Baylor Scheierman Shines As Celtics Dominate Kings At Home

The Boston Celtics continue to showcase their enviable roster depth, and Friday night’s 112-93 triumph over the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden was the latest testament to the team’s next-man-up mentality. With All-Star Jaylen Brown sidelined due to a right knee contusion and a tight left hamstring—his fourth absence of the season—rookie Baylor Scheierman seized the opportunity, making his fourth start since January 12 and delivering a performance that had fans and coaches alike buzzing about his development.

As the Celtics tipped off against a shorthanded Kings squad—missing Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Russell Westbrook and riding a seven-game losing streak—head coach Joe Mazzulla rolled out a starting five of Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Scheierman. The Celtics, sitting at 29-18 before the contest, were looking to build on their solid record, especially with Hauser in the starting lineup, where the team had gone 11-7 this season.

From the opening whistle, Boston imposed its will. The Celtics shot a blistering 71% in the first quarter, with Pritchard leading the way. He finished with a season-high 29 points on 12-16 shooting, including 5-6 from deep, and dished out eight assists. “He was, as they say, locked in, hitting from all over the floor,” observed one local reporter, marveling at Pritchard’s ability to weave through defenders and create offense.

The Celtics’ offensive clinic in the first half, which included 65% shooting overall and 48% from three-point range (11-23), helped them build a commanding 26-point lead at halftime. Boston’s offense was humming, but it was their defensive intensity and hustle that truly separated them from the struggling Kings. Neemias Queta, returning from a one-game illness absence, was a force inside, contributing 10 points, 15 rebounds, three steals, and a block. “Defensively, his ability to protect the rim, our ability to cross-match when he's out there, offensively, his screening vs. different coverages, his offensive rebounding—he's grown and developed into a very important player for us,” Coach Mazzulla said postgame.

But the spotlight belonged to Baylor Scheierman. The rookie, who has appeared in 42 of 47 games this season and averaged 3 points and 2 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game, played 28 minutes and scored 16 points on an efficient 6-10 from the field, including 4-7 from three-point range. More than just his scoring, it was his hustle and defensive presence that drew praise. “He's kind of developed into a utility guy for us defensively where he can defend different matchups,” Mazzulla told the media. “He can make defensive plays, but he knows how to play vs. cross-matches at the other end, and he's been making some shots and he offensive rebounds. So I'm pleased with where he's grown defensively for us.”

Scheierman’s commitment to defense has been a recurring theme throughout the season. During media day, he was asked what part of his game might surprise fans this year. He responded, “I'd probably just say defensively. Just being a defensive playmaker and being able to use my instincts to impact the game in a positive way on the defensive side of the ball.” That focus has paid off, as he’s become a trusted piece in Mazzulla’s ever-evolving rotation, competing with Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh, and Josh Minott for valuable minutes.

With Brown out, Scheierman’s floor-spacing and ability to knock down open threes were crucial, but his defensive versatility was just as vital. The rookie’s growth has been evident, with Mazzulla noting, “He's developed into a utility guy for us defensively, where he can defend different matchups. He's made some plays. He draws some legal screens for us, but he can make defensive plays. He knows how to play versus cross-matches at the other end. He's been making some shots and giving us the offensive rebounds. I'm pleased with where he's grown defensively for us.”

It’s not just Scheierman who’s benefited from the Celtics’ emphasis on defense. The trio of Scheierman, Walsh, and Gonzalez have all taken turns locking down opposing scorers. For example, Walsh checked in during the first quarter and took on the challenge of defending Kings guard Zach LaVine, who had scored nine quick points early but found scoring much tougher as the game progressed. “I thought Jordan kind of took ownership of [wanting to defend LaVine],” Mazzulla acknowledged. “We gave up some tendency stuff, where it was… LaVine got three left shots to his left hand, and we fouled him on a jump shot twice, and he was a little comfortable there.” But overall, the defensive rotation has been a strength, with each player eager to step up when called upon.

Other contributors made their mark as well. Hauser, who has thrived as a starter, continued to provide reliable shooting and spacing. Queta’s presence was felt on both ends, particularly with his screen-setting and ability to finish lobs. Off the bench, Anfernee Simons chipped in 16 points, while Luka Garza added 11 points on 4-5 shooting and grabbed six offensive rebounds. Hugo Gonzalez, despite scoring just two points on 1-8 shooting, was a +9 on the night, illustrating his knack for making positive plays beyond the box score.

The Kings, for their part, struggled to keep pace. Starting Dennis Schroder, Precious Achiuwa, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento’s depleted roster was overmatched from the start. The Celtics’ depth and defensive tenacity proved too much, and Boston was able to cruise to victory despite cooling off in the second half.

With 50 games now in the books, Boston’s rotation remains a nightly puzzle for Mazzulla, but performances like Scheierman’s make that a good problem to have. The rookie’s emergence as a versatile defender and timely scorer adds another dimension to the Celtics’ playoff ambitions. As the season continues, the competition among Boston’s young wings—Scheierman, Walsh, Gonzalez, and Minott—will only intensify, each pushing the other to new heights.

Friday night’s win was more than just another tick in the victory column; it was a showcase of depth, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of improvement that has become the Celtics’ calling card. With Jaylen Brown’s return on the horizon and a hungry group of young players ready to step in at a moment’s notice, Boston’s future looks as bright as ever. And if Scheierman’s performance is any indication, the Celtics’ rotation is in very good hands.