Al Horford Explains the ‘Huge Leap’ Robert Williams III Has Made Since Returning From Injury

Robert Williams III has been essential toward the Boston Celtics’ success as of late, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. After their Friday afternoon practice, Al Horford praised The Time Lord for his ascension in the Celtics lineup despite battling injuries throughout their opening-round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

“All the off-the-court stuff is what has really impressed me with him. He’s taken a huge leap just in this year,” the 15th-year veteran said. “So it’s a lot of credit to him, and the time he’s put in, and the work he’s put in is showing.”

In his fourth year in the L, Williams averaged a career-high 10 points, 9.6 boards, and 2.2 blocks per game. While he’s only played in four games since returning from a surgically repaired meniscus, Williams has been highly successful in shutting down the dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo, holding the Greek Freak to 0-for-5 in Game 1.

“Just trying to do as much as he can to help us. He knows how much we need him, and I was just really impressed with his consistency. And that just speaks to him all year; he’s been that consistent,” Horford continued.

The Time Lord and the Celtics will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks for Game 3 in a 1-1 tied series in Milwaukee on Saturday.