For several weeks, many have been pointing the finger at the Celtics' inability to make a difference in money time, and more precisely on the last possessions. And then, last night, after wasting a 19-point lead, and even seeing the Kings go ahead, the Celtics snatched the victory on a basket of… Xavier Tillman !
Everyone had forgotten that he had joined Boston during the season, but the former Grizzlies interior proved that he was not afraid to take responsibility with less than 10 seconds remaining. After the match, Tillman confided that it was his first “game winner” since college, and a victorious shot against Illinois, in the colors of Michigan State.
“It was really cool, especially for us to fight because they came back and have the mental toughness to not let it get down and stay mentally tough and have everyone keep their cool,” Tillman points out. “Well done to Payton (Pritchard), who talked to us and kept us loose, calm and relaxed.”
The roles reversed
Tillman, Pritchard or even Kornet… While his team had just wasted a good lead, Joe Mazzulla decided to trust his replacements. On the bench, Jayson Tatum but also Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Al Horford. “Cheerleaders” during “money time”, they were able to see that their understudies had the guts to snatch victory.
“It was great to have the opportunity to do that,” confirms the hero of the evening. “Since it was crunch time, I was really focused. The crowd was loud, but I was really focused, so it didn't bother me too much. But it was good training to become aware of what awaits us and to demonstrate mental strength. »
