Robert Williams Returns For Celtics In Game 3 Win Over Nets
BOSTON (CBS) -- Robert Williams returned to the Celtics lineup ahead of schedule on Saturday night, playing 16 minutes in Boston's Game 3 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Williams played his first game since March 27, when he tore his meniscus and had to undergo surgery a few days later. He was given a 4-to-6 week timeline, but the man known as Timelord works on his own schedule. He said that he knew he'd be back early as soon as he got out of surgery on March 30.
He ramped up his rehab in recent days and was able to do so pain-free, so he was good to play brief spurts on Saturday night. Williams contributed two points, two rebounds and a block in the 109-103 Boston win.
He came in late in the first quarter and immediately got to work changing shots on the defensive end. He recorded his block early in the second quarter when he rejected Andre Drummond down low.
ROB WILLIAMS PUT IT ON GLASS ???? pic.twitter.com/fwguGxljlJ
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 24, 2022
A few minutes later, Williams took a lob feed from Jayson Tatum and slammed it down, part of a 9-2 run by Boston to start the quarter.
ROB WILLIAMS ON YOUR HEAD ???? pic.twitter.com/82OfysA2d0
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 24, 2022
It looks like the Celtics, who were already a force to open the series, will be back at full strength with Williams soon enough. He was on a minutes restriction for Game 3 and wasn't going to play more than 24 minutes, but was asked after the game when that restriction may be lifted.
"I don't even know. I just got a job to do," he said. "We're trying to win."
With Saturday night's win, Boston now owns a commanding 3-0 lead over the Nets in their first-round series. Game 4 is set for Monday night in Brooklyn.