
When Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla called backup Boston big man Xavier Tillman Sr. to fill in for Kristaps Porzingis in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals vs. the Dallas Mavericks, some fans were surprised, instead expecting reserve center Luke Kornet or perhaps star Boston forward Jayson Tatum at the 5. Mazzulla’s reasoning? That Tillman had played vs. the Mavs more while with the Memphis Grizzlies, which the Michigan state alum opened up about postgame.