3 takeaways from the Boston Celtics Game 2 win over the Brooklyn Nets

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after hitting a three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 20, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Nets 114-107. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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It’s not a case of ‘no Robert Williams, no problem’ for the Boston Celtics in this series. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

Takeaway No. 1: The Boston Celtics are missing Robert Williams

The Boston Celtics are missing a key piece to their puzzle right now and it’s obvious. Robert Williams is one of the most dominant big men in the league and a major reason for that is his presence on the glass, offensively and defensively.

Bruce Brown had a field day on the boards today grabbing three offensive rebounds and five defensive giving him eight total. Brown wasn’t the only one feasting on the boards for Brooklyn though, Kyrie Irving had eight also, and even Goran Dragic had some big-time offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter.

One thing that was annoying me was watching these smaller players grab boards that seemingly wouldn’t even be possibly had Williams been there. Dragic in particular had some offensive rebounds late in the game that would have been handled nicely by Rob.

It’s not only on the boards that they’re visibly missing their star center, however. Offensively, Williams was a lob city menace, always being ready and capable for an alley-oop. Williams averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists this year, all career highs.

Thankfully, Theis and Horford seem to be holding down the fort well enough for Williams to continue rehabbing that knee.

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