Coach Udoka and teammates praise Robert Williams' impact after Game 3 win / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP-Scanpix Credit AFP-Scanpix

Boston Celtics starting center Robert Williams III got a lot of praise from his teammates and head coach Ime Udoka for his defensive impact, after last night's victory against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals Game 3.

Points this season

47%111,5Points made:111,5Accuracy:47,3%Place in standings:12Record max:142Record min:82Best scorer:Stephen CurryTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Robert Williams finished the game with just 8 points, but it's the impact on the defensive end that proved how valuable he was for his team last night. Williams also recorded 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals.

Coach Udoka commented on the importance of Williams' presence in the post-game conference.

"We want to try to impose our will and our size in this series... when we get nights like this from him and Al it obviously pays dividends for us," said the Celtics bench boss.

Not only the coach, but multiple teammates had lots of good to say about Williams' performance.

Celtics veteran Al Horford was happy to have a teammate like Williams.

"Rob is really a game-changer, we're very fortunate to have a guy like that, that impacts winning in the way he does," said Horford. "Because it's beyond the numbers with him."

Another teammate, Marcus Smart was not surprised by Williams' performance and credited him for Celtics' good defense.

"He's been doing that for us all year. That's why our defense is where it's at," Smart said. "He just continues to get better with each and every game."

Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum also had lots of praise for Williams when asked about his impact in the post-game interview.

"Man, just his presence at the rim on both ends, he's one of the best shot contesters in the league, and you have to respect him at the rim a lot," Tatum spoke.

"He also puts so much pressure on the defense by just being out there," added Tatum.

The 2022 NBA Finals continue with Game 4 at TD Garden on Saturday (at 03:00 CEST).

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.