Two-Way Impact: Williams Shines vs. Portland, Harper Jr. Earns Rising Stars Nod

BOSTON, Mass. – What a four-day stretch it’s been for two-way rookie Amari Williams.

After opening his Friday morning with the Maine Celtics, the 23-year-old center boarded a last-minute flight to New York, suited up that night against Brooklyn, and delivered three clutch plays to help Boston secure an overtime win over the Nets.

Twenty-four hours later, Williams earned his first career NBA start in Chicago.

And on Monday night, he took another meaningful step forward.

Williams logged a career-high 25:53 off the bench and posted career-best marks of nine points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in Boston’s 102-94 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, providing a steady interior presence against one of the league’s biggest frontcourts.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla said Portland presented an ideal opportunity to unleash the 7-foot, 262-pound center, particularly against 7-foot-2, 280-pound Donovan Clingan.

“Chicago was a much faster, more free-flowing, dribble-drive type team, and tonight was more of a slugfest to where he can kind of impact the game on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said. “This matchup really suited him, and his strengths were kind of highlighted in his ability to set screens for us and his ability to help protect the rim and rebound.”

Williams’ teammates have also taken note of his passing prowess. Payton Pritchard, one of the league’s premier decision-makers with the ball, is impressed with Williams’ ability to make the right read, among other skills.

“I thought he did great – his rebounding, boxing out, protecting the rim,” said Pritchard, the game’s leading scorer with 23 points. “We’ve gotta use Amari more for his passing ability because he can really pass.”

Those instincts have been on full display with the Maine Celtics. In 19 regular-season G League games, Williams has averaged 14.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game, while recording two triple-doubles. The Boston Celtics are just getting a glimpse at all the ways he can impact the game.

Mazzulla credited Williams for quickly picking things up in a system that demands constant reads and adaptability, along with the Celtics’ veteran bigs for helping bring him along.

“Our system is constantly changing, and so you have to be able to make reads on the fly on both ends of the floor, and it's a credit to him and our player-development staff, but also to his teammates,” Mazzulla said. “He's with (Neemias Queta, Xavier Tilliman, Chris Boucher) and the rest of the bigs that we have, and those guys do a great job just communicating with him and kind of showing him the lay of the land based on how it's been for them the last couple years.”

In just four days, Williams has experienced overtime heroics, his first NBA start and his first extended run of meaningful minutes. It’s been a whirlwind stretch that’s showcased both hi readiness and growth. And for the Celtics, it’s another promising glimpse into what their young big can become.

Harper Jr. Earns Rising Stars Nod, Set for All-Star Family Showdown

Williams wasn’t the only two-way Celtic making headlines Monday night.

Ron Harper Jr. had himself quite the night as well, earning a spot on the NBA Rising Stars Challenge at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

Harper Jr. was selected as one of seven G League players invited to the annual showcase of the league’s top young talent in recognition for his production with Maine.

Adding an extra leayer of meaning to the moment, Harper Jr. will get the rare opportunity to compete on the All-Star stage alongside his younger brother, Dylan Harper, who was selected as one of the NBA rookies participating in the event.

“It’ll be a good little family affair,” said the 6-foot-5 guard.

That family presence will extend beyond the court, as their father – five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr. – plans to be in attendance to cheer on both of his sons.

Harper Jr.’s Rising Stars selection comes amid a strong season with Maine, where he’s averaged 24.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks across 16 regular-season games.

For the Celtics, it’s another affirmation of the organization’s two-way development system, and another young player taking advantage of his opportunities.