Amari Williams joined the Boston Celtics late Friday afternoon and would later deliver a few crucial plays to help the group seal a 130-126 double-overtime road victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
With starting center Neemias Queta and backup Luka Garza out of the game because of foul trouble, Williams was first summoned by coach Joe Mazzulla with 7.9 seconds left in overtime. He then played the entire second session, finishing with three points, one assist and one block.
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Williams set up a key 3-pointer by Payton Pritchard in the first overtime after pulling down a three-quarter-court pass from Sam Hauser. He then converted an and-1 attempt in the next overtime before registering a game-sealing block on Nic Claxton.
“I flew in two hours before from Maine,” Williams said via CLNS Media. “I did the shootaround this morning, thought I was going to play there tonight. Neemias wasn’t feeling great, so I flew in today. Just kind of being ready for whenever. You don’t really know until you get here if you’re going to suit up or not, so just kind of being ready for whatever.”
Williams, signed to a two-way contract, made only his ninth appearance of the season with the Celtics in the victory at the Barclays Center. He has logged more than 10 minutes only twice, playing in mostly mop-up duty before Friday.
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The 46th pick was previously called upon for an extended run on Nov. 26, recording one point, three rebounds and two blocks in 15 minutes. He was, admittedly, nervous in that win over the Detroit Pistons, but he believes those nerves have since dissipated.
“The first time against Detroit, I was kind of nervous, I’m not going to lie,” Williams said. “But now, I feel like every game is the same, so just kind of being ready and knowing that whatever happens, happens.”
Williams has been with Maine for most of the season, averaging 14.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.9 blocks on 59.9% shooting from the field in 19 appearances. He ranks ninth in the G League in total rebounding and is one of four players with multiple triple-doubles.
The 7-footer from England has had a productive run in the G League as part of his development plan. He stayed ready for the opportunity to play on Friday, which didn’t go unnoticed by the team.
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“It just shows his character to be ready to play,” Pritchard said. “He was sitting on the bench for two hours and then coming in and checking in, that is big time. I think it is a culture thing and always having the right people around. It shows that guys are ready.”
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Celtics news: Amari Williams comes up clutch in overtime win vs. Nets