Celtics' Defensive Duo Shines in Victory Over Suns
In a commanding 97-81 victory against the Phoenix Suns, the Boston Celtics showcased their defensive prowess, highlighted by a memorable sequence involving Ron Harper Jr. and Baylor Scheierman. Late in the third quarter, a turnover by Payton Pritchard set the stage for a thrilling defensive stand.
As Suns' Jamaree Bouyea charged down the court, Scheierman expertly maintained his position, arms raised, avoiding contact. Meanwhile, Harper, in just his second NBA start, sprinted back to deliver a game-changing block on Bouyea’s layup attempt.
The play didn’t end there-Hugo Gonzalez grabbed the rebound and converted it into a layup, pushing the Celtics' lead to 23.
While Harper’s block was the highlight, Scheierman’s role was equally crucial. His disciplined defense forced Bouyea into a tough shot, exemplifying the teamwork that’s been a hallmark of the Celtics this season. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the importance of such plays, noting, “Those plays are super important... it’s not just that guy that gets the block - it’s just as important to protect the rim.”
The synergy between Harper and Scheierman speaks volumes about the Celtics' defensive success. The pair first crossed paths in the 2024 Summer League, with Scheierman freshly drafted and Harper recovering from a shoulder injury. Both spent significant time in the G League during the 2024-2025 season, honing their skills before making an impact with the Celtics.
In Tuesday’s game, Harper, still on a two-way contract, contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block over 30 minutes. His performance drew praise from teammate Sam Hauser, who remarked, “There’s no skipping of the beats... he’s a great defender, and he helps us in a lot of different ways.”
Scheierman also impressed, recording a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, along with 2 assists and a steal in 32 minutes. Hauser lauded his versatility, saying, “He can do a little bit of everything... he’s a really well-rounded player, and he’s been defending his butt off.”
Though Harper is expected to return to the bench upon Jaylen Brown’s recovery, and Scheierman’s minutes might decrease with Jayson Tatum’s anticipated return, their contributions on Tuesday were undeniable. Their on-court chemistry and defensive tenacity have been instrumental in Boston achieving the league’s best defense over the past month and the 8th-best defensive rating overall.
Derrick White also highlighted the significance of their teamwork: “It’s huge... that’s the kind of thing we talk about all the time - it’s a team effort, every time down the court.”
This dynamic duo’s performance is a testament to the Celtics' commitment to defense and teamwork, setting a high standard as they continue their pursuit of excellence this season.