Xavier Tillman shines in first NBA Finals minutes

In case you missed it, former Michigan State player Xavier Tillman saw his first minutes of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.

If you were to ask Michigan State basketball fans to come up with a Mount Rushmore of their favorite players over the last 20 years, the name Xavier Tillman is one you would hear come up over and over again. Tillman exemplified everything it means to be a Michigan State player under Tom Izzo. His identity as someone that’s willing to put in the hard work, do the little things and play their role when called on was never more evident than Wednesday night’s game.

Through the first two games of the NBA Finals, Tillman didn’t see any minutes. With his midseason trade from Memphis to Boston, Tillman would find playing time harder to come by in a crowded bench. With injury to Celtics star big man Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics had to lean more on their depth which would lead to 11 minutes of action for Tillman.

Deep into the third quarter, the Celtics were trying to keep their foot on the gas with Dallas trying to make a push. Tillman would find himself wide open on the wing and drilled a momentum killing 3-pointer to keep Boston in control. After his shot found the bottom of the net, the Celtics sideline erupted in celebration.

"To hear the bench going crazy on our end… it was pretty awesome."

Xavier Tillman on his corner three during Boston's 3Q run 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Wu6KCpOaSY

— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2024

The 3-pointer would end up being Tillman‘s only attempt of the game, however, in typical Spartan fashion, much of what he did extended beyond the number of points scored. Tillman would collect four rebounds, two big blocks, and he played incredible defense on two of the most offensively skilled players in the NBA in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving when placed in the pick-and-roll action.

Celtics center Al Horford would go on to say after the game: “Xavier was amazing tonight. His energy, defensively he held his own time and time again. He was just ready for the moment. Defensively, he was special.”

The praise for his defensive effort would continue after the game from head coach Joe Mazulla: “I thought he did a great job in our switching, a great job in our screening, getting to our spacing.”

XAVIER TILLMAN CLAMPING UP LUKA😭😭 pic.twitter.com/4utsRSj5do

— BGB♛ (@BonesGotBizzy) June 13, 2024

The status of Porziņģis is still considered day-to-day. With the Celtics now holding a commanding 3-0 series lead, it’s likely Boston plays it safe with his health and we get a chance to see more of Xavier Tillman minutes with a chance for a ring on the line. Game 4 tips off Friday at 8:30 p.m ET.