The Boston Celtics’ reserve group secured a 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday, April 12, at TD Garden, led by Baylor Scheierman’s career-high 30 points. Luka Garza added 27 points and Ron Harper Jr. also scored 27 as Boston closed the season on a strong note with its second unit.
Scheierman emphasized the team’s approach entering the matchup and the shared responsibility across the roster. “Yeah, we’re proud of the effort we put out there. I think going into the game we’re expected to go out there and compete and win the game. I know going into the game that was our expectation and we’re excited that we won and honestly just getting ready for playoffs.”
He also pointed to the coaching structure and consistent standards set within the group throughout the season. “It’s just accountability and like you said, Joe sets that and he set that in the preseason with the standard is the standard regardless of who’s in and out of the lineup and I think we did a great job one through 17 of buying into that and you’ve seen that throughout the year when guys are out, people step up and make plays and that was no different tonight.”
On the broader locker room identity, Scheierman highlighted continuity despite early setbacks and rotation changes. “There was no separation in the locker room regardless of what went on in the preseason and even like the rough start we got off to the 0-3 start, there was no separation. And we stayed together and that was kind of how it was through the ups and downs of the whole year.”
He also described his approach with less experienced teammates stepping into larger roles during the game. “At the end of the day I was just telling them to be confident. At the end of the day it is just basketball.”
Scheierman reacted to a late-game sequence involving Luka Garza’s shot in the final minute. “Honestly, I was like he just threw that thing up there. But it was a big time shot. A little catch and keep high but yeah we wanted to get him a three and that’s not necessarily how we had it drawn up to get there.”
He also noted the atmosphere inside TD Garden and the support from fans despite roster absences. “The Garden was packed and it was rocking like it was a must-win game for us.”
Scheierman added that early aggression helped set the tone offensively. “Trying to get downhill and just create some advantages whether that’s for myself or for other guys and was able to get to the free throw line a little bit and kind of maybe soften their shell a little bit which helped us throughout the course of the game.”
