More that would help Robert Williams beat the Boston Celtics

There is only so much an opposing team can do when they are up against Luka Doncic. Oftentimes, well-executed defensive contracts aren’t enough to stop the 21-year-old All-Star, and that was true Tuesday night in Dallas. Doncic hit two 3-pointers in the final 16 seconds to give the Celtics their seventh loss in 10 games, pushing Boston’s record to 15-16.

The Celtics ’fourth-quarter affairs have been at the forefront of their mediocre play over the past few weeks, and last Tuesday’s frame began in the ugly fashion that has now become the norm. Despite the woes, Boston was able to fight infamously back down the field. Thanks to Doncic and an under-.500 record, that late push will go over with Boston heading to Atlanta for night two of its latest backup.

So what can the Celtics do to invigorate themselves among their regular slide? This can be said for every game he lost, except Boston indeed Marcus Marcus could be used Tuesday night. The Celtics were flat for most of the second half, stringing together a number of low-energy buildings on either side of the ball. Smart’s energy (as well as his ball handling and defensive ability) would probably have changed that. With very little effective depth at this stage, Brad Stevens needs to start turning to Robert Williams more often.

Williams’ minutes have been changing throughout this season for a variety of reasons after he missed a bunch of games last year due to a hip injury. The team continues to keep a close eye on that issue, which certainly plays a part, but more surprisingly is the logjam at Boston at the center position. Daniel Theis and Tristan Thompson averaged 9.4 and 7.5 more minutes than Williams, respectively, but Boston would benefit from a recent reduction in Thompson’s share.

With Smart on the shelf, Stevens runs a choppy, two-line starting lineup with Theis and Thompson. If Thompson moves to the bench when Smart returns, it could create a bigger moment for the Boston bigs. Stevens and his staff will have noted Williams ’hip issue, but getting it on the floor will help the Celtics gain some energy and upside down when they appear without a list more often than not.

Williams’ playing time has been limited throughout his three seasons in Boston, but as he has improved, he has made much better use of his time on the floor. The 23-year-old has played at least 20 minutes in just five games this season, however, a small sample size has revealed some nice results. In those five games, Williams shoots 80.8% off the floor, gaining an average of nine points, 10 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.4 blocks and 2.2 steals. His stats every 36 minutes open his eyes as well, posting 14.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 2.3 steals. Yes, it could be more disciplined and is good for a bad pass or two, but its upside is outweighing those mistakes right now. A running blocker is someone who needs to use Boston as much as possible, especially amid a struggle where energy seems to be at an all-time low.

This is not to say that Thompson has been bad, but he has not given Boston enough where you are feum to play over the big third year. It makes sense to shave his shorts back while he increases Williams’, assuming his hip can handle the extra time. Williams is always threatening to lob and just provide a speed change for the Boston front court. He developed a nice chemistry on the court with rookie Payton Pritchard’s point guard, and that alone gives reason to believe in those mountain lines more than the cots without it. After dropping 13 of their last 20, this team could just use any change. Raising the Williams minutes would be a good place to start.