In a Game 7 we didn’t get a chance to see in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Celtics beat the Knicks 94-81 in their second Summer League game on the Vegas Strip.
Led by a balanced attack from Boston’s draft picks, the Summer C’s overcame a poor-shooting night from 3 (5-of-27) with an aggressive defense (forcing 22 Knicks turnovers for 29 points).
The team had planned for Hugo Gonzalez to sit out one of the games of Boston’s back-to-back today and tomorrow. Gonzalez, along with Miles Norris, were on the bench in Cox Pavillion. In Gonzalez’s place, Baylor Scheierman filled in as the de facto point guard.
Many had hoped/projected Scheierman to make a Sam Hauser-type jump as a possible shooter/spacer, but coming out of Creighton, he already had a more well-rounded game. With a leaner, stronger body at his disposal, Scheierman had the ball in hands a lot against NY and dished out a team-high eight assists. He’s made just 2-of-15 from 3, but his shot has never been a concern. Rather, his developing skill set as a playmaker could immediately earn him playing time next season.
Stevens: “(Scheierman) played really well at the end of the regular season. The biggest challenge now is … don’t try to do too much. Don’t try to be somebody that you’re not.”
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) July 13, 2025
When players are drafted, they come into the league with NBA-ready skills. Defense was Jordan Walsh’s calling card out of Arkansas was his defense. His offense was always going to be a work in progress, but after two years and with a chance to be a mainstay in the rotation, he’ll have to add that “three-and-” to his repertoire. Walsh is a confident shooter and that’s translated to some decent stretches, but the consistency hasn’t been there. Against the Summer Knicks, Walsh made just one of his six attempts, but he was attacking the rim and earned eleven trips to the line.
The curiosity over Charles Bassey’s strong play continues to grow in Sin City. After four seasons in San Antonio troubled with a torn ACL and a left knee bone bruise that forced him to miss half of last year, Bassey continued to be a force against New York, finishing with another double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Second round pick Amari Williams finished with two points and three rebounds. Max Shulga had seven points and two assists, including several crafty finishes around the rim.
The Celtics play their third SL game tomorrow against the Miami Heat at 8 pm EST.
