Two things stand out:
1. Tatum wants TL to start
2. Malaki Branham won't try that again
from
The Athletic
https://theathletic.com/4067685/2023/01/08/after-squeaking-out-win-in-san-antonio-celtics-know-they-need-more-rob-williams/
When he checked out early in the fourth quarter, that could have been the end of his evening. But Tatum wasn’t having it.
“I asked him, ‘Yo, are you still on a minute restriction?’ And he was like, ‘No.’ I was like, ’All right, get your ass back in the game,’” Tatum said. “Whether he starts or comes off the bench, just want him on the floor, want him healthy, and want to be on the floor with him as much as possible.
I’m gonna start, so I would like Rob to start. But whatever’s best for the team, he’ll do that. As much as I can be on the court with him as possible, I think makes us better.”
Even if this apparent minutes limit has been allegedly lifted, it doesn’t mean the sports science or coaching staffs think he’s ready for serious starter minutes. So the logic checks out to have him start the game on the bench and still have legs for crunch time. But maybe he needs to start the second half and play shorter spurts to ensure he can help the team when it needs it.
Tatum needs it. Brown certainly does as well. The early fourth-quarter second unit he has been leading, that stunk all year, was their saving grace Saturday. Brogdon was unstoppable with Williams out there. Even when their execution was poor on both ends, he cleaned everything up.
Williams missed his first shot since Christmas early in the fourth quarter, then naturally put it right back in. If he misses, he doesn’t miss for long. He has more blocked shots (12) than rim outs (6) in 174 minutes so far.
He finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals for the fourth time in his career. Only Kevin McHale did it more times, but it was just one more, per NBC Sports Boston. Williams is a rare breed, a hyperathletic anchor big who brings the electricity of a
Jarred Vanderbilt while passing like Domas Sabonis in a headband.
The entire breadth of his game was on display late in the second quarter, when
Malaki Branham made a rookie mistake and tried to launch a 3 with Williams within 50 feet of him.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BtbJXVLf0kM
“I’m really surprised he shot the ball,” Williams said. “Most people know I’m coming to block that. He won’t try it again.”
Williams made it clear that he is ready for more. His teammates want more. But will they get it?
“I’m here for whatever. Obviously, they’re trying to be careful and make the smart decision. If the guys are out there rolling, they’re rolling,” said Williams. “I enjoy playing the game. Coming off the bench, I feel like I’ve been able to be decisive on where we need to insert energy.”
But the energy needs to shift. It’s Brown’s catchphrase. He sells shirts with it emblazoned across the chest. You see them all over the city.
Brown tweeted it last year, claimed it wasn’t about basketball, then embraced that it was clearly what the team needed to hear. But he and Tatum are the equilibrium for this team, trying to keep their baseline higher than anybody else in the league. They need Williams to be the one who causes the spark. He’s clearly doing it now, but they just need more of it on nights like these.
No matter how many times they recognize they have a target on their backs and they’re getting everyone’s best each night, they’re struggling to keep up every game. But Williams is only on the floor for so long. So when he spends crunch time hiding in the dunker spot and hoping for a chance to briefly touch the ball, they’re still leaving money on the table.
“Just energy shifting,” Williams said. “I’m trying to insert that as much as I can.”