With Kristaps Porzingis unavailable, the Celtics trusted Xavier Tillman Sr. to step up off the bench. As he's done throughout his career, he delivered, helping Boston move within one win of becoming champions.
Their primary motivation at the trade deadline was bolstering its depth at center, acquiring an individual it could trust if called upon in the playoffs.
"I knew that when I saw Maxi Kleber go to the block, that I was going to shoot regardless of anything," said Tillman after a"And then their bench was talking. So it was cool to hit it and be able to look at the bench as well. But to hear the bench going crazy on our end, guys like Svi "Those are my SRG guys. Day-in day-out, we go to war with each other to try to better each other to be ready for whoever's name gets called. So, for them to celebrate with me is pretty cool.
Tillman told Inside The Celtics of the difference his experience against and familiarity with Dallas helped him rise to the occasion on Wednesday, "A ton. I couldn't tell you how many times I played against them -- maybe like ten or eight or so. I've played against the Mavs a lot. In his rookie season, his best friend and former collegiate teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr. injured his meniscus, thrusting Tillman into the starting lineup. His sophomore campaign required him to endure mostly being out of the Grizzlies' rotation. Last year, Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams went down, presenting another opportunity for the 25-year-old center.
While appreciated, it often isn't the case. He's sat through nine games without getting in this postseason. He's played in seven matchups in a run on the verge of a championship. "If you're not playing, that's you encouraging your teammates. Just owning your role and doing everything you're supposed to do within it."While his experiences have allowed him to embrace a difficult role and consistently come through when asked to step up, Tillman finds himself on a team that's madeone of the themes of its season, with everyone up and down the roster prioritizing what's best for the collective.
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