On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Boston Celtics secured a win over the Orlando Magic at the second time of asking. Joe Mazzulla’s team had lost to the same opponent just two days prior, marking their first NBA Cup loss of the season.
Jordan Walsh came off the bench to make a big impact, including a dagger three late in the game. During his postgame news conference, Walsh credited the advice and leadership of Jayson Tatum behind the scenes.
“He’s a coach/hype man/ leader,” Walsh said. “He’s kind of doing it all. Obviously, everyone respects him and his opinion. Respects what he has to say. So, every time he pulls me aside, I listen, because it could help me for this game, the next game, or for my career.”
Walsh ended the night with 6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. He shot 66.7% from the field, with both of his makes coming from three-point range. The young forward appears to have leapfrogged Chris Boucher in the rotation in recent games and is starting to make an impact off the bench.
The Celtics Have Two High-Energy Wings
In Walsh and Josh Minott, the Celtics have two high-energy wings to call upon. There’s a level of crossover in the skill set both players bring to the court, which allows Joe Mazuzlla to plug-and-play his forwards without much drop-off in intensity, ball-pressure and offensive scoring.
Walsh, a third-year member of the Celtics roster, is currently playing for his future with the franchise. He has a team option on his contract for next season, worth $2.2 million. And, being in his third year, must prove that he can cut it at the NBA level.
In fairness, Walsh has been impactful whenever he’s checked into the game. His size and length allow him to be disruptive in the passing lanes, and his athleticism is a huge plus to a Celtics team that is getting downhill more frequently than in previous years.
Joe Mazzulla Praised Jordan Walsh After The Game
During his own postgame news conference, Joe Mazzulla was full of praise for Walsh and the impact he made on the game.
“You have to have that type of sense of urgency,” Mazzulla said. “He’s turned it on and he’s had that sense of urgency as if he’s playing like his basketball life is on the line. One of the reasons I trusted him and went with him is because of his work ethic behind the scenes. His body language and work ethic never changed when he wasn’t playing…He’s done a great job of just doing it. He’s gotta keep it up.”
The Celtics will be back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 11, when they face the Philadelphia 76ers for the third time this season. Boston is 1-1 against its conference rivals to begin the new basketball year, having lost on opening night, but secured a win in the opening game of their NBA Cup run.
Given Walsh’s current production, it’s safe to assume that he will be part of the rotation in some form, most likely when coming off the bench.
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