Head coach Joe Mazzulla got no hard feelings about Grant Williams’ late game free throw blunder in the Boston Celtics’ grinding overtime loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Williams could have sent the Celtics exiting Cleveland with a much-needed win, but his touch went icy as the thrilling match extended to overtime.
“Just tell him I love him,” Mazzulla said of Williams. “It’s part of the game. He didn’t miss them on purpose, just got to be able to move on from it.”
The Celtics entered the 4th period leading as much as 14 points against the Cavs, but the margin went evaporating behind Donovan Mitchell’s 40 markers and unsung hero Lamar Stevens’ hustle plays.
The game went down to one possession for Celtics in regulation but upon failing to deliver, Williams had the chance to take the victory for his team via free throws upon being fouled on his putback.
As the entire Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse went raucous, Mitchell went near Williams, handing the big man a little disruption prior to the shooting. Williams responded with trash talk, saying that he’ll drain the foul shots.
Unfortunately for Boston, it backfired for the confident Williams as he bricked his free throws, sending the game to overtime.
The Cavs eventually surged past the Celtics in the extension, clawing a 118-114 Monday win off to a successful comeback effort.
For the Celtics, another long night of frustration as they take their third-straight loss of the season.
