Jordan Walsh didn’t mince words before Wednesday night’s matchup between the Celtics and Bulls at TD Garden. The rookie wing made it clear he wasn’t about to take it easy on his former Boston teammate, Anfernee Simons - and then he went out and backed it up on the floor.
Walsh came off the bench with energy, purpose, and a little extra motivation, helping turn the tide in a game that quickly got away from Chicago. His defensive pressure on Simons - particularly disrupting his handle - helped spark a Celtics run that the Bulls never recovered from. Boston cruised to a 124-105 win, and Walsh’s fingerprints were all over it.
After the game, Walsh was candid about the competitive edge he brought into the matchup.
“On the court, obviously, he’s my enemy, for sure,” Walsh said. “I don’t feel like I destroyed him, but I definitely got a little lick back for sure.”
That “lick back” came in the form of a stat line that turned heads: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks - all off the bench. Simons, now starting for Chicago, finished with 7 points, 5 boards, and a single assist. It was a clear win for Walsh in the individual battle, but there was no bad blood between the two.
“Outside of the game it was good to see him,” Walsh added, showing that the mutual respect remains intact despite the on-court rivalry.
What’s even more impressive is how Walsh has embraced his role within a Celtics team that continues to roll through the season with confidence and cohesion. He spoke about the culture that’s taken root in Boston - a culture built on accountability, sacrifice, and seizing opportunity.
“I think everybody’s taking [Boston’s success this season] with a huge level of pride,” Walsh said. “Everybody has kind of accepted a role.
Everybody plays a role. Nothing is really guaranteed.”
That mindset has been a hallmark of this Celtics squad. From the stars to the last man on the bench, everyone’s bought in. For players like Walsh, it’s about making the most of every minute on the floor - and making it impossible for the coaching staff to keep you off it.
“It’s just going in and playing as much as you can, and trying to be as successful as you can,” he said. “Then maybe, if you do good enough, it gets extended. That’s what you want - and so I think everybody plays that part.”
Walsh is doing more than just playing his part - he’s growing into it. And if Wednesday night was any indication, he’s got the mindset and motor to be a real difference-maker down the stretch.