Walsh’s clutch three sparks unconventional Celtics lineup in win over Magic
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The Boston Celtics leaned on their lesser-used players Sunday night and still secured a 111-107 road victory over the Orlando Magic.
Rookie forward Jordan Walsh buried a corner three with 12.4 seconds remaining to put Boston up by five, capping a fourth quarter in which Walsh, fellow reserve Hugo Gonzalez and center Luka Garza logged more minutes than Jaylen Brown. Walsh, a 27.8 percent career three-point shooter, said he was surprised to get the ball on the decisive possession. “I was like, Oh, my goodness,” he noted afterward.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla, operating without four rotation players from last season and still missing Jayson Tatum (torn Achilles), has shuffled lineups through the first 11 games. “That’s just what we have to do to build trust in those moments,” Mazzulla said. “They delivered, and that’s it.”
Simons ignites early offense
Anfernee Simons erupted for 25 points in his first 14 minutes, helping Boston establish a cushion before halftime. He went scoreless after the break, but Mazzulla explained that Orlando’s adjustments to Simons’ hot start opened cleaner looks for other Celtics. “When he gets in a rhythm like that, there’s nothing you can do to stop him,” Garza added.
Garza posts season highs
Garza finished with season bests of 16 points and eight rebounds. The performance followed a four-game stretch in which he shot 1-for-10 and Boston was outscored by 43 during his 46 total minutes. “Effort is a non-negotiable,” Garza said. “That’s what we try to bring every time we step on the floor.”
Tillman returns to active list
Backup center Xavier Tillman did not play but was available after missing Friday’s contest for personal reasons.
Source: HoopsRumors
