Xavier Tillman said he found out earlier Sunday before watching film he was going to start against the Cavaliers. Neemias Queta was unavailable with his sprained left ankle, so Tillman got his first start of the season.

Tillman made his presence felt for the shorthanded Celtics in their 117-115 win in Cleveland . Tillman played a season-high 30 minutes, finishing with nine points, six rebounds, three steals and a block. His game was a sign of what Tillman can bring when his number is called like it was Sunday. It’s also why C’s coach Joe Mazzulla raved about the big man after the game.

“X is the ultimate professional,” Mazzulla said, via the NBC Sports Boston broadcast. “Whether he plays every game or he misses 10 games, I have a level of trust that he’s going to go out there and he’

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