The Boston Celtics avoided another potential collapse of a 20-point lead last night, regaining their composure down the stretch to secure a 109–102 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks
Paul George and Derrick White spearheaded the effort, particularly in the closing minutes, while Neemias Queta also proved instrumental in the game’s decisive moments. However, one player whose contributions I felt were particularly underrated throughout the contest was Baylor Scheierman.
Scheierman finished with nine points
and 11 rebounds, including three on the offensive glass, while adding a steal and an assist in 28 minutes of action. Over his last three games, he has averaged 10 points and six rebounds while shooting an impressive 61% from beyond the arc.
Scheierman’s impact also extended well beyond the box score. Here is a closer look at the various ways he influenced last night’s game.
His impact began on the defensive end, where I thought he was particularly effective both on and off the ball. On this possession, he initially denies Herro an opportunity to receive the ball before rotating over to help on the drive, using an active swipe to force the pickup. When the ball eventually finds its way back to Herro, Scheierman stays disciplined, applies solid on-ball pressure, and closes out with a strong contest.
Here, Scheierman is matched up with Ryan Rollins, who prepares to use a wide screen from his big man, Kel’el Ware. Although Scheierman gets caught momentarily, he makes a smart adjustment by going under the screen, meeting Rollins at the other side, and recovering to get back in front. He then does a nice job staying attached through the subsequent on-ball screen, with some help from Luka Garza’s hedge.
Once again, Scheierman showcases his off-ball activity by rotating over to help on another driving opponent. This time, however, we get a look at his instincts in the passing lanes. At the last moment, he reads the passer’s intentions and peels back to his assignment to get a hand on the ball and deflect it.
Scheierman entered this game, averaging 4.6 deflections per 100 possessions, placing him in the 86th percentile league wide. His activity in this area makes him a valuable piece of a Celtics defense that ranks second in the NBA in deflections per game.
Garza ultimately gets the block on this next possession, but Scheierman made it possible. As the Bucks drive along the baseline, Mitchell Robinson, who is initially guarding Ware in the paint, is forced to rotate over and help on the ball. With Robinson leaving Ware, the big is momentarily left without a defender underneath the basket.
Scheierman recognizes this immediately and quickly sinks down toward Ware, reaching in an attempt to disrupt the pass. Although he doesn’t come away with the steal, his presence forces Ware to adjust before going up for the layup. That split-second hesitation gives his teammates enough time to recover and get into position to contest the shot, ultimately setting up Garza’s block.
Scheierman was credited with just one assist in this game, but his playmaking helped generate several quality looks for Boston. He finished with five potential assists on the night, and his ability to grab defensive rebounds and immediately push the pace (rip and run) continues to be an asset to the Celtics’ early offense.
Scheierman attacks off the dribble and creates an opportunity for Robinson at the rim before quickly getting back on defense. He then does a nice job stepping in to cut off a driving lane and deter a potential three-point attempt, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the floor in quick succession.
Here is more of that playmaking.
Staying on the offensive side of things, all nine of Scheierman’s points came from downtown. He knocked down a three at the end of the half before quickly getting back on defense to contest a shot. Later, he connected on two big back-to-back threes that helped keep Milwaukee at bay.
On Rollins again here and he defends this “Iverson” cut perfectly. An Iverson cut is when a player uses two horizontal off ball screens to cut from one wing to the other.
He navigated both screens well and meets Rollins on the opposite wing, giving him no room to instantly drive. He then plays on the ball well and gets help from George who steals the pass and scores for the and one.
Anticipation and a quick reaction to the ball are obviously important traits for anyone looking to excel in the passing lanes defensively, but Scheierman has also shown an ability to incorporate deception into his approach. I first noticed this during the preseason and wanted to see another example before making the observation with confidence. This play provides exactly that.
Boston sends a double-team at Rollins near half court, forcing Scheierman into a Cover 2 situation. Watch how he deliberately leans his body toward the corner, giving the illusion that Ware is available for an easy pass in the paint. Rollins takes the bait, and Scheierman quickly changes direction to jump the passing lane and come away with the steal.
Another example of his off-ball prowess here getting another deflection.
Scheierman added several more quality possessions to the tape, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged by.
Scheierman continued to make his presence felt in some of the game’s biggest moments. His relentless pursuit of the basketball consistently puts him in position to make important hustle plays, and he has the skill and awareness to make those opportunities count.
He finds his way to the ball and gets his only true assist of the game to White for a huge and one then crashes for an offensive rebound that helped Boston wind down more time on the clock.
Lastly, we come back to the off-ball defense. On a play where the Bucks must get something, he communicates and performs three perfect switches before the ball is even entered.
Baylor Scheierman’s impact in this game was a great example of how much value he can provide beyond the traditional box score. Whether it was his activity in the passing lanes, defensive positioning, ability to push the pace in transition, or timely shooting, he consistently found ways to positively impact the game.
Nine points and 11 rebounds are a solid contribution on their own, but his overall impact went well beyond those numbers. These are the types of winning plays that earn a coaching staff’s trust, and Scheierman continues to make a strong case for a meaningful role in Boston’s rotation.
