Celtics big man Robert Williams III has been in and out of the lineup since returning midway through the first round of the 2022 playoffs. But it appears that Williams is good to go for Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, despite a fresh injury scare.
At one point in Game 2 on Sunday night, Marcus Smart appeared to fall on Williams’ left leg, and stayed down on the court for a time before getting back up and staying in the game. He’s been dealing with what the Celtics have termed “knee soreness” ever since returning from surgery to repair a torn meniscus. His knee continues to be something to monitor ahead of Game 3. He’s officially listed as questionable.
So, is his knee any worse now?
“No, he’s okay,” head coach Ime Udoka said during his media availability on Tuesday on Williams’ knee. “He was more scared than anything, honestly. Said he took the hit in that knee, more so stayed down to make sure he was okay. Once he got up and started running, he was fine. No difference.”
Barring a surprise setback during pregame shootaround, or an unexpectedly debilitating level of knee pain, Williams appears likely to suit up for Game 3 of the NBA Finals and play through it. The 24-year-old acknowledged that physically, he hasn’t had his same burst while playing with the knee pain, and has had to adjust.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts on the ground during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
“Just adding a little more technique, a little more thinking to the game,” Williams said Tuesday. “Obviously, like you said with the injury that I have, not being as explosive as I normally am. A little more physicality, using my body a little bit more.”
The C’s could certainly use physicality from Williams after Draymond Green pushed them around in Game 2, which the Warriors won 107-88. We’ll see how Williams looks on the court when Game 3 tips off at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday night.
Zolak & Bertrand | Looking Ahead to Game 3
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PHOTOS: Celtics, Warriors clash in Game 2 of 2022 NBA Finals
