Boston Celtics forward Robert Williams III is listed as questionable with left knee soreness for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.
Williams has played through pain and missed just one of the past nine games.
Celtics coach Ime Udoka said a hard collision between Williams and teammate Marcus Smart shook Williams but didn’t lead to further problems with the knee.
“He was more scared than anything, honestly,” Udoka said during Tuesday’s press conference. “Said he took the hit in that knee, more so stayed down to make sure he was OK. Once he got up and started running, he was fine. No difference.”
Williams played just 14 minutes in Boston’s 107-88 loss in Game 2. He had two points, two rebounds and two blocked shots.
Williams indicated he has had to change methods on the defensive end due to the knee difficulties.
“Just adding a little more technique, a little more thinking to the game,” Williams said. “Obviously, like you said, with the injury that I have, not being as explosive as I normally am. A little more physicality, using my body a little bit more.”
Williams sat out Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat when the knee flared up.
Golden State listed three players as questionable: Andre Iguodala (right knee), Gary Payton II (left elbow) and Otto Porter Jr. (left foot).
The best-of-seven series is tied at one game apiece.
–Field Level Media
