Boston Celtics: Regular season grade, silver linings and playoff X-factor

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 04: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on April 4, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics: The Silver Lining

Robert Williams was a silver lining for the Boston Celtics because he had what some would call a “breakout season”.

At the start of the season, Williams took the role of the 3rd center on the depth chart. Ultimately, his addition to the starting five proved to help the Celtics as a defensive-minded big man to help guard the rim.

Boston Celtics’ Role for Evan Fournier

Expectations for Evan Fournier were nothing special. When he came to the Celtics, it was expected he would be the 1st guy off the bench and help generate production while the second unit was on the court. Often times he would be thrust into the starting lineup in place of an injured, or resting, starter.

His role seriously changed in early May when the Celtics lost Brown for the season due to a torn ligament in his wrist. Honestly, this was the final straw for the Celtics season.

Boston is going to need to look beyond their stars of Tatum and Walker in order to get past the play-in and into the first round. Williams will have to work through difficult matchups against some of the league’s best centers throughout the playoffs.

Above all, there is one guy in the starting lineup that needs to be on his A-game throughout the entire playoffs.

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