The Boston Celtics have been dominant this season, holding the league’s best record at 25-10. Jayson Tatum and the Celtics hit a few bumps in the road last month, going 5-5 in their last ten games. Boston is currently on a three-game winning streak. Robert Williams made his debut in 12/16 and has accepted a bench role for Boston this season.
Williams had to undergo knee surgery shortly before the start of the season and finally returned to the lineup after missing the first 29 games. The 25-year-old big man was a starter last season under Ime Udoka as head coach, but may not be this season under interim coach Joe Mazzula. He was battling injuries and was a true team player for Boston.
NBA betting sites have the Celtics favorites at (+350) to win the Finals this season.
Since the return of Robert Williams in 12/16, the Boston Celtics have the #1 defensive rating in the NBA (107.2).
— Dan Greenie (@StoolGreenie) December 28, 2022
Robert Williams has embraced the role of the bench for the Celtics
His head coach was quick to say that the Celtics were looking into his interest after he returned from a knee injury. The role of the bench can be a direct result of that. Mazzula probably doesn’t want to overuse Williams in the starting lineup and lose him again. He noted that the Celtics are consistent in their lineup and that Williams will only be added if they feel the time is right.
Fortunately for Mazzula Williams, he’s a team player and is on board with the coaches’ decision.
“If we’re going to win. If we’re going to win, we’ve got to do it no matter what, . . . “I’m a team player. If we’re rolling with something, I feel like we’ve got to roll with it.” – Robert Williams
Last night against the Rockets, Williams had a season-best 11 points, 15 rebounds and 1 block in a win over Houston. It was the second time this season Williams played more than 20 minutes in a game. He is slowly getting back to his form last season and will likely be 100 percent again by the All-Star break. Boston’s next game is tomorrow at home against the LA Clippers.
