Grant Williams will not miss any games, but he will be taking extra precaution in the NBA playoffs.
Joel Embiid accidently curb stomped the Celtics forward in Boston’s Game 3 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA MVP apologized as soon as Williams returned to the court.
The incident shocked fans and even Celtics star Jaylen Brown, but the 24-year-old stated he was “good to go” for Game 4. Williams spoke more on the stomp in Saturday’s practice when he revealed he received stitches and would play with a mouth guard.
“I thought it would be a smart decision to throw a mouthpiece in there,” Williams told reporters, per video from NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg. “My parents have been getting on me for the past three years for not wearing a mouthpiece. Let’s just say last night didn’t help.”
On if he has ever played with a mouthpiece before, Williams added: “Yeah, I played with one my rookie year. My teeth were better then. I had my Invisalign. Next thing you know, I’m wearing a mouthpiece, and I stopped wearing my Invisalign. … I just got it remolded, made it work.”
The fourth-year forward has built a reputation as a physical and tough player — typically tasked with guarding players like Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Williams credited the 76ers dentist for assisting him, and Boston is thankful he only came out with a swollen nose — Williams told reporters he did not need to be evaluated for a concussion.
Tipoff for Game 4 at Wells Fargo Center is scheduled at 3:30 p.m. ET
