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3 reasons the Boston Celtics have been struggling

By Sam LaFrance

The Boston Celtics have hit their first major dry spell of the season. Here are a few reasons that have caused the recent struggles Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics have hit their first major dry spell of the season. Here are a few reasons that have caused the recent struggles Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /

Growing pains in Boston

There was plenty of buildup over the first 29 games of the Boston Celtics’ season regarding the return of Robert Williams III. Williams had been recovering from an offseason knee surgery before finally making his season-debut on Friday night. He had first injured his knee back in April during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he tore his left meniscus. Rob was able to make a speedy return to the Celtics, rejoining the team for Game 3 of the first round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

Throughout Boston’s march to an NBA Finals Berth, Williams didn’t quite look like the same player that fans had watched all season. His averages were down from 10 points and 10 rebounds per game to about eight points and six rebounds. He clearly wasn’t 100% but wanted to help his squad in the playoffs.

Williams checked into Friday’s game against the Orlando Magic to a standing ovation. The Garden crowd was excited to see the high-flying center back in action. During his first stint in the game, Rob looked a bit lost. He picked up three quick fouls and even noted post-game that he felt a bit winded. During that first Timelord shift, Boston lost an early lead to the Magic, and the visiting team never really looked back. Throughout the remainder of the mini-series with Orlando he looked more like the player that landed on the NBA’s all-defensive second team last year. He was blocking shots and throwing down dunks.

Through his first two games, Williams is averaging 7.5 points and five rebounds in 17.5 minutes. He’s been fine and looks to very much be heading in the right direction. However, sticking a returning player into the rotation can result in some growing pains, which Boston did during the Orlando mini-series.

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