L.A. Clippers rookie Brandon Boston Jr. had the best game of his young career against the Celtics on Wednesday ... and dedicated his performance to the late Terrence Clarke.
The guard went off on the Cs in the 114-111 win ... scoring 27 points (including 5 3-pointers, going perfect from the free throw line and earning 4 steals in just 25 minutes off the bench!
The effort resulted in career-highs in points, threes and steals ... and after the game, Boston Jr. devoted the stellar performance to Clarke, his former Kentucky teammate.
Brandon Boston Jr. tells @swishcultures_ that he dedicated this game against Boston to his friend Terrence Clarke, who was a Celtics fan. pic.twitter.com/nGeWUbAAQ0
— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) December 9, 2021
"He would of called or screamed," " BJ said to reporters during post-game interviews. "Just excited with a bright smile on his face, just telling me, 'I told you! I told you! You the best in the world! Just keep going.'"
"That's the type of relationship we had."
Boston and Clarke both played college hoops together for the Wildcats -- and were both set to enter the 2021 NBA Draft.
However, Clarke was tragically killed in a car accident in Los Angeles on April 22 -- just months before the draft. Boston witnessed the crash as he was riding behind him.
"He always pushed me to be my best self so I always keep that in the back of my mind," BJ added.
"I actually like dedicated this game [to him] cause he's from Boston and he wanted to play for Boston."
"So, just going out there and carrying that chip on my shoulder. His energy just carried me along the way."
BJ has been honoring his close friend in many ways since his death -- including a tribute tattoo on his left leg featuring Clarke's UK basketball photo and "TC World."
#RIP