Trying to find positives out of that Monday night game against the Indiana Pacers is a bit like dumpster diving. You have to sift through a lot of garbage to find anything good.
Watching Robert Williams defend, though, was worth it.
“Overall with Rob you’re seeing that consistency become more the standard game-to-game and we’re loving that part,” Ime Udoka said. “We can play with him as the big in pick and roll or off-ball, and we’re starting to mix that in more. As a weak-side shot blocker he’s really thriving in that role, with the smaller big on the ball. So he’s more consistent and that’s great to see.”
Having a great shot blocker on the weak side (the side of the floor opposite the ball) is such a great tool for teams because opponents will turn corners worried about seeing ghosts. With Williams on the floor blocking shots from out of nowhere, ball handlers driving against one Celtics defender will have to worry about a phantom Williams suddenly appearing to block shots.
Meanwhile Celtics defenders can feel good about being aggressive because they know Williams will be backing them up. Here’s a look at Williams' timing and understanding of when he can break for a big blocked shot.
He’s defending Domantas Sabonis on this play. Sabonis is bringing the ball up the floor, and Josh Richardson does a nice job of slowing Sabonis down on his way to pick up his man. Duane Washington, Jr. gets the handoff and is picked up by Grant Williams.
Grant seems to be taken by surprise by having to do this. He had picked up Jeremy Lamb in transition but Richardson suddenly decided he was taking Lamb, which forced Grant to step up.
Washington sees this and takes off as Grant is getting set. Grant recovers but is on Washington’s hip. Rob stays connected to Sabonis, giving Grant the chance to get back into the play.
This is a great decision. A lot of help defenders will think “Oh, Grant’s burnt toast, let me shift over to stop the ball,” but Rob’s staying patient. He has two things working to his advantage: his insane jumping ability, and the right angle to stop an alley oop.
Rob disconnects and makes his move when he sees Washington extend his arm with the ball flat in the palm of his hand. The defensive calculus in Rob’s brain quickly registers a few things:
- There's no wrap around pass possible from that angle
- The ball flat in Washington’s hand can only go up
- No guide hand on the ball means no other options
- He is between the ball and Sabonis, so any pass has to go over him
All of this adds up to committing to the help. He plants and times it perfectly.
Later, in overtime, he came up with an even more amazing weak-side block.
Awareness of time and situation allows for incredible anticipation.
Rob is guarding Torrey Craig in the corner. His jumping ability allows him the luxury of playing a step further off the ball than most guys would one pass away.
Also, from his spot on the court, he is looking at Lance Stephenson, but the line of sight also shows him the shot clock ticking down above the far basket. Rob knows Indy has to make a move. Once Oshae Brissett gets the ball and drives on Jayson Tatum, Craig is eliminated as a threat.
Williams is free to commit.
Richardson is on Sabonis and takes a step towards Brissett, but he quickly turns around and basically gives up the lane. I’m sure he was worried about Sabonis there but Tatum was beat.
However, the instant Richardson plants and retreats, Robert Williams springs into action.
This is incredible recognition because if Richardson had stayed in Brissett’s path, Rob was right there to block Sabonis, who would have had no time to fake. Williams was laying in wait for the play to break a certain way, and his lightning-quick reflexes brought him to the drive.
Just watch it again to fully appreciate how quick the decision was. It’s not until Richardson plants the left foot and starts moving the other way that Rob takes his two steps and launches himself to appear out of nowhere and block the layup.
He’s like a leopard waiting in the bushes. His reaction time is unfathomably good, and his athleticism allows him to wait a tick longer, and a step further away than most guys.
Sometimes, Williams will overcommit and make mistakes. These two blocks show how little he has to chase in order to be effective. He can be patient before pouncing.
“I'm like the biggest Rob Williams fan and I have been for a very long time,” Tatum said after the game. “Just the maturity and growth that he's shown over these last couple of years. Rob has been playing a lot more consistent, played 41 minutes tonight, he's just contributing something on a nightly basis. I'm glad he's on our team.”
