When Payton Pritchard was ruled out with left ankle soreness ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, the question wasn’t if the Boston Celtics would adjust - it was how. And the answer came in the form of second-year swingman Baylor Scheierman, who stepped into the starting lineup and made the most of the opportunity.
Now, let’s be clear: this game was never close. From the opening tip, Boston dominated wire to wire. But even in a blowout, there are performances worth spotlighting - and Scheierman’s effort deserves that shine.
After logging just five minutes in Thursday’s win over the Heat, Scheierman didn’t just fill a spot in the starting five - he owned it. He played with the kind of poise and purpose that coaches love to see from a young player trying to carve out a bigger role. His impact wasn’t flashy, but it was smart, steady, and exactly what the Celtics needed to keep the engine running smoothly.
Scheierman got things going early with a no-hesitation three for Boston’s first bucket of the game - a confident stroke that set the tone for his night. From there, he settled into his role as a connector on offense, keeping the ball moving and making the right reads.
One of the highlights came in the first half when he delivered a crisp kick-out pass to Sam Hauser, who knocked down one of his 10 threes on the night. That’s the kind of play that doesn’t always show up in the headlines, but it speaks volumes about Scheierman’s feel for the game.
And while the offense was solid, it was his defense and hustle that really stood out. The former Creighton star came away with three steals, including a savvy swipe on Jalen Johnson that helped spark a transition three from Anfernee Simons. That play came during a key stretch in the second quarter when the Celtics were just starting to blow the game open - and Scheierman’s instincts helped push the momentum further in Boston’s favor.
He also pulled down seven rebounds - a quiet but important contribution on a night when Boston struggled at times to finish defensive possessions. For a team that prides itself on two-way play and positional versatility, Scheierman’s ability to rebound, defend, and make smart decisions with the ball fits right into the Celtics’ DNA.
By the end of the night, Scheierman had put together a well-rounded stat line: nine points, seven boards, four assists, and three steals in 32 minutes. His plus/minus took a hit during garbage time when the Hawks trimmed the deficit, but that doesn’t take away from the work he put in when the game was still in hand.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has praised Scheierman throughout the season for his effort and basketball IQ - and performances like this show exactly why. He’s not just out there to fill minutes; he’s making an impact in the margins, doing the little things that help good teams stay great.
Scheierman said it himself back on Media Day: he wants to be a defensive playmaker and use his instincts to affect the game. That’s exactly what he did on Saturday.
With the Celtics continuing to chase elite-level consistency and depth, nights like this from Baylor Scheierman are a reminder that their bench isn’t just deep - it’s smart, tough, and ready when called upon. If he keeps stacking performances like this, don’t be surprised if his minutes start trending upward.