The Boston Celtics challenged all notions questioning their depth when rookie forward Baylor Scheierman took the floor for Tuesday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden.
Scheierman, selected in the first round (30th overall) of last year’s NBA draft, spent most of the season developing with the organization’s G League affiliate in Maine. He’s patiently awaited for the call to contribute and with co-stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both sidelined for Boston’s regular-season finale with Brooklyn, Scheierman was given the green light by head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Hyped up with the “F-U mentality” Mazzulla claimed powers Scheierman, the 24-year-old supplied the Celtics with a critical boost amid their 104-96 victory over the Nets — Boston’s eighth win in its last nine games and 50th overall.
“You kind of have to have that mentality to make it in this league with a lot of talented players,” Scheierman told reporters, per CLNS Media. “And every time I step out on that court, I’m trying to go 110% and play as hard as I can regardless of the score or who we’re playing, and just trying to put my best foot forward every single time.”
Scheierman channeled his inner Creighton sharpshooter self, scoring a career-high 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field across 16 minutes off the bench. He knocked down 6-of-7 threes, including an insane buzzer-beater to end the third quarter and a deep off-the-dribble heave in the fourth quarter. Boston’s TD Garden crowd erupted in a playoff-like fashion in response to Scheierman’s career performance, which the rookie greatly appreciated.
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“It’s pretty special,” Scheierman noted. “When I hit that buzzer-beater and the crowd was going crazy, that was probably a top-three environment I’ve ever been a part of, and obviously I’ve played in a lot of big games. It’s just special and that’s obviously what makes Boston so elite and the best sports town in the country — best city in the country.”
It was a breakout seemingly out of the blue in the eyes of everyone watching from afar, but the Celtics weren’t surprised watching Scheierman tap into his potential. He shot with confidence and energy, and didn’t forget to taunt Brooklyn’s bench to let the opposing side feel his presence.
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“He did great, honestly,” Kristaps Porzingis said, per NBC Sports Boston. “You could tell early in the season he wasn’t as comfortable yet, which is completely normal coming into a team like this. Getting that first opportunity, it’s tough and to have this type of a game. But the more experience he’s getting and being in Maine and playing in the G League and coming back up and getting another shot, and there you go. One thing you can’t say about him is that he doesn’t play hard. He plays really hard and I think the fans see that and they appreciate that.”
Scheierman shot 39% from three across five college seasons, split with South Dakota State and Creighton. With the Bluejays, Scheierman became the first Division I men’s basketball player to surpass 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 three-pointers, averaging 18.5 points during his final year at Creighton.
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The work has continued for Scheierman in Maine, as he’s built comfort and re-established his confidence, averaging 20.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists through 14 games. Mazzulla and Boston’s staff have kept a close eye on Scheierman throughout the process and like what they’ve seen so far.
“I think he’s just a tough kid that continues to work,” Mazzulla said, per NBC Sports Boston. “I think it’s the culture of our whole employment staff, (it) does a great job. Craig (Luschenat) and the guys do a great job just kind of creating an environment of learning, an environment of work ethic, regardless of what’s going on and keeping those guys ready. So Baylor was next on the list along with the other guys and he delivered tonight so it’s a credit to him, a credit to the staff.”
