Boston Celtics stud: Robert Williams III
Missing the C’s last four games as he continued to nurse a sore left knee, Robert Williams III was given the green light to be a full go in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and what a showing he had!
Without the likes of Al Horford, the rest of Boston’s bigs needed to do their best to step up in his absence, and, though not all of them rose to the occasion, Time Lord certainly did.
Right out of the gates the 24-year-old showcased the energy and defensive tenacity that the Celtics have been missing with him out, as he put up 12 points and six boards in the first half.
His presence on the less glamorous side of the ball was something felt often throughout the contest, as he forced the Heat to look to the perimeter and for shots outside of the paint more frequently than they generally like to and, when they attacked the paint, the center regularly made them pay, swatting two shots and altering several others during his time on the floor.
By game’s end, Williams had put up 18 points and nine rebounds on 6-of-8 shooting from the floor and served as a real bright spot on a rather bleak night.
Hopefully, he can keep up, or even improve upon this level of play moving forward in this best-of-seven series.
Robert Williams’ performance was truly a great sight to see.