On Friday, the Boston Celtics secured a convincing victory against the San Antonio Spurs by 121-116. However, the win did not come easy for the Celtics. The feat would not have been possible without the contributions of a major defensive asset for the Celtics, who is slowly coming back to his groove after injury. The Celtics began slipping in the fourth quarter, as the Spurs star Josh Richardson began leveling up with Boston. With around 7-8 minutes left in the game, Jayson Tatum looked towards the Celtics camp and brought back his subbed teammate, who delivered graciously to secure a victory for his team. Recently, Tatum hailed the defensive importance of his 6’9 teammate following a special performance after his return from injury.

Robert Williams played an important defensive role for the Boston Celtics last season. However, he missed out on the first few months of the 2022-23 season as a result of a torn meniscus. Williams has played nine games so far and his best performance came against the San Antonio Spurs. The Celtics center finished with a double-double, securing 10 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks. The all-around performance from Williams prompted Jayson to chime in on his importance for the Celtics following the win.

Jayson Tatum showers Robert Williams with praises following a promising showing

As per Celtics on NBC Sports Boston, Jayson Tatum stated his desire to have Robert Williams on the floor alongside him as much as possible during the post-game interview. The three-time All-Star suggested that he definitely wanted Williams to start the game with him. However, he reckoned that Robert Williams was up for doing anything that was best for the team.

Moreover, Jayson Tatum said, “Whether he starts or comes off the bench, [I] Just Want Him on the floor. Want him healthy.”

“Get your a** back in the game,” was Tatum’s verbatim demand to Williams after the latter revealed that he isn’t on minute restrictions anymore.

While Tatum preferred Williams’ presence at the start of the game, the defensive center is yet to play beyond 25 minutes in a game this season. In nine appearances this year, Robert Williams has averaged 7.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.9 Turnovers per game.

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Thus, Williams is likely to take on the bench role for now. But his availability and health are pivotal to the success of the Boston Celtics. Nevertheless, Williams pulled off a defensive stunner during the game towards the end of the first half.

William’s brilliant block followed by transition bucket

With a little over a minute left in the second quarter, Spurs rookie Malaki Branham attempted a three-pointer beyond the arc. However, Williams valiantly came between the shot and pulled off a massive block.

Immediately after the black, Robert Williams picked the ball up and scored a transition bucket with hardly five seconds left on the shot clock.

Thus, as Williams adjusts to spending more time on the court, his defensive services would be crucial for the Celtics team’s campaign ahead this season.