Celtics ahead Grant Williams couldn’t again up his trash speak throughout a 118-114 extra time loss to the Cavaliers on Monday.
With lower than one second left within the fourth quarter and the sport tied at 109 apiece, Williams was fouled, which arrange a pair of potential game-winning free throws.
Cameras captured a assured Williams on the free throw line telling Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell: “I’mma make each.”
That’s when Williams proceeded to overlook each pictures — and Celtics guard Marcus Sensible missed a tip-in on the horn to ship the sport into extra time.
Williams’ first try hit the entrance of the rim and bounced out.
His second try, which was delayed by Cleveland subbing Darius Garland in for Isaac Okoro, bounced off the again of the rim and out.
It marked the primary time Williams — who’s an 81.1 % free throw shooter this season — was on the line through the Monday contest.
The Cavaliers went on to outscore the Celtics 9-5 in extra time to safe the win, 118-114 — handing Boston their third-straight loss.
The Celtics led by 15 factors in each the second and third quarter, and the Cavaliers had been down by double digits with lower than 5 minutes left within the fourth.
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After the sport, Mitchell — who completed with 40 factors, 11 rebounds and 4 assists — confirmed to reporters that Williams certainly stated he would make each free throws.
“You simply attempt to mess with him mentally and see what occurs,” Mitchell stated about his alternate with Williams. “I’ve little question in my thoughts that if Grant’s in that place once more tomorrow or the following day, he’s going to make each free throws. He’s participant, simply looking for a solution to get in his head a little bit bit.”
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla provided a supportive message to Williams after the loss.
“Simply inform him I like him,” Mazzulla stated. “It’s a part of the sport. He didn’t miss them on objective, simply bought to have the ability to transfer on from it.”
Williams completed the sport with 12 factors on 4-of-6 capturing with 4 rebonds.
The Celtics (45-21) now sit two video games again from the Jap Convention-leading Bucks (46-18).
Cleveland is 4.5 video games behind Milwaukee within the fourth spot, with a 41-26 file.
The Celtics host the Path Blazers on Wednesday.
