Updated:
Mar 7, 2023
Grant Williams’ missed free throws at the end of regulation in a tied game wrapped up disastrous back-to-back games for the Celtics who lost their second overtime game within 24 hours.
Donovan Mitchell scored 40 points and Lamar Stevens rallied his team onto a 4th quarter comeback despite being down by double digits with 4:!5 minutes left.
It was ultimately the last 5.8 seconds of the game that would decide the game, Payton Pritchard missed a layup but Williams rose the highest to claim the rebound.
Although the forward was fouled and it resulted in two free throws and Williams, who averages 86% from the free throw line in the last two seasons, was so confident he would make both, he was seen chirping to Mitchell that he was making both shots.
The Cavs masterfully ice Grant Williams at the line, causing a near 45 second delay between the potential game-winning free throws. https://t.co/D00eulukmc pic.twitter.com/47vCxixZUJ
— Sherwob Holmes (@WorldWideWob) March 7, 2023
In the end, Williams missed both shots and the game went into overtime with the mind games seemingly getting to Williams as the Cavs were able to cause a 45-second delay between the game-winning shots.
“You just try to mess with him mentally and see what happens. I have no doubt in my mind that if Grant’s in that position again tomorrow or the next day, he’s going to make both free throws. He’s a good player, just trying to find a way to get in his head a little bit,” Mitchell told reporters after the game.
to make it worse, Grant Williams told Donovan Mitchell he’d make both.pic.twitter.com/1hvoYllDJu
— Sherwob Holmes (@WorldWideWob) March 7, 2023
The 45-21 Celtics now sit two games behind leaders Milwaukee Bucks.
Joe Mazzulla will continue to be concerned about his team’s tendency to collapse and become complacent when they command huge leads.
It was only a few days ago when he was adamant that he has zero concerns regarding his team and after his team conceded another lead against the Nets, he said: “I think it was a one-off.”
