Celtics Rookie Does Something No Player Has Done in Franchise History

Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have exceeded every expectation this season. Entering the year with preseason win total odds of 41.5, many had written them off without Jayson Tatum. At 47-24 and sitting atop the Atlantic Division, Boston has made those projections look foolish.

Sunday was a tough night on the scoreboard. The Minnesota Timberwolves came to TD Garden and left with a 102-92 victory, handing the Celtics a loss that stung. It was an off night for a team that has had very few of them this season.

Buried inside that result, however, was a moment worth noting.

Celtics’ Shulga Makes Franchise History on Sunday

Max Shulga had already put in a full day’s work before the Timberwolves game had even tipped off. Earlier on Sunday, the rookie guard suited up for the Maine Celtics in a 121-91 G League win over the Cleveland Charge, logging 28 minutes and contributing 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Then he made his way to TD Garden and did it all again.

Shulga checked in against Minnesota and scored his first career NBA bucket. It was a milestone moment in its own right for the 6-foot-4 guard, who had attempted just two shots in his entire NBA career heading into Sunday. But the bigger picture was what the two appearances combined to mean.

With points in both the G League and the NBA on the same day, Shulga became the first player in Celtics franchise history to accomplish the feat. Given how many players have passed through Boston over the years, it is not a small thing to be the first of anything in that record book.

The Celtics acknowledged it on social media afterwards.

Who Shulga Is and How He Got Here

Shulga was selected 57th overall by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, with his rights immediately traded to Boston. The Ukrainian-born guard built his college resume at Utah State before following head coach Ryan Odom to VCU, where he averaged 15 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

The NBA transition has been gradual. Shulga has spent much of the season with the Maine Celtics, where he is averaging 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. The production has been consistent. Sunday showed he can bring that same energy when called upon at the next level.

The Oklahoma City Thunder come to TD Garden on Wednesday night. Boston will need to be sharper than they were against Minnesota.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins