by
Joe Mazzulla’s response to Jordan Walsh’s Summer League ejection
: During the
Celtics
-Heat matchup in the NBA’s Summer league on Monday, third year Boston forward Jordan Walsh made what he later called a “dumb decision.” Despite this, he eventually got characteristically intense words of encouragement from head coach Joe Mazzulla.
After being assessed an initial technical foul during the second quarter of the game, the 21-year-old Walsh quickly drew a second (earning his ejection). Walsh pushed Heat guard Pelle Larsson, fouling him on an inbounds play. Larrson took exception to the move, and quickly leapt to his feet, charging right back at the Celtics forward.
Walsh didn’t hesitate, shoving Larrson backward with both hands. This episode, the entirety of which took place right in front of new team owner Bill Chisholm and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens (who were sitting court-side), resulted in Walsh being hit with a second technical.
After the game, which the Celtics lost
100-96
, Walsh took responsibility for his actions.
“It was a dumb decision,” Walsh
admitted
. “I low-key forgot I got the first tech. I also remembered that don’t nobody really hit anybody in the NBA. So I really didn’t have no reason to attack him but I thought that it was dumb.
“It was a rookie mistake, immature for me to do it,” he added. “Can’t let it happen again.”
Mazzulla, watching the game in the crowd as Boston continues to move through its summer schedule, expressed support for his player even amid the ejection according to Walsh.
“Yeah [Mazzulla] told me he loved it,” Walsh said,
per
Boston Globe
reporter Gary Washburn
. “He was texting me like, ‘I love this out of you.’”
Of course, Mazzulla may not represent the opinion of every part of Celtics management.
“Joe liked it. Don’t know if Brad liked it,” Walsh quipped of Stevens, who had been in the front row. “We’ll see what happens.”
Walsh was busy prior to his second technical. Along with the fouls, he notched 13 points, three rebounds, and a steal in 10 minutes of play. He noted that teams have been playing him in a more physical style, but that he needs to manage his intensity in a more productive way.
“I was kind of letting it slide but at the same time, I should have known better than to take it to that next level,” Walsh said of Miami’s style. “I knew better than that. But for sure, I don’t want to be no pushover, I don’t want to let somebody roll over for me.”
Baylor Scheierman led the Celtics in the game with 19 points. With the win, Boston improved to 2-1 in Summer League play.
Trivia
: Jordan Walsh, who entered the NBA from Arkansas, was originally drafted 38th overall by the Kings in 2023 before being quickly traded to the Celtics. Who was the most recent player from Arkansas to actually be drafted by the Celtics?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: Picked in 2001 at 10th overall, he had multiple stints with the Celtics separated by two decades. In between that time, he made seven NBA All-Star teams, six of which came as a member of the Hawks.
Scores and schedules
:
Tonight, the Connecticut Sun host the Indiana Fever at TD Garden at 8 p.m.
The MLB All-Star Game is set to begin tonight at 8 p.m. The Red Sox return to play starting on Friday at Wrigley Field against the Cubs in a three-game series.
Tomorrow, the Revolution face the Red Bulls in New Jersey at 7:30 p.m.
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Derby highlights
: Here’s a recap of the 2025 Home Run Derby, with Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh — who leads the league with 38 home runs — emerging as the winner.
On this day
: In 1914, Dutch Leonard pitched a complete game shutout (notching nine strikeouts) in a
4-0
win over the then-Cleveland Naps.
The game was notable for umpire Tom Connolly ejecting eight Boston players over the course of the afternoon for dissent from the dugout.
Daily highlight
: Australian rookie Johnny Furphy delivered what will probably be the dunk of the Summer League season in a Pacers loss against the Bulls. The resulting poster image from the dunk created a memorable photo that
Indiana couldn’t resist sharing on social media
.
JOHNNY FURPHY MY GOODNESS 🤯🤯
pic.twitter.com/jjQYQJ4gLP
Trivia answer: Joe Johnson
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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