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Celtics’ Chris Boucher made Russell Westbrook really mad until he offered the best explanation

Chris Boucher took a shot at the buzzer of the Boston Celtics' Friday night matchup with the Sacramento Kings.

The game had long since been decided, and it's a spot when NBA players will usually just let the clock run out.

So when Boucher shot, and made it, Kings veteran Russell Westbrook wasn't happy. Russ was playing on this night, but the fashionably dressed Westbrook hopped off the bench and started shouting in the direction of the Celtics.

A number of people got onto the floor to break things up, but it took a while to calm Russ down.

Finally, Boucher himself came over and explained himself.

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You see, Boucher hadn't played since Nov. 23. A guy thought to be a key offseason acquisition for the Celtics has instead turned into a total afterthought.

On Friday night, Boucher had already taken and missed two shots in this rare chance on the floor. He just wanted to make one, and he did on that shot at the buzzer.

It's not clear exactly what Boucher said to Westbrook, but Russ all of a sudden appeared to gain understanding.

Funny interaction at the end of Celtics-Kings.

Chris Boucher wanted a bucket in his first game since 11/23. Made one at the buzzer to cap a blowout win and Russell Westbrook didn’t like it... at first.

Chris explained the situation, Russ understood and embraced him. All good! pic.twitter.com/B9LyWvMqxA

— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) January 31, 2026

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The irony, of course, is that this is the most Boucher has been noticed for Boston basically the entire season.

It's a bit surprising that Joe Mazzulla never found a way to incorporate the high-level shooter into his frontcourt, but it just hasn't happened.

Instead, Boucher had to settle for the four minutes he got Friday night to feel like he belonged in the NBA again. At least Russ showed him grace in the end for that.

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