Baylor Scheierman shares promising update on thumb injury and celebration

Baylor Scheierman has spent the last six weeks dealing with a fractured left thumb. It'll take him 15 minutes, if not longer, just to put his socks on before games. But once the ball gets tipped, it doesn't seem to faze him. The only signs of his injury are the splint he sports and when he holds his thumb to the sky after burying a 3.

It's a testament to the unflappable nature and competitive spirit that Hardwood Houdini spoke to the Boston Celtics' second-year wing about before their game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

Scheierman also provided an update on his recovery as the Celtics get ready for the playoffs and aim to provide a Hollywood ending to their championship chase.

"It's getting better. I don't have to wear the splint all the time now. I still have to wear it when I'm playing, but not just walking around and stuff like that," said the Nebraska native. "I can definitely notice it's getting better. It's definitely not 100 percent, but it's slowly but surely getting better. I'm not really sure exactly the timeline of when it'll feel 100 percent or whatnot, but it's getting better."

Baylor Scheierman's injury hasn't slowed his production

In the 22 games since the injury occurred, the former Creighton star is shooting over 47 percent from the field. That includes knocking down 42.1 percent of the 4.3 shots he is hoisting from beyond the arc. He's averaging 7.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 25.2 minutes of floor time.

His knack for making winning plays and poise under pressure were on display at "The World's Most Famous Arena," as the six-foot-six wing converted on six of the seven shots he attempted after halftime. That includes a pair of crunch-time threes in a final frame where he went 4/4 from the field. He finished with 20 points and four rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench.

"You [have] got to give the young guy, Scheierman, a lot of credit. Because he stepped up and knocked down some big shots to fill that void," said Knicks head coach Mike Brown post-game about Boston's young wing stepping up in Jaylen Brown's absence [left Achilles tendinitis], per FanSided's Kris Pursiainen.

His sharpshooting has created ample opportunities for his new signature celebration. As fans wonder about its longevity as his thumb heals, Scheierman shared an encouraging update on the future of a gesture that quickly gained popularity among the Celtics' fan base.

"Probably," he said when asked if he would continue to do it once his left thumb is fully healthy again. "But I probably won't have the wrap on it anymore, so I don't know if it'll make a difference."

Even without a wrap or a splint, it's a celebration with the staying power to remain his signature celebration. It feels like a great branding opportunity for an individual whose winning intangibles have fueled his evolution into a player enjoying a breakout second season with the Celtics.