BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 03: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on March 03, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Knicks fans will love-hate Grant Williams embarrassing Celtics in brutal loss
The night after blowing a 14-point lead to the New York Knicks and losing in double overtime, the Celtics were tasked with taking on Donovan Mitchell and Cleveland at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
With no Jayson Tatum (knee), Robert Williams (hamstring), or Al Horford (back), the Celtics still managed to post 68 points in the first quarter. That momentum didn’t stop Boston from blowing another 14-point lead as Cleveland battled back in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
Grant Williams had a chance to win the game for the Celtics with the game tied at 109. With 0.8 seconds left to play in regulation, all Williams had to do was hit at least one of two free throws. He mouthed off to Donovan Mitchell and said that he was going to hit both shots, but instead, he missed both and the game went to overtime. From there, the Cavaliers went on to win, 118-114.
Grant Williams misses game-winning free throws as Celtics extend losing streak to 3
Grant Williams forgot that if you’re going to run your mouth, you have to be able to back it up. It didn’t help that he was talking to Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 40 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
Williams was embarrassed twice on back-to-back nights. That’s rough.
Yes, Boston was without three starters and didn’t get to Cleveland until 2:30 a.m. on Monday after coming up short against Immanuel Quickley and the Knicks. However, if the Celtics could close out games, they would’ve been able to beat New York and Cleveland. Instead, both games resulted in losses as the Celtics moved two games back from the No. 1 spot in the East.
Why should Knicks fans be disappointed that Williams missed both free throws then? Well, Boston losing didn’t help New York get one step closer to getting the No. 4 seed. As the days go by, it’s looking more and more like the Knicks and Cavaliers will face off in the first round of the playoffs. If New York is able to capture the No. 4 seed and knock Cleveland down to No. 5, the Knicks will have homecourt advantage.
Thanks but no thanks, Grant.
