Shockingly!!! 4 Takeaways as Boston Celtics Lose to Miami Heat, Jordan Walsh …
4 Takeaways as Boston Celtics Lose to Miami Heat, Jordan Walsh Suspended****4 Takeaways as Boston Celtics Lose to Miami Heat, Jordan Walsh Suspended** *July 15, 2025 – Boston, MA* — The Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions and early favorites to repeat in the 2025–26 season, suffered a disappointing preseason setback on Monday night with a 108-96 loss to the Miami Heat at TD Garden. While it's just an exhibition game, the result — combined with off-court drama surrounding second-year forward Jordan Walsh — has sparked fresh concerns among fans and analysts alike. Here are four key takeaways from the loss and the developments surrounding Walsh’s suspension: --- ### 1. **Jordan Walsh Suspended for Violating Team Conduct Policy** The biggest story of the night had nothing to do with the scoreboard. Prior to tip-off, the Celtics released a brief but pointed statement announcing that forward Jordan Walsh had been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. While the organization declined to elaborate, multiple sources confirmed Walsh had a heated altercation with a member of the coaching staff during a recent practice session. The league is reportedly not involved at this stage, suggesting the issue is internal. Walsh, who was expected to play an increased role off the bench this season after a promising rookie campaign, was not seen at the arena. Head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the issue post-game: > “Jordan’s actions did not meet the standards we expect from our players. This is being handled in-house, and we hope to move forward stronger as a group.” The suspension is indefinite, and there’s no official timeline for Walsh’s return. --- ### 2. **Boston’s Starters Looked Disjointed Without Jayson Tatum** Jayson Tatum was held out of the game as a precaution due to mild hamstring tightness — nothing serious, according to team officials. However, his absence was felt throughout the game as the Celtics' offense struggled with flow and identity. Jaylen Brown (17 points, 5 rebounds) tried to carry the scoring load early but often found himself double-teamed and forced into tough shots. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White combined for just 16 points and lacked the aggressiveness needed to crack Miami’s disciplined defense. The ball movement, a Celtics staple during last season’s championship run, was noticeably absent. The team had just 18 assists on 36 made field goals, compared to 26 assists for the Heat. --- ### 3. **Heat's Young Core Shines, Especially Nikola Jović** While most of the Celtics’ starters underperformed, Miami’s young core showed why they are being touted as a team to watch this season. Nikola Jović was the standout performer with 22 points and 7 rebounds, hitting three triples and showing impressive poise against Boston’s tough defense. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 15 points and 6 boards, while rookie point guard Ja’Quan Houston, the Heat’s 2025 first-round pick, turned heads with his court vision and tenacious defense. Head coach Erik Spoelstra praised his team’s energy: > “I loved the way our guys competed, especially the younger ones. They weren’t intimidated, and they played the right way.” --- ### 4. **Concerns Emerge About Boston’s Bench Depth** The loss exposed some possible cracks in Boston’s bench unit, particularly with Walsh now sidelined. Oshae Brissett, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta failed to provide much spark off the bench. Brissett was inefficient from the field (2-for-7), while Hauser went scoreless in 16 minutes. With the loss of key veterans like Al Horford (retired) and Payton Pritchard (traded), the Celtics are relying heavily on internal development. Walsh’s suspension now adds further stress to the rotation, especially at the wing position. If Boston wants to maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference, bolstering the bench via trade or free agency could become a priority before the regular season tips off. --- ### Looking Ahead While the preseason loss itself is hardly panic-worthy, the combination of a flat on-court performance and the sudden drama involving Jordan Walsh is unwelcome as the Celtics attempt to build cohesion ahead of another title chase. The team will look to regroup before their next exhibition matchup against the Brooklyn Nets later this week. Fans will be watching closely — not just to see if the team can bounce back, but to learn whether Walsh's absence becomes a long-term problem or a minor hiccup. Either way, the Celtics enter the new season with both high expectations and new questions.
**4 Takeaways as Boston Celtics Lose to Miami Heat, Jordan Walsh Suspended**
*July 15, 2025 – Boston, MA* — The Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions and early favorites to repeat in the 2025–26 season, suffered a disappointing preseason setback on Monday night with a 108-96 loss to the Miami Heat at TD Garden. While it’s just an exhibition game, the result — combined with off-court drama surrounding second-year forward Jordan Walsh — has sparked fresh concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Here are four key takeaways from the loss and the developments surrounding Walsh’s suspension:
—
### 1. **Jordan Walsh Suspended for Violating Team Conduct Policy**
The biggest story of the night had nothing to do with the scoreboard. Prior to tip-off, the Celtics released a brief but pointed statement announcing that forward Jordan Walsh had been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. While the organization declined to elaborate, multiple sources confirmed Walsh had a heated altercation with a member of the coaching staff during a recent practice session. The league is reportedly not involved at this stage, suggesting the issue is internal.
Walsh, who was expected to play an increased role off the bench this season after a promising rookie campaign, was not seen at the arena. Head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the issue post-game:
> “Jordan’s actions did not meet the standards we expect from our players. This is being handled in-house, and we hope to move forward stronger as a group.”
The suspension is indefinite, and there’s no official timeline for Walsh’s return.
—
### 2. **Boston’s Starters Looked Disjointed Without Jayson Tatum**
Jayson Tatum was held out of the game as a precaution due to mild hamstring tightness — nothing serious, according to team officials. However, his absence was felt throughout the game as the Celtics’ offense struggled with flow and identity.
Jaylen Brown (17 points, 5 rebounds) tried to carry the scoring load early but often found himself double-teamed and forced into tough shots. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White combined for just 16 points and lacked the aggressiveness needed to crack Miami’s disciplined defense.
The ball movement, a Celtics staple during last season’s championship run, was noticeably absent. The team had just 18 assists on 36 made field goals, compared to 26 assists for the Heat.
—
### 3. **Heat’s Young Core Shines, Especially Nikola Jović**
While most of the Celtics’ starters underperformed, Miami’s young core showed why they are being touted as a team to watch this season. Nikola Jović was the standout performer with 22 points and 7 rebounds, hitting three triples and showing impressive poise against Boston’s tough defense.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 15 points and 6 boards, while rookie point guard Ja’Quan Houston, the Heat’s 2025 first-round pick, turned heads with his court vision and tenacious defense.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra praised his team’s energy:
> “I loved the way our guys competed, especially the younger ones. They weren’t intimidated, and they played the right way.”
—
### 4. **Concerns Emerge About Boston’s Bench Depth**
The loss exposed some possible cracks in Boston’s bench unit, particularly with Walsh now sidelined. Oshae Brissett, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta failed to provide much spark off the bench. Brissett was inefficient from the field (2-for-7), while Hauser went scoreless in 16 minutes.
With the loss of key veterans like Al Horford (retired) and Payton Pritchard (traded), the Celtics are relying heavily on internal development. Walsh’s suspension now adds further stress to the rotation, especially at the wing position.
If Boston wants to maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference, bolstering the bench via trade or free agency could become a priority before the regular season tips off.
—
### Looking Ahead
While the preseason loss itself is hardly panic-worthy, the combination of a flat on-court performance and the sudden drama involving Jordan Walsh is unwelcome as the Celtics attempt to build cohesion ahead of another title chase. The team will look to regroup before their next exhibition matchup against the Brooklyn Nets later this week.
Fans will be watching closely — not just to see if the team can bounce back, but to learn whether Walsh’s absence becomes a long-term problem or a minor hiccup. Either way, the Celtics enter the new season with both high expectations and new questions.
