Baylor Scheierman is a winning player. It's repeatedly evident when he gets his opportunities. He's a reliable shooter with an exceptional feel for the game. That, paired with his physical transformation, has turned him into a versatile defender who has earned his team's trust against top-scoring options. Beyond that, he's an excellent offensive rebounder, and he makes plays off the dribble.
While the second-year wing had early-season success in limited reps guarding Tyrese Maxey, as the Boston Celtics' last meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers before the playoffs highlighted, their star guard's speed makes that a difficult matchup for Scheierman. That's not unique to him. After all, the soon-to-be All-NBA selection was a top-five scorer this year. However, when Joe Mazzulla goes to his bench, he has more equipped options like Jordan Walsh to turn to.
Still, when Scheierman gets his number called, he delivers. Game 3 provided the latest example of that.
Baylor Scheierman bringing a HUGE spark off the bench pic.twitter.com/D211Hfsxyk
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 24, 2026
The former Creighton Bluejay checked in and quickly buried a no-dip 3 from the corner. Shortly after that, he flew in for an offensive rebound, which led to Derrick White knocking down a shot from beyond the arc. He finished with six points on 2/4 shooting, two offensive rebounds, and two steals in 12 minutes.
"What he's done all year for us," said Joe Mazzulla while discussing Scheierman's impact in Game 3 a day after Boston's 108-100 victory. "He's done a great job defensively. He's had some really good possessions against their guys offensively, making shots, and really, offensive rebounds. As soon as he got in, [he] had two big offensive rebounds for us, hit two catch-and-shoot shots, and on the defensive end, [he] executes our system and the game plan very well. So, just very consistent throughout the season and in the role that we need him to play."
Scheierman could make a greater impact with increased playing time
However, the reality is that the Celtics' star wings, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are going to get the bulk of the minutes. Sam Hauser is now a member of the first unit. And even with him logging only 18 minutes, the job Walsh did against Maxey warrants him getting minutes before Scheierman.
Walsh limited Maxey to four points on 1/5 shooting. It takes a team effort, but he was the tip of the spear that slowed down the former Kentucky star in the third quarter after he put 10 points on the board. That performance helped swing the outcome of a win that allowed Boston to regain series control, taking a 2-1 lead.
However, what Scheierman reinforced when he got his opportunity is that when Joe Mazzulla calls his number, he'll be ready. He's a player the Celtics know they can count on to make winning plays at both ends of the floor.
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