James Harden went off for the Los Angeles Clippers in the last minute of their game against the Boston Celtics as he scored 9 points in 22 second in their attempt to steal the win. Fortunately for the hosts, their 2023 draft pick stepped up to deny him for a chance at a buzzer-beating shot that could have forced an overtime.
Harden continued his scoring spree on Sunday for the struggling Clippers when he posted 37 points in the loss. He also had seven rebounds and eight assists. He had Celtics fans wishing to the gods when he shot the ball from the three-point line but Jordan Walsh did not allow him to be comfortable.
Jordan Walsh and the C’s defense held Harden to 1/7 FG in the first half. Defensive numbers are starting to get pretty wild for Walsh. pic.twitter.com/PQAqbBTVzB
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) November 16, 2025
The Celtics talked about fouling Zubac but I’m not sure I want the Celtics in another rebounding situation with the game on the line. I’m more wondering why you don’t have someone on the ball so the pass isn’t clean and why anyone was behind Zubac defensively when they needed 3. pic.twitter.com/QyhedugaQl
— John Karalis 🇬🇷 (@John_Karalis) November 17, 2025
Even Clippers coach Ty Lue took notice.
Asked Tyronn Lue about Jordan Walsh’s defense:
“We saw it the other night on Maxey. Maxey is a tough cover, but I thought he did a great job just competing. And same thing with James [Harden]. Just denying him the basketball, picking up full-court. Making it tough on him. He did… pic.twitter.com/QTwn1vYhAQ
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) November 16, 2025
Jaylen Brown praises Boston Celtics’ emerging top defender
It was not just that night when Walsh proved himself on the defensive end as he also did his job splendidly in win in the last three games.
We’ve seen Jordan Walsh bother Maxey, JJJ, Paolo and now Harden. The versatility is very impressive.
— Pull up shoot (@NElGHT_) November 16, 2025
Walsh is now the Celtics’ top defender and Jaylen Brown urging him to own that role helped.
“We sit next to each other on the plane, so I talk to him all the time. That’s what this team needs, is somebody that can go out and guard your best player every single night,” Brown told reporters after the game when asked about the third year small forward.
“And even when Jordan wasn’t playing, I was telling him that guy could be you. And he’s got his opportunity, and he’s playing well right now. So, we’ve got to keep that going.”
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