The Boston Celtics put together a “grown man” effort [against the New York Knicks](https://nesn.com/2025/12/joe-mazzulla-admission-celtics-latest-win-get-fans-hyped/) on Tuesday.
Jaylen Brown scored 42 points, Josh Minnott knocked down a trio of triples off the bench, Derrick White stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points, five assists, one block and one steal — all while the club erased a 14-point deficit on their way to winning 123-117.
Jordan Walsh’s performance was the one that perhaps encapsulated that original descriptor best, however.
Walsh finished with with just eight points and played less than any other starter, but he also chipped in with six rebounds, one block and one steal — while [drawing tough assignments](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6857555/2025/12/03/jaylen-brown-celtics-growth-win-knicks/) that ranged from guarding Jalen Brunson to matching up with Karl Anthony-Towns.
“I’m starting to see Jordan playing like a grown man,” Brown said, as transcribed by The Athletic’s Jay King. “It’s amazing to see — just from him coming out of his shell, being aggressive, he’s learning every day. I’m loving it.”
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The Celtics have started leaning on the former second-round pick recently, allowing him to start each of the last nine games — including wins over the Knicks, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons. I’d have to imagine that will be enough to keep him in the rotation for the time being…
Featured image via Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images