When Robert Williams III was observed hobbling in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Warriors, there was some anxiety. He’d been nursing a painful left knee throughout the playoffs, and the big man didn’t appear to be 100 percent when he took the court on Friday. Williams was classified as doubtful on the injury report for Game 5 once again.
Coach feels optimistic
Despite the knee soreness, Boston coach Ime Udoka stated Sunday that he is “optimistic” about Williams’ future. Despite the knee, which has set him back because he hasn’t been 100 percent during the playoffs, Williams says he’s still feeling OK.
“I was actually looking for the clip,” Williams said of when he tweaked his knee. “I can’t necessarily tell you if it was the jumping or the landing, but typical soreness. I feel okay.”
When he’s healthy, Williams continues to be a valuable big man for the Celtics. In Boston, he was at his finest in Games 3 and 4, where he seemed to be everywhere defensively. Williams put up seven points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 31 minutes in Game 4, his most in the playoffs this season.
Williams no stranger to injury
The Celtics will keep a positive attitude toward Williams. Late in the regular season, he had surgery to repair a torn meniscus, which kept him out for about a month. Williams also suffered a bone bruise against the Bucks in the second round, which has added to his knee soreness. He’s been labeled as questionable for each Finals game, yet he’s still been able to play.
Game 5 of the Finals will take place at Chase Center on Monday at 9 p.m. The Celtics will be hoping that their big man is well and ready to wreak havoc on the Warriors.
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