With the Celtics in major need of a defensive jolt Wednesday night against the Clippers, head coach Joe Mazzulla turned to rarely used reserve Jaden Springer.
Springer, who had only logged double-digit minutes once all season coming in, shifted the complexion of the game entirely over 20 outstanding minutes. He helped steer the Celtics to a 117-113 overtime win and avoid losing another heartbreaker following yet another epic collapse.
“Go in there and make a difference,” Springer told NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin of his approach. “Go out there and play defense. Play hard. That’s what they told me to do.