Xavier Tillman has endured his worst NBA season, falling out of the Celtics’ rotation since October. Before Monday’s game in Memphis, he hadn’t played since March 6.
However, head coach Joe Mazzulla gave him a rare start against his former team, emphasizing Tillman’s ability to “impact winning.”
Tillman, who played his first three-and-a-half seasons with the Grizzlies before being traded to Boston in 2024, has struggled this year, shooting just 23.5% from the field and 15.6% from three.
He went scoreless on Monday, missing all five of his shots, but Mazzulla praised his effort in drawing quick fouls on Grizzlies center Zach Edey.
Despite his struggles, Tillman enjoyed returning to Memphis, where fans and staff welcomed him warmly.
The Celtics won the game, completing their first-ever 6-0 road trip and moving closer to an all-time NBA road record.
Atlantic Notes: Tillman, Grimes, Sixers, Raptors https://t.co/DPjzTTu7nZ pic.twitter.com/I4MTJrFGTh
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 1, 2025
