DORCHESTER — Tuesday afternoon saw a heated battle. Two Boston Celtics players going head-to-head in the toughest of competitions. It was a fray that involved scheming, trash talk, and even peeking into huddles. Xavier Tillman and Jordan Walsh were willing to do whatever it took to win. But only one guy came out on top.
The two Celtics were at the YMCA in Dorchester for the 2025 “Fit to Win” nutrition event presented by the Celtics and Sun Life. Twenty elementary school and middle school youth from the Y participated, making healthy appetizers and desserts for a panel of judges to taste test.
Walsh’s team came out on top, but Tillman wasn’t thrilled with the results.
Tillman and Walsh competed in Celtics 'Fit to Win' event
“Jordan was being too bossy over the food,” Tillman said with a smile. “I watched his kids over there shed a tear that they couldn't really help. He wasn't allowing them to help. He was really taking over. And that's really cheating, if you ask me. So, no gripes here. I just don't cheat.”
Jordan Walsh’s team got the win.
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) March 11, 2025
Perfect score both rounds. https://t.co/XQpP6NrQvl pic.twitter.com/h2sfR2I02n
Jokes aside, both players were greeted with smiles and excitement when Tillman and Walsh walked in the room. “I play with him on 2K,” one kid said, pointing in awe at Tillman.
They immediately got in the mix, helping two groups of kids make their plates of food. Walsh’s team earned perfect scores both rounds, while Tillman was handed a couple of fours (out of five).
And while the competition itself was the star of the event, and Tillman may not have been thrilled with the result, both guys helped fulfill its purpose.
“The Fit to Win youth fitness program is aimed at improving the health and well-being of elementary school and middle school students at participating YMCA locations,” the Celtics wrote in a press release.
Both Celtics spoke with the kids about health, nutrition, and food, even noting what their go-to meals to cook are. Tillman went with a whole breakfast platter, naming everything from eggs (only scrambled), waffles, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and fruit. Walsh, on the other hand, kept it simple: Steak, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.
They also shared what some of their favorite foods were growing up.
“My mom used to always make, I call them greasy tacos, which is really just like corn flour tacos, just kind of fried,” Tillman said. “Literally cheese and meat. And so, for me, that's like a reminder of home, if I ever get those type of meals.”
“My mom loves making salmon,” Walsh said. “Real chef. That’s where I got it from.”
By the time the day wrapped, there were smiles on everyone’s faces, though only one team got the win—and one team left with plenty of accusations to go around.