Wed Dec 03 03:20:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:

Walsh Shines as Celtics’ “Garbage Man,” But Player Disapproves Nickname After Win Over Cavaliers

BOSTON – Jordan Walsh, the Celtics’ third-year forward, is earning high praise for his gritty, blue-collar play, especially after notching his first career double-double in a thrilling 117-115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Walsh’s hustle and defensive prowess have been vital to the Celtics’ recent success, with coach Joe Mazzulla highlighting his understanding of the role, on both ends of the floor.

“Tonight, I thought you saw the best version of what he is, the Jordan that we need,” Mazzulla said, emphasizing Walsh’s ability to gain extra possessions and make winning plays.

A highlight of Walsh’s performance was a fourth-quarter steal from Cleveland’s De’Andre Hunter, which led to two crucial free throws. This play, along with his consistent rebounding and defensive efforts, has earned him the tongue-in-cheek nickname “The Garbage Man” from teammate Derrick White.

Walsh, however, isn’t a fan of the moniker, jokingly protesting, “No, no, no, that’s not sticking. Stop saying that D White.”

Despite his reservations about the nickname, Walsh acknowledges the importance of his role. In eight games as a starter, he’s averaging 6.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 25 minutes, and has embraced the responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s best player, grabbing key rebounds, and displaying hustle and grit. He’s also growing as an offensive threat, as was displayed when the team left him open and he went behind the defenders back to the basket, for easy points.

“I feel like there’s guys like [Brown] who can go out there and get his, Payton [Pritchard] who can go out there and get his,” Walsh said. “And within the chaos we have to have somebody picking up the pieces and trying to be the glue guy, keep everything together.”

As Walsh continues to refine his game and master the art of making winning plays, he’s poised to become an even more integral part of the Celtics’ quest for an Eastern Conference championship. It’s clear that Walsh is more than willing to do the “dirty work” to help his team succeed.

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