Jaden Springer rescues Celtics against Clippers

When you don’t normally see the court, it’s hard to stay ready. Over the past couple of years, the Boston Celtics bench was called the Stay Ready group which primarily consisted of players like Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta, and Luke Kornet. However, all players must be ready because you never know when you get your chance, even if you’re the 12th man.

On Thursday against the LA Clippers midway through the third quarter, it was Jaden Springer’s number that was called and he stepped up big time. When Springer was acquired on trade deadline day last year, he was known as a lockdown defender and he lived up to that tagline locking up the Clippers backcourt in the overtime win.

It only took 12 minutes for Springer to rack up four steals. His quick feet allow him to get over screens quickly and he’s strong enough that the Clippers couldn’t push him off on drives.

In this clip, Springer beats his man to the spot and correctly guesses where Derrick Jones Jr.’s next dribble is and snatched it away.

Early in the game, Kevin Porter Jr. was getting to his spots and his quickness seemed to be too much for any Boston guard. Then Mazzulla decided to turn to Springer to stop LA’s lefty playmaker.

“He’s got an innate skill to impact the game with his physicality and his defense. I thought that’s what the game needed at the time. I thought their guards were a little too comfortable. He has an ability to really change the game that way,” Mazzulla said.

“Hats off to him. I think one of the best things you could do in this league is to just deliver when your name is called regardless of when it is. It’s a credit to him, and the work ethic that he has.