With 8:21 left in the fourth quarter in a 121-116 road win for the Boston Celtics over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, Jayson Tatum was surprised to see Robert Williams get subbed out of the game.
Tatum thought Williams was brought to the bench with the big man approaching a minutes restriction, but when the Celtics superstar found out that wasn’t the case, he had a pointed message for his teammate.
“It was funny because he got subbed out, I think it was in the fourth, eight-minute mark maybe. And I asked him, ‘Yo, are you still on minute restriction?’ And he was like, ‘No.’ And I was like, ‘Alright, get your ass back in the game,'” Tatum told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston.
Williams did indeed get back into the game five minutes later, and Tatum had a very valid reason as to why he wanted the Texas A&M product on the court.
Williams made an immense impact on both sides of the floor against the Spurs, turning in a stellar performance that consisted of 10 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and four blocks, one of which led to a highlight-reel sequence.
The Celtics have been cautious with Williams, and rightfully so, since he returned in mid-December from offseason knee surgery. The fifth-year pro has yet to play more than 22 minutes in the nine games he has appeared in this season. He has also come off the bench in all those contests.
But with Williams looking more and more like his old self, Tatum clearly wants additional playing time going to the difference-making center and would prefer if Celtics interim head coach Joe Mazzulla reinserted Williams back into the starting lineup as well.
“Whether he starts or comes off the bench, just want him on the floor, want him healthy and want to be on the floor with him at the same time as much as possible,” Tatum said. “I’m going start, so I would like Rob to start, but whatever is best for the team. He’ll do that. And as much as I can be on the court with him as possible, I think makes us better.”
Williams certainly was more diplomatic than Tatum when asked if he wanted to see an uptick in his minutes, understanding where the Celtics are coming from with their approach for him given his long injury history and his tremendous value to the team when healthy.
“I’m here for whatever,” Williams said, per NBC Sports Boston postgame coverage. “Obviously, they’re trying to be careful. Make the smart decision. With the guys out there rolling, they’re rolling. So, whether it’s 12 (minutes) or 30, I’m here.”
Williams also didn’t reveal if he would like to return to the starting lineup. He admirably continues to put the team first, just like he did when he played on a balky knee during Boston’s postseason run last season.
“I enjoy playing the game,” Williams said. “Coming off the bench, I feel like I’ve been able to be decisive on where we need to insert energy. Just watching everything. Whether it’s starting or coming off the bench, I’m here.”
