Ime Udoka Provides Updates on Robert Williams and Marcus Smart Ahead of NBA Finals Game 5

In games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals, Robert Williams played with more bounce than in the Celtics' run to the Eastern Conference crown.

In Boston's 116-100 win in Game 3, the Timelord registered eight points, and led all participants with ten rebounds, four blocks, and three steals.

In the Celtics' 107-97 Game 4 loss, Williams continued making a tremendous impact at the rim on both ends of the court. He finished the night with seven points, a team-high 12 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

But Williams is still dealing with the persisting effects of the left knee meniscal tear that required surgery late in the regular season.

Playing for the second time in three days, in the fourth quarter, the soreness in Williams' left knee intensified, and with its impact on his movement, he had to sub out of the game.

Sunday, Ime Udoka said of Williams having to leave Game 4: "He did not do a specific thing, so he doesn't know when it happened. He sprinted up and down one time, after one possession, and it was bothering him, and that's why he asked to come out."

Udoka went on to say Williams is "doing better. The day off, the rest. Optimistic (that) he'll be good to go, but we'll test it before the game as usual."

Game 4's final frame also saw Marcus Smart take a hard fall when he lept for a potential rebound on a Jaylen Brown transition layup that spun in. Smart got bumped by Jordan Poole, resulting in a trip to the free-throw line, where he put Boston ahead by five with 7:32 left to play.

JAYLEN HOW!? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/J9x45ckWSb
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 11, 2022

On Sunday, Ime Udoka said of his point guard's status: "He got pushed, and they called a foul, and he's ok, though. (He) hasn't mentioned anything and played the rest of the game."

Further Reading

Is Jayson Tatum Putting Too Much Pressure on Himself? Celtics Star Shares His Perspective

[Film Room] Keys to Celtics Getting Jayson Tatum Going in Game 5 of NBA Finals

Celtics Address Reasons Behind Their Offense Stagnating in Game 4 Loss to Warriors

[Film Room] In NBA Finals Game 3, Jaylen Brown Balanced Scoring and Facilitating, Showing How He Can Raise Celtics' Ceiling

Tony Parker Sizes Up the NBA Finals, Talks Ime Udoka and His Collaboration with MTN Dew LEGEND

Celtics Feed Off Home Crowd in Game 3 Win Over Warriors: 'They give us so much energy and so much juice'

The Anatomy of the Celtics' Fourth-Quarter Comeback in Game 1 of NBA Finals