Over the first 29 days of November, 442 NBA players saw more court time than Xavier Tillman. That’s not a typo - the Celtics big man, once expected to play a more prominent role this season, spent most of the month as a spectator in uniform.
Nine DNPs in an 11-game stretch. Just 13 total minutes from Nov. 1 through Nov.
- For a guy looking to rebound from an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, that’s a tough pill.
But the NBA is all about staying ready. And when opportunity finally knocked, Tillman answered - loudly.
With both Neemias Queta and Derrick White sidelined for Sunday’s road game in Cleveland, Tillman made the leap from benchwarmer to starter. The 26-year-old didn’t just fill a spot - he made a statement. In 30 minutes, he posted nine points, six rebounds (three of them on the offensive glass), three steals, and a block in a gritty 117-115 win over a Cavaliers team that came in favored.
It was Tillman’s most impactful night in a Celtics uniform. His first 30-minute outing since January - back when he was still in Memphis - and his first nine-point game since April.
He even nearly added a three-pointer to the tally, but the shot came a half-second too late to beat the halftime buzzer. Still, the three steals alone matched his total from his other eight appearances this season combined.
Talk about making up for lost time.
After the game, teammates and coaches didn’t hold back their appreciation. Both Payton Pritchard and head coach Joe Mazzulla called Tillman “professional” - a nod to the way he’s stayed locked in despite the lack of playing time. Anfernee Simons echoed the sentiment ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with the Knicks, saying Tillman’s approach is a model for younger players.
“He’s just a true professional,” said Simons, Boston’s sixth man. “Always staying in tune with what the team needs, even if he’s not playing.
You saw that last game - he gets thrown into the starting lineup, plays well, and helps us get a big-time win against a good team. That’s the kind of guy you want in your locker room.
That’s how you build a winning culture.”
Queta Earning His Keep - and Then Some
Neemias Queta was back in the lineup Tuesday night, and while he didn’t suit up against his former team, he still got a glowing review from someone who knows him well: Knicks head coach Mike Brown.
Brown coached Queta during his stint in Sacramento and had high praise for the 7-footer’s growth in Boston.
“He’s 7 feet, he’s got great feet, he’s a vertical threat, rebounds, finishes around the hoop,” Brown said. “I’m just happy he’s getting a chance to show what he can do.
Looks like he’s found a home in Boston, and they’re doing a great job developing him. I don’t like coaching against him because he can change a game in so many ways.”
Queta’s journey has been a quiet rise. After being waived by the Kings in September 2023, he landed in Boston on a two-way deal. Since then, he’s climbed the depth chart, earned a full contract, and now finds himself as a starter - filling in for Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet when needed.
And he’s not just surviving - he’s thriving. Queta currently ranks top-10 in the league in defensive rating, net rating, and offensive rebounding percentage. For a guy who was cut loose just over a year ago, that’s a remarkable turnaround.
“He’s going to be good for the Celtics for many years to come,” Brown said. “That’s a credit to Brad Stevens and the coaching staff for finding talent and helping it grow.”
Injury Updates and Roster Notes
Derrick White also returned Tuesday after missing one game with a calf contusion, giving Boston a nearly full roster - with the notable exception of Jayson Tatum, who remains out with an Achilles injury.
As for the Knicks, they were without starting wing OG Anunoby (hamstring), who hasn’t played since Nov. 14, and Landry Shamet (shoulder), sidelined since Nov. 22.
Mazzulla Moves On
Joe Mazzulla isn’t one to dwell on the past - and that includes Boston’s six-game loss to the Knicks in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals. When asked Tuesday if he’d reviewed the tape, the Celtics head coach was blunt.
“Just kind of moved on and got to the next thing,” he said.
Mike Brown, who wasn’t part of that series - he was hired by New York in July after the team parted ways with Tom Thibodeau - shared his thoughts on how Boston has evolved.
“Joe’s done a fantastic job since he got here,” Brown said. “They probably didn’t start the way they wanted this season, but now they’re finding their rhythm - even without Tatum. Before the injury, you look at the roster Brad Stevens built - it’s deep, it’s talented, and on any given night, they can beat you by 30.”
Brown added that the NBA is all about adjustments, and Boston’s shown it knows how to adapt. “Joe knows it, the players know it - they’re going to be fine.”
Around the Rim
Danilo Gallinari officially closed the book on his playing career Tuesday. The veteran forward, acquired by Boston in 2022, never suited up for the Celtics after tearing his ACL before the season.
He was later traded to Washington as part of the deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston and Marcus Smart to Memphis. Gallinari, 37, finished his career playing in Puerto Rico with Vaqueros de Bayamon.
The Celtics paid tribute to the longtime NBA sharpshooter with a congratulatory message.
Also spotted at TD Garden on Tuesday: Knicks superfan Spike Lee, ever loyal, ever vocal.