“I got three kids, there’s really nothing to stress about. I got real life at home, so I’m not too worried about what happens here.”
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The Celtics closed out their preseason going 3-1 following a Xavier Tillman game-winner Wednesday night.
With 3.3 seconds left and the game tied, second-year guard Baylor Schiereman found Tillman on the wing off an inbound.
Knowing time was short, Tillman took one dribble and put up a floater, finding the bottom of the net with 0.8 seconds left.
In his third year as a Celtic, Tillman has primarily been a role-player off the bench, averaging just 7 minutes per game last season and 13.7 the year before that.
However, even with his limited minutes, Tillman hasn’t shied away from the big moments.
During Boston’s 2024 championship run, Tillman hit an open three from the corner in game 3 of the NBA Finals to extend Boston’s lead to 13 in the third quarter and help close out that game.
Then last year against the Kings, he hit a shot very similar to last night’s, to take the lead with 8 seconds left, which would end up being the winner.
When asked by Celtics writer Noa Dalzell about how he stays calm in those moments, Tillman responded that there are bigger things than basketball in his life.
“I got three kids, there’s really nothing to stress about. I got real life at home, so I’m not too worried about what happens here.”
Tillman has been outspoken about how his family has impacted his life and basketball throughout his career, after becoming a father at 17.
Before Tillman arrived at Michigan State to play, head coach Tom Izzo expressed worries about how being a dad would affect his schooling and athletics.
However, Tillman knew what his priorities were and how he was going to have to handle different aspects of his life.
“If I’m going to be a dad, I’ve got to accept this role,” he stated while at school. “I can’t want to be a college student and be out all night and be a dad, too. The regular college life wasn’t my life.”
This focus on family has continued into his NBA career, and he believes has helped make him a better player.
Tillman’s ability to perform and stay positive while under pressure has caught the eye of his teammates as well.
“When the game’s on the line, he’s really encouraging, he’s really upbeat,” Derrick White stated following Wednesday’s game.