Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams told Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell that he was going to make both crucial free throws in Tuesday’s tightly-contested matchup.
He didn’t.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell admitted to trying to “make something out of nothing” when he trash-talked Boston Celtics forward Robert Williams before his two free throws, according to a tweet from Cleveland.com sports social media producer Hayden Grove.
“I mean, we just tried to mess with him mentally,” Donovan Mitchell said. “See what happens. I have no doubt in my mind if Grant’s in that position tomorrow, the next day, he’s going to make both free throws. But just trying to find a way. He’s a good player.
“Just trying to find a way to just get in his head a little bit. You’ve seen it on several occasions. Did it last year to Jalen Brunson in the playoffs. Saw ‘Bron do it to, was it Gilbert? It happens guys. Just try to find ways to create something out of nothing, to be honest.”
A foul from the Cavs’ Junkyard Dog chain winner in Lamar Stevens with less than one second remaining put Williams at the line with the game tied at 109-109. Fortunately for the Cavaliers, the 25-year-old center missed both crucial free throws just as the Cavs were knocked back onto the ropes after hitting two free throws of their own.
Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon came to the defense of the former Tennessee Volunteers standout, saying the game shouldn’t have gotten to as close as it had in the first place.
“It’s definitely a little deflating,” Brogdon said. “We were up 10-12 points with three minutes left. We shouldn’t have let it get to that point. We shouldn’t have to rely on free throws. It’s not his fault.”
The Cavs will tip off against the Miami Heat at 7:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday in Miami-Dade Arena. The game will be broadcasted on Bally Sports Ohio.