Even after they blew a double-digit lead for a third time in four nights, less than 24 hours removed from an exhausting double overtime game, the shorthanded Celtics had the perfect opportunity to survive, and right their struggling ship in Cleveland.
Grant Williams – an 82.7% free-throw shooter – stepped to the line with 0.8 seconds left in a tied game with two shots to give the C’s a victory. When Donovan Mitchell stepped in front of him in an effort to ice him, Williams exuded confidence, appearing to mouth, “I’m gonna make both.”
But then Williams’ worst nightmare unfolded. He missed both free throws. Marcus Smart’s inspiring tip-in attempt fell off the rim, sending the game to overtime. And the Celtics couldn’t recover.
