2 Boston Celtics players who must step up in the NBA Finals

Boston Celtics player No. 1) Robert Williams

Before the regular season had ended, Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams had torn his meniscus.

After the injury occurred, the fourth-year pro opted to have surgery that sidelined him for four weeks. This type of surgery helped him get ready for returning to the playoffs, with risks of lingering knee soreness.

He was given another option of receiving a different surgery, which would have sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.

Williams knows that nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, and couldn’t pass up on the opportunity of helping his teammates go on a potential championship run. An opportunity like this may never be given to him again, considering how wide-open the league has been.

Since Williams’ return, it’s clear that he is still a bit banged up. He does not appear as athletic, he can’t withstand heavy minutes, and his overall game has looked rusty.

This was expected from him, but if Boston wants a chance at success versus the Warriors, Williams must produce at a consistent rate.

Asking the C’s big man to mirror what he produced for them during the regular reason would be asking a lot. That, if he can stay on the floor and provide his teammates with an extra big body down low when his number is called, Boston will only benefit from the opportunity.

Golden State has been well known for years now for being a 3-point shooting team. In a series like this, their game plan may have to be altered due to Boston’s elite defense. There will be moments where the Warriors elect to score down low, and having Williams in the post blocking shots and bringing defensive pressure to Golden State could end up being crucial to the C’s success.