Celtics Tyronn Lue praises Jordan Walsh’s defense on James Harden

Since the beginning of November, Jordan Walsh got minutes. Joe Mazzula relies on the winger’s work ethic to believe himwith an average of 24 minutes in the seven matches he played.

His longest playing time, it was against the Clipperswith a big challenge: James Harden’s defense. With Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal out, the 2018 MVP is returning to his offensive habits and was averaging 25 points before this trip to Boston.

“He’s different from everyone I’ve defended so far. I usually press with the others, try to touch the ball, steal it.”, analyzes Jordan Walsh. “With him, it’s like I have to give him space. Because if he shoots, even if it looks like I don’t hit him, it’s going to be his fault. That then increases my sense of urgency and discipline.”

Several actions confirm the statements of the Celtics winger, who committed five fouls, each time synonymous with free throws for the Beard. The latter finished with 37 points, including 18 in the final five minutes of the match, with 9/22 shooting and 14/15 at the line. On the pitching side, Jordan Walsh struggled.

“We need a player who can take care of the opposition’s best player every night”

However, he can also be happy that he stole three balls in the hands or a pass from James Harden, and that he contested a few of his shots well.

“He earned his chances and did a good job. He’s one of the best in creating fouls in front of him. When we take care of him for 33 minutes, we’re going to send him to free throws two or three times.”admits Joe Mazzulla. “It’s mostly about staying disciplined throughout the match. He’s shown the right mindset to take on this challenge, with the professionalism and tenacity necessary to achieve it every night.”

What do his teammates think? “He did a hell of a job defensively. We needed him. His offensive game will grow and his defense will allow him to stay on the floor.”referee Payton Pritchard. “We don’t want to give up free throws and he sent Harden to the line too much in the second half”regret Jailen Brown. “Jordan is doing a great job. His energy level, his physical impact is good. We need a player who can take care of the opposing team’s best player every night.”

What does his coach want anyway. “His role is to become a player who can defend anybody, any night. And he accepts that.”confirms Joe Mazzulla, who was praised by his colleague Tyronn Lue for his opponent’s performance. “We saw it the other night, against Tyrese Maxey. It’s not easy and he was good. The same with James, he was very high, which made life difficult for him. He was good at frustrating James, tiring him out. He was excellent.”notes the Clippers coach.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.