Nobody expected this rookie to steal the spotlight — but that’s exactly what happened at TD Garden. Just three days earlier, Amari Williams was suiting up for the Maine Celtics in the G League. By Wednesday night, the 6-foot-10 center was thrust into the NBA’s intensity, helping the Boston Celtics snap Detroit’s 13-game winning streak in dramatic fashion.
The defining moment came with just four seconds left on the clock. As Cade Cunningham lined up for a crucial free throw that could’ve tied the game, Williams boxed out the powerful Jalen Duren with veteran-like precision. That single play freed up Payton Pritchard to grab the rebound — sealing Boston’s nail-biting 117–114 victory. But don’t let the box score fool you; even though Williams recorded just one point, three rebounds, and two blocks, his contribution went far beyond the numbers.
“He was terrific,” said Derrick White after the game. “Duren’s one of the toughest big men out there — strong, physical. But Amari held his own, altered shots, blocked a few, and gave us the kind of energy you usually only get from seasoned pros. That’s a lot to ask from a guy who just practiced with us yesterday. His first real minutes in the league and you’re facing Jalen Duren? Welcome to the NBA.”
And that’s what makes the story so surprising. Duren, usually an interior powerhouse, managed only 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting. Boston experimented with lineups early, using Luka Garza to match size before relying on Williams — and even small-ball wings like Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh — for the rest of the game.
Jaylen Brown echoed the praise. “That was impressive from Amari,” he said. “He hasn’t been around us long, and this was a high-pressure game. For him to step in and not only survive but truly impact the game — that shows his basketball IQ and confidence. The kid can pass, he understands spacing, and he doesn’t shy away from the moment.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla credited the seamless transition to the developmental pipeline between the Celtics and their G League affiliate in Maine. Williams had logged only seven NBA minutes before Wednesday — all in garbage time — yet looked comfortable under real pressure. “It all starts with Amari’s ability to stay ready,” Mazzulla explained. “That readiness trickles down from the Maine staff — Phil and his assistants — and our player development group here. It shows how aligned we are across both teams. It’s not just about skill, but about mindset and preparation. And Amari embraced that.”
Here’s where it gets interesting: Boston’s frontcourt rotation could open up even more opportunities for Williams soon. Neemias Queta remains day-to-day with an ankle sprain, and with five games coming up in seven nights, the Celtics will likely need depth at center. Williams could find himself logging important minutes again — possibly against All-Defensive anchor Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves this Saturday on the road.
As Williams adjusts to NBA speed, fans and analysts are already wondering: is this just an early flash of potential, or the beginning of something bigger? For a player few expected to play meaningful minutes this season, his poise under pressure suggests Boston may have found more than just a temporary fill-in.
But here’s the question that might divide fans: should the Celtics give Amari Williams a steady rotation spot even once Queta returns? His fundamentals, energy, and sheer composure hint that he could fit perfectly into the team’s long-term system. What do you think — was Wednesday night a lucky break or a sneak peek of a rising star?