It’s pretty obvious how much confidence plays a role in professional sports. If a player doesn’t want the ball when the game is on the line, or think there’s anything but ice in their veins, things typically aren’t going to work out too well.
Yet there’s a big difference between confidence and over-confidence.
Grant Williams learned that difference on Monday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Williams was sent to the line to shoot free throws with 0.8 seconds left in regulation and the game tied at 109. He just had to make one shot and the Celtics would notch an impressive victory over a contending Cleveland club.
The forward must’ve felt pretty good about it, too. Since he told Donovan Mitchell that the game was essentially over with him at the line.
Yeah, about that.
Grant Williams to Donovan Mitchell: "I'll make them both."pic.twitter.com/qKbLnKdOdw
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) March 7, 2023
In Williams’ defense, he’s making 82.7 percent of his free throws this year. But that’s coming on an average of 1.7 attempts per game. It probably was not the best idea to taunt Mitchell, either.
The Cavs star went off for 40 points and 11 rebounds and led Cleveland to a 118-114 victory.
A tough break for Boston (+8) and anyone who took them +265 on the moneyline.
