Third-year forward Jordan Walsh will attempt to build on what is starting to look like a breakout season Sunday afternoon when the Boston Celtics take on the visiting Los Angeles Clippers.
After coming off the bench and turning in strong defensive performances against Orlando’s Paolo Banchero and Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey, Walsh made his first start of the season in a 131-95 victory over Memphis on Wednesday. He replaced a streaky Josh Minott in the starting five.
Walsh contributed seven points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in the win. The Celtics are plus-70 with Walsh on the court during the team’s last five games.
“I mean, he’s athletic, but he works at it,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He’s smart. I think part of guarding people at different positions is just knowing tendencies, knowing personnel. Him and his player development coach, with Tyler (Lashbrook), they work on that a lot.
“He just spends a lot of time in the film room to have an understanding of who he’s going against. So it’s a difficult job, but he’s embracing it.”
Walsh is averaging 4.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15.4 minutes per game this season but didn’t play more than three minutes in any of Boston’s first six games. He received a career-high 29 minutes of playing time in Boston’s 102-100 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Walsh, an Arkansas product, averaged 9.2 minutes per game as a rookie and 7.8 minutes per game last season.
“He’s been doing a great job defending,” Boston’s Payton Pritchard said. “Being really active. One thing I keep stressing with him is keep being a ball player. If you’re open, shoot it with confidence and attack the closeout. Don’t forget what got you here.
“Honestly, I just think he’s been more professional and maturing. Now, he’s ready for the moment. Just stressing him to don’t take it for granted. Come hungry still every day and keep pushing.”
The Clippers will seek back-to-back victories after they ended a six-game losing streak by beating Dallas 133-127 in double overtime Friday night. James Harden led the way with a season-high 41 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Ivica Zubac added 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Harden is averaging a team-high 25.0 points per game.
“Just continue to fight,” Harden said. “It hasn’t been going well for us, but we’re still going to be resilient. We’re still going to fight. … We have the ability, as long as we continue to fight. Everything is not always going to be pretty, but (the overtime victory) was a good start for us — first game of the long road trip.”
It was the first of seven straight road games for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is with the team but hasn’t played in the last six games with an ankle and foot sprain.
The Celtics are averaging 113.2 points per game and allowing an average of 108.5. The Clippers are scoring an average of 111.5 points per game and giving up an average of 116.4.
