Joe Mazzulla Sends Message on Jordan Walsh’s Impact
Walsh's defense was key
Joe Mazzulla Sends Message on Jordan Walsh’s Impact originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Coming into the Boston Celtics ’ game against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, March 27, Jordan Walsh had been glued to the bench for the past six games.
The defensive-minded forward has struggled for playing time since Jayson Tatum returned to the rotation, with both rookie Hugo Gonzalez and two-way forward Ron Harper Jr. earning minutes over him. However, Walsh found himself back in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation against Atlanta, earning 27 minutes of playing time.
The third-year forward made a notable impact on the defensive end, using his physicality and length to impact drives, shots and make life difficult for the Hawks on the perimeter. During his postgame news conference, Mazzulla detailed what Walsh brought to the floor during the Celtics’ 109-102 win over a Hawks roster that was 14-1 in its past 15 games. “It (Walsh’s performance) was huge,” Mazzulla said.
“Games call for toughness and physicality, and that’s something that he brings, so credit to him. The professionalism to stay ready over the course of the season says a lot about him. And I thought he gave us some great minutes tonight, great energy, and great physicality.