Brad Stevens on Grant Williams blocked shots: ‘we were dead... Grant covered for us’

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2019/11/boston-celtics-brad-stevens-on-grant-williams-blocked-shots-we-were-dead-grant-covered-for-us.html



Boston Celtics Brad Stevens on Grant Williams blocked shots: ‘we were dead... Grant covered for us’




Updated Nov 19, 2019;Posted Nov 19, 2019





Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) shoots as Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)



By John Karalis | JKaralis@masslive.com




PHOENIX - “We were dead on those plays.”

The Boston Celtics didn’t know at the time that they were beginning a 15-2 second quarter run that would essentially be the difference in their 99-85 win over the Phoenix Suns. All Brad Stevens knew is that with the score 44-40 and, 50 seconds later, 48-40, Grant Williams bailed them out.

"Grant's two blocks were huge,” Stevens said. “We were doing a pretty good job the whole night about guarding Booker the way we wanted to and being active, but it put us in some scrambles and put us in some rotations, and Grant covered for us.”

The first victim was Kelly Oubre, who spun free from Marcus Smart on an inbounds play and looked to have a sure two. Instead of cutting Boston’s lead to two and keeping the game close, Williams turned his head in the nick of time and rose up to block the shot.


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Then it was Frank Kaminsky’s turn. He cut backdoor and sprung free for what looked like an easy layup. Williams spotted the play as the pass was being thrown, gathered himself, and sent Kaminsky packing too.


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Frank Kaminsky had no idea what was coming on this play.

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Williams downplayed his contributions to the run.

“The blocks are cool but it’s all about rotations,” Williams said. “There’s a time where I got beat and Kemba (Walker) came out and took my man and I went to his, so it’s about multiple rotations and the effort we play with, and that’s something that a lot of teams don’t do or you don’t see, especially from your star players.”

The rookie’s humility is endearing, but the fact remains that he made two of the most important defensive plays in a key stretch of what ultimately became a blowout. The rest of his stat sheet might seem unremarkable, but his impact was noticeable.

“Grant Williams really came and gave us a spark off the bench,” Jayson Tatum said. “Just stuff he does that doesn’t show up in the stat sheet that really helps our team and gives us energy and life.”

It would have been easy for Williams to come into this game a little flustered. He’d just been given the first DNP-Coach’s decision of his life. Being able to stay engaged and not lose confidence is tough for a rookie unexpectedly sitting. But to Williams’ credit, there was no drop off in his play.

“That was big,” Stevens said. “Sometimes those guys have more energy on the second night of a back-to-back. But we thought there were tougher matchups yesterday for him. And obviously Semi played great yesterday so it was hard to break that. I thought both those guys did a good job tonight. But Grant’s a good player.”

Williams seemed to take the DNP in stride, saying he kept himself into the game by making sure he was up and active on the bench, staying vocal and engaged in the game.

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“For our team, we’re so deep, we have a lot of guys who can step up on the same night, so you can’t take it personally that you didn’t play,” he said. “Maybe it’s the game plan, so you gotta trust what Brad is doing. That’s the approach that I’m taking now where it’s like, when your number’s called, you try to bring that same intensity whether you’re playing or not.”

Williams’ number was called again in Phoenix, and he responded with enough defensive intensity to be part of a game-changing run.



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