Robert Williams loved a breakout season final yr, anchoring the Boston Celtics protection – a unit that was the perfect within the NBA. One torn meniscus, two surgical procedures, and some missed months later, he’s again to dominating on that facet of the basketball.
Boston took down the San Antonio Spurs on Friday evening 121-116, nevertheless it wasn’t easy crusing for the C’s. They stumbled late within the fourth quarter, permitting former Celtic Josh Richardson to warmth up and assist the Spurs again into the sport. And when issues have been crumbling, Jayson Tatum regarded to Williams.
“It was humorous as a result of he obtained subbed out, I believe it was like within the fourth, eight-minute mark, perhaps seven. And I requested him, I’m like, ‘Yo, you continue to on a minute restriction?’ And he was like, ‘Nah.’ And I used to be like, ‘Properly alright, get your a** again within the sport.’”
“I requested him, ‘are you continue to on minute restriction?’ and he was like ‘nah.’and I used to be like ‘properly get your ass again within the sport.'”
Jayson Tatum talks about wanting as a lot time as attainable on the ground with Rob Williams ️ #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/p9VxgoFFyo
— Celtics on NBC Sports activities Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 8, 2023
The Celtics large man ended the evening with a double-double – 10 factors and 11 rebounds – to associate with three assists, two steals, and 4 blocks. He shot 5-of-6 from the sector.
Towards the Spurs, Williams’ versatility was placed on full show. He thrives within the off-ball function, however he’s additionally an elite on-ball defender. Williams’ freakish athleticism permits him to maintain up with large males and guards alike on the perimeter.
There was one play, specifically, that caught the eyes of many. Spurs rookie Malaki Branham obtained the ball close to the tip of the primary half with roughly 5 seconds left on the shot clock. He instantly shot it, however Williams – leaping from the free throw line to the highest of the important thing – blocked Branham’s shot and obtained a transition bucket.
It was an unbelievable show of athleticism and talent, and after the sport, Williams stated that he was shocked that Branham truly shot the ball.
“I’m actually shocked he shot the ball. Most individuals know I’m coming to dam that. He received’t strive it once more.”
Williams performed 21:45 in opposition to the Spurs, his second-highest minutes complete of the season. The one sport he earned extra courtroom time on this season was Boston’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, the place he logged 22:18.
Throughout his quick stint as Joe Mazzulla’s alternative, Celtics coach Damon Stoudamire revealed that the Celtics have been “given, medically, the minutes that he ought to play” and that, whereas they want him to play, “greater than something [they] want him to be snug.”
He’s been in a position to make a big impact off the bench for the Celtics, however Tatum is hoping to see the large man again within the beginning 5 sooner or later.
“Whether or not he begins or comes off the bench, [I] simply need him on the ground. Need him wholesome. And need to be on the ground with him concurrently a lot as attainable. So, , I’m gonna begin, so I would love Rob to start out, however, , no matter’s greatest for the staff, he’ll do this. And, , as a lot as I might be on the courtroom with him as attainable, , I believe [that] makes us higher.”
Williams began each sport he appeared in for the Celtics final season (61, a career-high) and performed 29.6 minutes per sport (additionally a career-high). Boston inked him to a four-year extension heading into final yr, and it paid off in an enormous method. They’re closely invested in his future, so guaranteeing his long-term well being is important.
That being stated, Williams has but to smell 25 minutes in a sport but this yr. And when he was within the opening lineup final yr, he, Marcus Good, Jaylen Brown, Tatum, and Al Horford made up the perfect beginning 5 in basketball by way of web ranking. Unleashing that unit full-time might assist Boston solidify themselves as title favorites.
For now, he’s settled right into a bench function and centered on offering his elite depth when the Celtics want it most.
“Coming off the bench I really feel like I have been in a position to be decisive on the place we have to insert vitality.”
Rob Williams talks coming off the bench and managing his minutes #Celtics pic.twitter.com/K5ROGi2RyI
— Celtics on NBC Sports activities Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 8, 2023
“I take pleasure in taking part in the sport. Coming off the bench, I really feel like I’ve been in a position to be decisive on when we have to insert vitality. I’m simply watching every little thing. However like I stated, whether or not it’s beginning or coming off the bench, I’m right here.”
Perhaps the plan is to preserve his vitality and well being for the postseason. Perhaps the Celtics are ready till later within the common season. However irrespective of after they resolve to unleash Williams, he’ll be prepared.
