimes the right play is letting it fly. Him and Isaac Okoro are always the first ones in the gym every day. Shooting the three ball, getting extra work in. So it’s great to see them two, especially. But for Lamar to join our starting lineup and to excel, and have success, it’s great to see.”
