Over the primary 29 days of November, 442 NBA gamers logged extra minutes than Xavier Tillman.
Anticipating a bigger function this season after a 2024-25 marketing campaign hindered by accidents, Tillman as an alternative spent a lot of the month glued to the Celtics’ bench. He dressed however didn’t play 9 instances in an 11-game span, seeing a complete of 13 minutes from Nov. 1 via Nov. 29.
Tillman couldn’t crack the rotation when beginning middle Neemias Queta sprained his ankle in a win over the Magic, or when Queta sat out for the primary time this season three nights later. However when each Queta and guard Derrick White have been held out Sunday’s street matchup in Cleveland, Tillman lastly bought his likelihood.
The 26-year-old massive man vaulted from the top of the bench to the beginning lineup and delivered top-of-the-line performances of his Celtics tenure in a 117-115 win over the favored Cavaliers. Tillman completed with 9 factors, six rebounds, three offensive rebounds, three steals and one block in half-hour.
It was the primary time he’d performed half-hour in a sport since January 2024, days earlier than his deadline commerce from Memphis to Boston, and the primary time he’d scored 9 or extra factors since that April. He’d have scored extra had his nook 3-pointer simply earlier than halftime not left his hand a half-second too late. Tillman’s three steals additionally equaled his complete from his different eight 2025-26 appearances mixed.
Payton Pritchard and head coach Joe Mazzulla each used the phrase “skilled” to explain Tillman’s on-the-spot efficiency, lauding his preparedness and team-first perspective. Anfernee Simons did the identical earlier than Tuesday’s sport in opposition to the Knicks at TD Backyard.
Tillman’s dedication behind the scenes, Simons stated, ought to function a mannequin for Boston’s youthful gamers.
“He’s only a true skilled,” the Celtics’ sixth man stated. “Simply at all times staying in tune with the group, what the group needs, regardless that he may not be enjoying that evening. You noticed that final sport — he simply bought thrown into the beginning lineup, performed properly and helped us get a big-time win in opposition to group. These are the kind of teammates you want and gamers you want, particularly for the younger gamers to point out what it takes to be an expert and what it takes to have the ability to stick into the league like this and have the ability to influence successful, even if you’re not enjoying.”
Excessive reward for Queta
Queta returned to the lineup Tuesday evening – and acquired a glowing evaluation from his former head coach.
Knicks bench boss Mike Brown, who coached Queta with Sacramento in 2022-23, stated he’s loved seeing the 7-footer thrive in his first season as an NBA starter.
“He’s 7 ft, he’s bought nice ft, he’s a vertical risk, (can) rebound, end across the hoop,” Brown stated. “I’m simply so pleased for him that he’s capable of showcase his abilities and skill right here in Boston, and that he seems to be like he’s discovered a house, as a result of they’re actually making an attempt to develop him. He looks as if he loves it right here, and he could be actually impactful. … I don’t like enjoying in opposition to him as a result of he can influence the sport in a whole lot of alternative ways.”
The Kings waived Queta in September 2023, and the Celtics signed him to a two-way contract every week later. Since then, he’s earned a everlasting spot on Boston’s roster, a contract extension and, most lately, a promotion to the beginning lineup after backing up Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet final season.
Queta has exceeded expectations in his new function, posting a number of the finest superior metrics of any NBA middle. As of Tuesday, he ranked within the prime 10 within the league in defensive ranking, web ranking and offensive rebounding share.
“He’s going to be good for the Celtics for a few years to come back,” Brown stated, “and that’s only a testomony to Brad (Stevens) and the employees and the teaching employees for locating younger expertise on the market and serving to them develop.”
White additionally returned Tuesday after sitting out one sport with a calf contusion, giving Boston a full roster outdoors of rehabbing celebrity Jayson Tatum (Achilles). The Knicks dominated out beginning wing OG Anunoby (hamstring), who has not performed since Nov. 14, and guard Landry Shamet, who’s been sidelined with a shoulder damage since Nov. 22.
Burn the tape
Mazzulla evidently was not excited by reexamining his group’s six-game upset loss to the Knicks in final season’s Japanese Convention semifinals. He stated Tuesday that he has not watched the playoff collection.
“(I) simply form of moved on and bought to the following factor,” the Celtics coach stated.
Brown didn’t take part in that collection – the Knicks employed him in July after firing former head coach Tom Thibodeau – however he shared his perspective on how the Celtics have modified since then.
“Joe’s a terrific coach, and he’s achieved a improbable job ever since he’s been right here,” Brown stated. “These guys most likely didn’t begin off the best way they needed, however they’re beginning to get their ft beneath them a bit bit and form of discover their method, regardless that they’re lacking a terrific participant in Tatum. Even earlier than Tatum’s damage, you speak about assembling a group, and Brad Stevens put collectively a very, actually, actually deep, good group. Each time they stepped on the ground, they might beat anyone by 30.
“However the league’s about changes. Joe is aware of it, the gamers understand it, and so they’re going to be tremendous.”
Off the rim
Longtime NBA ahead Danilo Gallinari, who was acquired by the Celtics in 2022 however tore his ACL earlier than he might seem in a sport for Boston, introduced his retirement on Tuesday. The Celtics posted a message congratulating Gallinari, whose temporary C’s tenure ended when he was traded to Washington as a part of the 2023 commerce that despatched Marcus Sensible to Memphis and Porzingis to Boston. The 37-year-old performed his last professional season with Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico. … One notable attendee at Tuesday’s sport: Knicks superfan Spike Lee.
