“It felt like we began to grind him down just a little bit tonight,” Udoka mentioned, including: “It’s an especially exhausting job due to the best way he assaults and doesn’t settle.”
Because the Celtics’ lead swelled, the fourth quarter become a celebration that masqueraded because the closing minutes of a playoff sport, replete with rhythmic chants from the group: “Beat the Warmth! Beat the Warmth!”
The Celtics did most of their injury from behind the 3-point line, the place they shot 22 of 55. The Bucks have been simply 4 of 33. At his postgame information convention, Udoka scanned Milwaukee’s aspect of the field rating and seen all of the zeros — from Jrue Vacation, from Pat Connaughton, from Grayson Allen. None made a 3-pointer. They mixed for 15 makes an attempt.
Tatum, who had 23 factors within the win, was struck by a distinct statistic: Williams’s 22 field-goal makes an attempt.
“I advised him, ‘Don’t get used to that,’ ” Tatum mentioned, laughing. “However clearly tonight we wanted it.”
Williams, who was a first-round draft select of Tennessee in 2019, has formed himself into one of many Celtics’ extra versatile gamers. His capability to shoot from the skin stretches defenses. And at 6-foot-6 and 236 kilos, he has the energy and agility to protect a number of positions. Towards the Bucks, he helped out in opposition to Antetokounmpo, a thankless job.
“He’s simply relentless in his method,” Brown mentioned of Antetokounmpo.
However Williams appeared to be decided to combat till the very finish. The Celtics’ lead was 21 factors within the fourth quarter when the Bucks’ Bobby Portis escaped in a transition and elevated for a dunk. However Williams met him on the rim and swatted the shot away. He turned to the group — his crowd — and pumped his fists.
The stage belonged to him.
