Sunday at Rocket Arena was a milestone night for Jordan Walsh. The third-year wing registered his first career double-double. Making his eighth straight start, he generated 14 points and 11 rebounds in the Boston Celtics' 117-115 victory vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That also represents a new career high in scoring for Walsh. He did so on 4/7 shooting, tacking on five more points at the free-throw line. His all-around impact is why he has become a mainstay in the first unit.
"He's learning the understanding of the identity," Joe Mazzulla told Hardwood Houdini while discussing Walsh's growth after a recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers. "The effort that he plays with on the defensive end, the different ways that he could play-make on the offensive end, whether it's screening, whether it's offensive rebounding, knocking down open shots, which he's done. So, he's just getting better and better and gotta keep it up."
The primary trait that propelled the former Arkansas Razorback into the starting lineup is his defense. The six-foot-six wing has showcased impressive versatility at that end of the floor. He has clamped Tyrese Maxey in crunch time, battled successfully against Jaren Jackson Jr. in the low post, and made life difficult for former MVP James Harden.
He's looking more and more like the defensive menace he was in college.
How Jordan Walsh helped the Celtics best the Cavaliers
Beyond his impact on defense, Walsh brings an infusion of energy. His hustle plays include a tremendous effort on the glass. That is helping the Celtics stick with small-ball lineups that have proven productive. Six of his eleven rebounds in Sunday's win vs. the Cavaliers were at the offensive end of the floor.
He also earned a Tommy Point when he wrestled the ball away from De'Andre Hunter after the latter secured the rebound off a missed three-pointer by Anfernee Simons. Walsh ripped the rock out of Hunter's hands, then got fouled by Donovan Mitchell on his layup attempt. That led to Walsh putting two more points on the board. It gave Boston a 94-88 edge with 9:15 remaining in the final frame.
While there is no telling what the other implications of the butterfly effect would be in this scenario, the Celtics won by two points, so subtracting Walsh's ability to pry the ball free and knock down those free throws could have been enough to at least lead to this game going into overtime.
Instead, as he has done since first getting his opportunity this season, Walsh came through for his team.
Now, they get to return home celebrating one of their most impressive and gutsiest wins this season.