The veterans may have carried the Boston Celtics for much of regulation in the Boston Celtics’ 130-126 double-overtime win vs. the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center this past Friday (Jan. 23) night, but it was Boston’s youth movement that secured the victory in extra periods.
And in particular, it was the play of rookie forward Hugo Gonzalez and two way first year big man Amari Williams on those double overtimes that helped the Celtics escape a very motivated Nets squad this weekend. Teammate Payton Pritchard had praise for the duo after the win – and Williams in particular – saying (via CLNS Media) “Hugo hitting that shot, checking in late, Amari coming in, having an and-one, big block, rebound – it’s just impressive, so we’re lucky to have him.”
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Asked about Williams hitting him for a successful assist, Pritchard said “Touchdown – Amari made a good catch. It’s kind of like a receiver route. And he threw it to me, pump fake, and simple as that.”
Jan 23, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez (28) and forward Amari Williams (77) and center Neemias Queta (88) celebrate after defeating the Brooklyn Nets in double overtime at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“Amari’s probably practiced it, but I don’t know if he’s practiced it with that group,” he added. “Just shows his character, to be ready to play, sitting on the bench for like two hours and then come in and check in.”
“That’s big. So I think it’s a culture thing – always having the right people around and shows that guys already switch their defensive coverages a few times in this game.”
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Pritchard has high praise for Amari Williams in Celtics double OT win