Baylor Scheierman's breakout is a bigger deal than Celtics fans even realize

The Baylor Scheierman story has been nothing short of amazing for the Boston Celtics. He showed glimpses of being a legitimate NBA player towards the end of his rookie season, and he's only capitalized as the Celtics have gradually increased his role.

His game against the Oklahoma City last night showcased his two-way abilities, highlighted specifically by the work he did on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on both ends of the floor.

Know what's even crazier? He pulled this off against SGA and the Thunder in their previous matchup against the Celtics.

Know what's even crazier crazier? Scheierman has been doing this against some of the NBA's very best. He looked his best in what may have been Boston's best win of the season, sure, but he's also shown nothing's been too hard a challenge for him anytime the Celtics have set him up for one.

Look at his defense from the Celtics matchup vs. the Lakers back in February. Luka Doncic got the best of him a few times (only a few), and even so, Scheierman was not phased by Luka's wizardry. Even when he was switched on LeBron, Scheierman held his ground.

This is the kind of development Boston wants to see from their role players. The fact that Scheierman is not afraid to stop the best the opposition has to throw at him and the Celtics while also not afraid to take the big shots when asked to shows he's a perfect fit for the Celtics culture, which is bad news for the rest of the NBA.

An injury & demotion hasn't fazed him at all

When Jayson Tatum returned, it meant Scheierman would be relegated back to a bench role. To have that happen after just suffering a fractured thumb would usually be such a downer for a sophomore like Scheierman who was just coming into his own.

Instead, Scheierman has had pretty much his best month as a Celtic in March. In nearly 27 minutes a game, he is averaging 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field and 39.7% from three.

In fact, despite taking on a bench role, Scheierman has actually only averaged more minutes despite technically not being a starter, signifying that Boston has only trusted him more and more this season.

Games like last night proved the moment doesn't get to Scheierman, and his progress as a player this month alone should give Boston the confidence to keep seeing it through. It hasn't just been his production, but his character that has really shone through.

And hey, regardless of how this season turns out, he gave the team an iconically simplistic celebration.