Walsh Steps Up as Celtics Hold Off Knicks
So, the story coming out of the Celtics–Knicks game is all about Jordan Walsh and the way he’s suddenly playing with a level of maturity that wasn’t really expected this early in the season. What makes it even more interesting is that Walsh started this year barely seeing the floor. In October, he logged just four minutes across three games. He was basically glued to the bench while the Celtics experimented with rotations and lineups.
But over the last few weeks, things have changed dramatically. Walsh has now started nine straight games, and his impact has been felt most clearly in this latest win against the Knicks at TD Garden. When New York began pushing back in the fourth quarter, it was Walsh who was sent in mid-quarter to help steady things. And from that point on, he was everywhere — fighting for offensive rebounds, finishing put-backs, forcing turnovers, and making the kinds of hustle plays that don’t always show up in the box score but absolutely swing momentum.
Also Read:Jaylen Brown has been credited by Walsh as a big influence, and Brown didn’t shy away from that praise. After dropping a season-high 42 points in the game, Brown said he’s seeing Walsh “play like a grown man.” He talked about how Walsh has come out of his shell, how he’s staying aggressive, and how he’s learning every single day. Coming from one of the team’s leaders, that kind of endorsement carries weight.
Coach Joe Mazzulla also highlighted Walsh’s growth, pointing out that both Walsh and Josh Minott had to evolve quickly because of the way New York defended Brown. The Knicks doubled him possession after possession, which meant others had to make the right reads. When Brown kicked it out of the double team, Walsh found himself in the playmaking role — and he delivered. Two of his passes set up open threes for Minott, one of which dropped. Even when shots didn’t fall, the process was solid.
Walsh’s defensive progress has been just as impressive. His length and physicality have created problems for star players around the league, and he’s developing the instincts needed to survive at the NBA level. There’s still a long road ahead — he’s only 21 — but the early signs point toward someone who could easily be part of the Celtics’ long-term future.
Reflecting on his journey, Walsh admitted he was “a mess” during his rookie year, running around without much direction. Now, he says the game has slowed down for him, and you can see that in how calmly he operates on both ends of the floor. With Jayson Tatum eventually returning at full strength, having a young player who can complement the Celtics’ stars the way Walsh did in this game could make a huge difference as the season goes on.
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