Sports
Baylor Scheierman Shines with Career-High in Celtics’ Victory

BOSTON, March 18, 2025 — In a standout performance, rookie Baylor Scheierman scored a career-high 20 points, leading the Boston Celtics to a 104-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. This game was particularly significant as the Celtics rested their top two players, giving Scheierman a chance to shine and impress fans at TD Garden.
Coach Joe Mazzulla praised Scheierman for his effort, emphasizing that while his scoring was commendable, it was his defensive tenacity and rebounding that stood out. ‘The 3s are a plus. To me it was the defensive effort and the offensive rebounding and the toughness that he played with,’ Mazzulla said, highlighting Scheierman’s overall impact on the game.
With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown sidelined due to injuries, Scheierman capitalized on increased playing time, showcasing his willingness to fight for every loose ball. Mazzulla expressed his appreciation for the work ethic Scheierman demonstrated. ‘Whoever’s out there, we have an expectation and a trust that they’ll do what it takes to win,’ he added.
A critical moment in the game came at the end of the third quarter when Scheierman drained a 3-pointer as time expired, putting the Celtics ahead 71-70. This momentum carried into the fourth quarter, where he added three more of his career-best six 3-pointers, contributing 13 points in the final period alone.
‘It’s pretty special. When I hit that buzzer-beater and the crowd was going crazy, that was probably a top three environment that I’ve ever been a part of,’ Scheierman reflected after the game. Despite spending much of the season in the NBA Development League with the Maine Celtics, his performance in just his 19th game helped showcase his potential.
Scheierman found joy in his gameplay, noting the importance of feeling free on the court. ‘It’s a lot of fun when it slows down and you feel like you’re just out there playing free and playing loose,’ he said. His contributions may prove crucial as the Celtics aim for back-to-back titles and their 19th championship banner.
As Tatum and Brown prepare to return, Mazzulla understands the value of having a player like Scheierman on the roster. ‘He’s got high-level toughness to him. He’s got a good basketball IQ. To me it’s just the consistency and the patience,’ Mazzulla remarked. ‘You can’t get discouraged. You’re not defined by one day, two days. It’s really just a process and the small moments you have, you’ve got to take advantage of them.’