After losing in Game 3, the Celtics reacted immediately by winning Game 4 on the Hawks floor. Joe Mazzulla’s men now lead 3-1 in the series, and they will have the opportunity to conclude it tonight at home, at TD Garden (1h30).
If the collective performance was rather solid, one player particularly caught the eye: Robert WilliamsIII. Against Atlanta, the Celtics pivot was dominant with 13 points, 15 rebounds and 2 blocks in 29 minutes! A “double-double” to remind us that he is getting closer to his best level after a season marred by injuries, with only 35 matches played.
“It was victory or nothing for us” said Robert Williams. “The coach challenged us all to play more physical. He just let me know that’s what I get paid for…and that was respectable. He made me understand that I had to continue and that it is in this area that I am the most successful”.
An underrated player?
Considered last year as one of the best defenders in the NBA, Robert Williams is a valuable part of the Celtics system, especially when it comes to protecting the circle and dominating in the paint. Along with Al Horford, they combined for 26 rebounds, dominating the Collins/Capela duo in the inside sector.
His health and availability will be big factors in the Celtics’ title chase, as that’s what arguably hurt them last season. His ability to change the course of a game and a series defensively is an asset for his people. His boundless energy can also tip certain scenarios in favor of Boston.
“Rob is one of those people who must realize that he has enormous potential” insists Joe Mazzulla. “It comes back to what we always talk about, which is that guys need to feel appreciated, to feel empowered. Every conversation with Rob is about the fact that when he’s at his best, we’re a different team. So it’s a matter of constantly reminding him of that.”.
The potential to be the best defender in the NBA
Robert Williams is the Celtics’ X factor on both ends of the court. His deterrence under the circle hampered the Atlanta players a lot in the finish. Offensively, his presence in the rebounds allows his team to obtain additional possessions.
“When he’s like that, there really aren’t words to describe the impact Rob has on our team.” explains Jaylen Brown. “When he’s healthy he’s probably the best defender in our league and he has such a presence in the game. He’s able to deflect balls, block shots, take big rebounds. Even offensively he’s a threat in the paint, I went for the basket late in the fourth quarter a couple of times and I was able to find him, and he was able to finish. It makes the game easier on both sides for everyone.”.
| Robert Williams | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | BOS | 32 | 9 | 70.6 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 0.2 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 2.5 |
| 2019-20 | BOS | 29 | 13 | 72.7 | 0.0 | 64.7 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 5.2 |
| 2020-21 | BOS | 52 | 19 | 72.1 | 0.0 | 61.6 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 6.9 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 8.0 |
| 2021-22 | BOS | 61 | 30 | 73.6 | 0.0 | 72.2 | 3.9 | 5.7 | 9.6 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 10.0 |
| 2022-23 | BOS | 35 | 24 | 74.7 | 0.0 | 61.0 | 3.0 | 5.4 | 8.3 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 8.0 |
| Total | 209 | 21 | 73.2 | 0.0 | 65.6 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 6.9 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 7.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
