The Boston Celtics picked up a home victory Tuesday night with a 104-96 win over the visiting Brooklyn Nets. This marks Boston’s 50th win of the year with 13 games remaining on the regular season schedule.
Boston was without All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both of whom sat with a knee injury. This left the Celtics looking a little flat on offense at times. Baylor Scheierman was the solution for the guys in green. The rookie had 20 points for the game, scoring an NBA career-high for the former Creighton Blue Jay. Scheierman’s high-energy off the bench on both ends provided a big spark for Boston, and was instrumental in securing a win.
Following the game, Scheierman spoke about staying ready and seizing the opportunity that Tuesday presented.
“You kind of have to have that mentality to make it in this league with a lot of talented players,” Scheierman said. “Every time I step out on that court, I’m trying to go one hundred and ten percent and play as hard as I can regardless of the score or who we’re playing, and just try to put my best foot forward every single time.”
Scheierman, 24, has appeared in 18 games with Boston this season. He’s spent much of this year with the team’s G League affiliate the Maine Celtics, where he’s had more consistent playing time. He has shown good hustle when playing in the Hub, a must for a rookie trying to find playing time on a team this deep.
Tonight against the Nets, Scheierman’s shooting was the headline. He shot 6-for-7 on 3-pointers, and his 20 points is the most by a Boston rookie since Payton Pritchard in 2001. But his hustle and defense were equally important.
The rest of the Celtics took note, celebrating with Scheierman after each shot, including a buzzer-beating 3 at the end of the third quarter.
“I like to have a lot of fun out there,” Scheierman said after the game. “My teammates out there were probably super excited for myself to get the opportunity and just have the game I did.”
It wasn’t just the Celtics players who appreciated Scheierman’s performance. The crowd roared whenever the rookie dove on the floor for a loose ball or connected on a 3.
Scheierman said the fan reaction to the game was one of the highlights of the evening.
“It’s pretty special,” Scheierman said. “When I hit that buzze- beater and the crowd was going crazy, that was probably a top-3 environment I’ve ever been a part of, and I have played in a lot of big games.”
“That’s obviously what makes Boston the best sports town in the country, the best city in the country,” Scheierman added.
The Celtics hit the road for a six-game road trip, the longest of the year. With the regular season winding down, Scheierman could see more playing time, especially if he keeps showing up like this.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics rookie Baylor Scheierman on Boston fans after career night
