Boston Celtics: 1 stud and 1 dud from C’s season saving win in Game 6

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 13: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics takes a moment prior to Game Six against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 13: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics takes a moment prior to Game Six against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Grant Williams was the Game 6 dud for the Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Grant Williams was the Game 6 dud for the Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics dud: Grant Williams

Grant Williams’ 2021-22 season will be remembered for his incredible growth as a role player and his evolution into an elite 3-point shooter. Unfortunately for Williams, those improvements have not seemed to carry over into this series.

He had another forgettable performance, scoring just two points. Williams failed to make a single basket in 28 minutes of play. In games past, The hybrid big was able to shrug off poor offensive games by making up for it with physical defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo but that just wasn’t the case tonight.

He picked up two quick fouls and as a result was never able to get comfortable on either side of the ball. Even when he was in the game, he was bullied by Giannis on seemingly every possession they were matched up. When the Greek Freak has gone off previously, Williams would make him work for every bucket and do his best to wear him down over 48 minutes.

It was a different story for him tonight. as he had no answer for the league’s best player. As a result, Al Horford and Marcus Smart picked up the main defensive responsibilities against Antetokounmpo while Williams struggled to find other ways to make an impact.

The Celtics forward also looked lost on offense at times and seems to be questioning his shot. Maybe with Rob Williams out, his inclusion in the starting lineup has thrown off his usual rhythm and is the key factor in his recent struggles. If he can get back to the spots he is comfortable in and doesn’t try to do too much, he should have no problem regaining his confidence.

Grant can still be a key contributor for the Cs in Game 7, but he was far from it tonight.