Over the first 29 days of November, 442 NBA players logged more minutes than Xavier Tillman.

Expecting a larger role this season after a 2024-25 campaign hindered by injuries, Tillman instead spent most of the month glued to the Celtics’ bench. He dressed but did not play nine times in an 11-game span, seeing a total of 13 minutes from Nov. 1 through Nov. 29.

Tillman couldn’t crack the rotation when starting center Neemias Queta sprained his ankle in a win over the Magic, or when Queta sat out for the first time this season three nights later. But when both Queta and guard Derrick White were held out Sunday’s road matchup in Cleveland, Tillman finally got his chance.

The 26-year-old big man vaulted from the end of the bench to the starting lineup and delivered one of the best performances of his Celtics tenure in a 117-115 win over the favored Cavaliers. Tillman finished with nine points, six rebounds, three offensive rebounds, three steals and one block in 30 minutes.

It was the first time he’d played 30 minutes in a game since January 2024, days before his deadline trade from Memphis to Boston, and the first time he’d scored nine or more points since that April. He’d have scored more had his corner 3-pointer just before halftime not left his hand a half-second too late. Tillman’s three steals also equaled his total from his other eight 2025-26 appearances combined.

Payton Pritchard and head coach Joe Mazzulla both used the word “professional” to describe Tillman’s on-the-spot performance, lauding his preparedness and team-first attitude. Anfernee Simons did the same before Tuesday’s game against the Knicks at TD Garden.

Tillman’s commitment behind the scenes, Simons said, should serve as a model for Boston’s younger players.

“He’s just a true professional,” the Celtics’ sixth man said. “Just always staying in tune with the team, what the team wants, even though he might not be playing that night. You saw that last game — he just got thrown into the starting lineup, played well and helped us get a big-time win against a good team. Those are the type of teammates you need and players you need, especially for the young players to show what it takes to be a professional and what it takes to be able to stick into the league like this and be able to impact winning, even when you’re not playing.”

High praise for Queta

Queta returned to the lineup Tuesday night — and received a glowing review from his former head coach.

Knicks bench boss Mike Brown, who coached Queta with Sacramento in 2022-23, said he’s enjoyed seeing the 7-footer thrive in his first season as an NBA starter.

“He’s 7 feet, he’s got great feet, he’s a vertical threat, (can) rebound, finish around the hoop,” Brown said. “I’m just so happy for him that he’s able to showcase his talents and ability here in Boston, and that he looks like he’s found a home, because they’re really trying to grow him. He seems like he loves it here, and he can be really impactful. … I don’t like playing against him because he can impact the game in a lot of different ways.”

The Kings waived Queta in September 2023, and the Celtics signed him to a two-way contract a week later. Since then, he’s earned a permanent spot on Boston’s roster, a contract extension and, most recently, a promotion to the starting lineup after backing up Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet last season.

Queta has exceeded expectations in his new role, posting some of the best advanced metrics of any NBA center. As of Tuesday, he ranked in the top 10 in the league in defensive rating, net rating and offensive rebounding percentage.

“He’s going to be good for the Celtics for many years to come,” Brown said, “and that’s just a testament to Brad (Stevens) and the staff and the coaching staff for finding young talent out there and helping them grow.”

White also returned Tuesday after sitting out one game with a calf contusion, giving Boston a full roster outside of rehabbing superstar Jayson Tatum (Achilles). The Knicks ruled out starting wing OG Anunoby (hamstring), who has not played since Nov. 14, and guard Landry Shamet, who’s been sidelined with a shoulder injury since Nov. 22.

Burn the tape

Mazzulla evidently was not interested in reexamining his team’s six-game upset loss to the Knicks in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals. He said Tuesday that he has not watched the playoff series.

“(I) just kind of moved on and got to the next thing,” the Celtics coach said.

Brown did not participate in that series — the Knicks hired him in July after firing former head coach Tom Thibodeau — but he shared his perspective on how the Celtics have changed since then.

“Joe’s a great coach, and he’s done a fantastic job ever since he’s been here,” Brown said. “These guys probably didn’t start off the way they wanted, but they’re starting to get their feet under them a little bit and kind of find their way, even though they’re missing a great player in Tatum. Even before Tatum’s injury, you talk about assembling a team, and Brad Stevens put together a really, really, really deep, good team. Every time they stepped on the floor, they could beat anybody by 30.

“But the league’s about adjustments. Joe knows it, the players know it, and they’re going to be fine.”

Off the rim

Longtime NBA forward Danilo Gallinari, who was acquired by the Celtics in 2022 but tore his ACL before he could appear in a game for Boston, announced his retirement on Tuesday. The Celtics posted a message congratulating Gallinari, whose brief C’s tenure ended when he was traded to Washington as part of the 2023 trade that sent Marcus Smart to Memphis and Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. The 37-year-old played his final pro season with Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico. … One notable attendee at Tuesday’s game: Knicks superfan Spike Lee.