Robert Williams III Scores 13 Points in Season Debut Friday
Time to Shine: Robert Williams III Returns
After missing the first 29 games of the season due to a nagging knee injury, Robert Williams III finally made his season debut for the Boston Celtics on Friday night against the Orlando Magic. Williams III had a solid performance, scoring 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, grabbing 9 rebounds, and blocking 2 shots in 20 minutes of action. He also had 4 turnovers.The Celtics, who have been struggling with injuries all season, were thrilled to have Williams III back in the lineup. He provides them with a much-needed presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Offensively, Williams III is a lob threat and a good finisher around the rim. He can also hit the occasional three-pointer. Defensively, Williams III is a rim protector who can alter shots and block shots.
“It felt good to be back out there with my teammates,” Williams III said after the game. “I’m still trying to get my timing back, but I’m feeling good. I’m just happy to be back.”
A Promising Start
In his first game back, Williams III showed flashes of his potential. He was active on both ends of the floor and made several hustle plays. He also hit a key three-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped the Celtics seal the victory.“I thought he played well,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said. “He gave us a good lift. He’s still trying to get his timing back, but he’s a big part of our team. We’re glad to have him back.”
The Celtics will need Williams III to continue to produce if they want to make a deep playoff run. He is a key piece to their puzzle, and he has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the league.
Looking Ahead
Williams III is expected to play a bigger role for the Celtics as he gets more acclimated to game action. He is a versatile player who can impact the game in a variety of ways. With Williams III in the lineup, the Celtics are a much more dangerous team.The Celtics will be back in action on Sunday night when they host the New York Knicks. Williams III is expected to start and play around 20 minutes.
