Former Maine Celtics light up Orlando

BOSTON, Mass. - Ron Harper Jr. poured in a career-high 27 points on Sunday night to help lead the Boston Celtics to their 56th win of the regular season.

A national audience tuned in to watch a "shorthanded" Boston team take on the Orlando Magic in the Celtics' regular season finale on Sunday. Boston suited up just eight players; and the "Stay Ready Group," boasting Maine Celtic connections, posted career performances to help Boston beat the Magic at full strength 113-108.

Seven of the eight Celtics on Sunday night have played at least one game for the Maine Celtics in their career. Luka Garza was the only Celtic to not have experience with Maine, but Garza has played in 38 NBA G League contests. The Celtics big man posted a double-double against the Magic with 27 points and 12 rebounds.

Harper, who saw his Two-Way contract converted to a standard deal with Boston on April 4, put on a show with 27 points on 10-20 shooting, including five three-pointers. Harper also had seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Baylor Scheierman also recorded a new career-high in scoring with 30 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Scheierman played in 25 NBA G League games with Maine in 2024-25. After trailing for much of the first half, it was Harper and Scheierman who helped Boston outscore Orlando 42-20 in the third quarter to take control of the game.

Celtics Two-Way player John Tonje made the most of his opportunity on Sunday. Tonje posted a career-high 13 points and four rebounds in 29 minutes of action. Max Shulga made his first career NBA start against the Magic. Shulga recorded three points, three rebounds and one steal in 18 minutes of work. Boston converted Shulga to a standard deal on March 15. The Celtics' second round draft pick averaged 15.5 points, 6.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 38 games for Maine this season.

Harper, Shulga, and Amari Williams all began the 2025-26 season with the Celtics on Two-Way contracts. Now that all three have been converted to standard contracts, they will be eligible to to join Boston for their upcoming playoff run. Boston will be the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference.