The Celtics earned a key win on Wednesday towards the Cavaliers, and the 117-113 ultimate rating doesn’t point out how a lot they managed the sport. However misplaced within the headlines was Grant Williams receiving his first DNP-CD of the season.
Earlier than final evening, the 4th yr ahead had performed in 61 of 62 video games, averaging 8.4 factors in 27.3 minutes whereas taking pictures 45.7 p.c from the sector and 40.4 p.c from three. In eleven February video games, his area purpose share dropped to 33% and three-point to 32.5%.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla mentioned it wasn’t a performance-based determination, and supplied a one-word reply when requested in regards to the DNP: “matchups.” In successfully Williams’ spot within the rotation, newly-acquired Mike Muscala introduced “the power to stretch the ground… He provides a stage of size, rim safety, and physicality within the paint.”
“When Mike was in, we had been in a position to play a unique defensive lineup,” Mazzulla went on to say. “Didn’t wish to swap these guys as a lot in that second unit. Due to their sub patterns, we went greater.”
Whatever the matchups, Grant’s minutes have declined because the All-Star break. He solely performed 16 minutes in Boston’s 15-point loss towards the Knicks and 6 minutes of their 4-point time beyond regulation win towards the Pacers. He performed his regular load of 29 minutes in Saturday evening’s victory towards the Sixers, and Joel Embiid shot 2-of-6 with Grant as the first defender, the one Celtic to carry him below 50 p.c taking pictures.
Though Mazzulla mentioned he wished to keep away from switching, Donovan Mitchell nonetheless discovered methods to hunt Al Horford. Within the second half, Mitchell shot 5-of-6 with Horford as the first defender. After he scored 19 factors within the third quarter, you’d assume Grant — among the best bigs within the NBA at defending smaller guards — would get some minutes.
As an alternative, Horford performed 33 minutes, Robert Williams performed 31, and Mike Muscala performed 11. Horford had one in every of his greatest performances of the season, hitting his first eight photographs and ending with 23 factors and 11 rebounds. He’s averaged 31 minutes a recreation this season, and contemplating his age, I wouldn’t thoughts seeing his minutes diminished for the ultimate 20 video games so he’s contemporary for the playoffs. The 24-year-old Grant, conversely, doesn’t want a minutes restriction.
Was Cleveland’s duo of Evan Mobley and Jarret Allen a nasty matchup for him? I don’t purchase that. Mobley creates matchup issues along with his versatility, however Grant is stronger and faster, and whereas he’d have a troublesome time contesting the 7-footer’s shot, Mobley’s solely taking pictures 21 p.c from deep this yr. Allen has the apparent dimension benefit, however Grant’s confirmed he can battle on the block with greater gamers (see: him forcing Embiid right into a 17-foot fadeaway in direction of the tip of Saturday’s recreation). Moreover, the specter of Grant’s taking pictures would convey Allen away from the paint on offense.
I don’t imagine we’ll see too many (if any) extra DNP-CD’s for Grant. It was stunning that he didn’t play final evening however I can’t think about this turns into a development.
Grant is anticipating a payday this offseason. The Celtics reportedly didn’t supply something greater than $50 million throughout extension negotiations, and he’s sure to command greater than that. Marc Stein reported that he’s searching for a contract that pays $20 million yearly. As a restricted free agent, Boston has the power to match any supply sheets.
“Grant, he is aware of what he brings to this workforce and the kind of participant he’s,” Jaylen Brown mentioned in assist of his teammate. “Grant has helped us get to the Finals final yr. So clearly, we’re going to want him. So, maintain his head, he’s gonna be aight. He’s an expert, so we simply gotta maintain shifting ahead.”
The DNP, if something, highlights the depth of this Celtic squad. Most groups depend on 7 or 8 guys to play heavy minutes every evening, however Boston can simply go 10 deep. Typically, this results in guys getting buried on the bench who need to play (see: Payton Pritchard). However profitable cures every part, and Mazzulla’s determination led to a win towards a Cavs workforce that gave the Celtics issues earlier within the yr. I’d be shocked if Grant didn’t get again to his regular 25-Half-hour this Friday towards the Nets.
