Boston Celtics deliver an uppercut jab vs Bucks: 3 C’s who shined in GM 2

BOSTON, MA - MAY 01 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics blows a kiss to the crowd as he reacts after hitting a three-point shot during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 1, 2022 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)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 01 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics blows a kiss to the crowd as he reacts after hitting a three-point shot during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 1, 2022 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
Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams a mountain the Greek Freak can’t move

The key for the Boston Celtics advancing past the Milwaukee Bucks is obviously containing and controlling Giannis Antetokounmpo as much as possible.

Although the Greek Freak finished the game with 28 points, much of that production coming in the third quarter, the Celtics held one of the best players in the world in check and they did it by playing him straight up.  With that, all props go out to Grant Williams.

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At just 6-foot-6, Williams gives up some size against the 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo, but when it comes to strength, the Tennessee product is holding his own and is more than stepping up to the challenge of making Giannis work for his points.

"“I view it as guarding him on an island where it’s just you and him,” Williams said following the game, via MassLive.com.  “You have to do your job.  For us, that was kind of how we viewed it for this game to see how it would go. …it’s just one of those things that you have to kind of hunker down and trust in the work that you’ve done and do your best to contain one of the best players in the world.”"

In all, Grant Williams and the Celtics held Antetokounmpo to 11-for-27 shooting in the blowout victory.  Like Kevin Durant in the first round series against the Brooklyn Nets, the C’s are stepping to the challenge and showing the NBA that their defense is elite.
Will and can that continue?

As long as Williams continue to establish himself as a vital role player during this playoff run, the Boston Celtics will be able to at least slow the two-time MVP.  If they do that, they should be fine.

Oh yeah, Williams giving the Celtics some production on the offensive end is a plus as well.  To go along with his defensive effort against Antetokounmpo, Williams scored 21 points, including some key knockdowns from beyond the stripe to help the Celtics get out to their big league.