Boston Celtics: how Grant Williams left his blueprint on Friday’s home-opener
In Friday’s home opener–which felt like a must-win after losing in the season’s first game–an unfamiliar and unlikely source provided a boost to the Boston Celtics in a win over the 2019 NBA Champion Toronto Raptors.
At the 6:30 mark in the fourth quarter, with the Boston Celtics trailing 98-94, coach Brad Stevens called on rookie Grant Williams to replace Robert Williams as a small-ball center.
Daniel Theis had left the game earlier in the game due to a sprained ankle in the first half. Although he returned at the start of the second half, it’s likely that Coach Stevens wanted to limit his minutes to preserve him for the 82-game haul.
That was the opening the Tennessee product needed.
Williams ended up playing more than the other centers, (Robert Williams and Theis), both playing 14 minutes respectively. While his scoring ability hasn’t seemed too impressive thus far, Williams’ overall impact on the game was as clear as day.
He ended Friday’s contest with four points, seven rebounds (with six being offensive), four assists, a steal, and a +/- of plus-five. Williams also showed his defensive chops by drawing a charge call late in the third. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, repeatedly making the right play, something that is so rare for a rookie this early on in the season.
The former Volunteer had three assists in the first quarter alone, and has found his role in distributing the ball to the open man to get the best shot on each possession. On the defensive side of the ball, Williams held opposing center Marc Gasol to 1 point on 0/8 shooting – that’s about as good as it gets.
Last night, Williams and the Celtics battled the New York Knicks, this time without Center Daniel Theis for the whole game. This meant Williams would get even more of an opportunity to see the floor as the backup Center. The Celtics would go on to route the Knicks, 118-95.
He finished Saturday night’s contest shooting 3/4 from the field, an offensive rebound, an assist, three steals, a pair of blocks, seven points, and a +/- of +16 in just 19 minutes. He has helped the second unit for the Celtics force turnover after turnover, allowing wings such as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to run the fast break.
After the game the Boston Celtics official Twitter account tweeted some of coach Stevens’ words on Williams’ performance against the Knicks:
"“Grant’s skill and passing is really good for us. We can stretch guys out that way,” Brad Stevens says of Grant Williams. “And I thought he did things defensively above the rim today that were really impressive.”"
"-Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 26, 2019"
Williams has a body type and personality similar to Marcus Smart and Semi Ojeleye – a big body who can guard multiple positions while distributing on offense. He can switch onto anyone, is one already one of the best help defenders on the team.
Originally, it was thought that Williams would fit more into the Ojeleye play style, and not have as much of an impact hist first few years in green. However, he puts his body on the line and will do anything to win.
Boston experienced the Grant Williams effect for the first time on Friday and Saturday night. If they want to be successful with this current roster, the Boston Celtics will need consistent quality performances from Williams, considering their continued struggles at center this year.
Next. 3 players who won't survive 'til season's end. dark
Don’t be surprised if Boston Celtics fans fall in love with Williams– a living, breathing embodiment of everything that Beantown is about.