BOSTONChris Wilcox isn't quite ready to log major minutes for the Boston Celtics.
But that doesn't mean the minutes he does play don't have great value.
They certainly did on Wednesday in Boston's 100-94 overtime win against Washington.
In less than four minutes of court time, Wilcox tallied six points without a single play being called for him.
"We all got roles on this team," Wilcox said. "We all have to be ready. You never know when your number is going to get called. I just have to go out there and bring energy."
Wilcox did more than that; he brought the kind of production that the Celtics are going to need from time to time off the bench.
And while there were a number of players who came to the Celtics' rescue Wednesday night, no one seemed to ignite the C's as quickly as Wilcox who in the eyes of his teammates was the difference in them winning.
"I thought our energy was terrible," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "Chris Wilcox saved the game for us, single-handedly, with his effort. And I thought it was obvious."
With the score tied at 56, Boston finished the third quarter with a 10-2 run with all six of Wilcox's points coming within that spurt.
"Wilcox really changed the game for us," said Boston's Paul Pierce. "There's going to be nights where some guys aren't going to play. There's going to be nights where guys get the call, they're going to be sitting there all night but when they get the call they have to be ready and that was an example tonight."
And to think that just six months ago, Wilcox was undergoing season-ending heart surgery which left his NBA future murky, at best.
"For him and Jeff (Green, who also underwent heart surgery last season), knowing their story, knowing their journey, it's inspirational to be honest with everybody here," said Kevin Garnett. "To see someone still get a chance to do something they love and do it passionately, it's moving. I'm glad he had a great night. He was able to help us and I thought he turned the game around."