Boston Celtics: 3 X-factors that will determine C’s fate against Heat in ECF

Boston Celtics X-factor No. 2) Grant Williams

Easily the most integral part of Boston’s bench rotation, which was exemplified to a tee in their series-clinching Game 7 against the Bucks, Grant Williams is going to be needed on both ends of the floor if the Celtics wish to have an easier time at advancing past Miami.

Truly an underrated defender who, with his strength and quickness, can cover seemingly anyone from a six-footer to just around seven feet, the 23-year-old forward is going to be needed in a major way on the less glamorous side of the ball in order for the C’s to try and contain the likes of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, specifically.

As we witnessed in round two when facing off against the All-World Giannis Antetokounmpo, Williams is certainly capable of holding his own when assigned to star frontcourt talents and, considering how both Bam and Butler are also keen on backing down and driving to the hoop, perhaps he could have a similar approach to his play and, in turn, have a similar impact as well.

Offensively, considering the fact that the Heat let up the eighth-most 3-pointers throughout the regular season, should Williams knock down his long balls at a rate similar to what he did during the 2021-22 campaign (converted at a 41.1 percent clip from deep), he could be a real trouble for Erik Spoelstra’s squad on both sides of the court.