The Portland Path Blazers enter the Western Convention Play-In Match with a 42–40 file, holding the No. 8 seed in a tightly packed postseason race. The Phoenix Suns arrive at 45–37 because the No. 7 seed, setting a high-stakes elimination-style matchup.
For Portland middle Robert Williams III, the second carries added weight on account of his championship background with the Boston Celtics.
Williams was direct when reflecting on his connection to former teammates and the tradition inbuilt Boston in an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “Yeah, one hundred pc! These are my canines. JT [Jayson Tatum], JB [Jaylen Brown], Payton [Pritchard]—all of them for certain!”
The Celtics completed the 2025–26 common season at 56–26, securing second place within the Japanese Convention standings. Williams pointed to their consistency when discussing their identification. “I’m not shocked,” he mentioned. “They’ve kinda acquired a well-oiled machine no matter who’s going out and who’s happening. So that they’re going to play laborious regardless.”
That description displays a system-oriented strategy that Portland has tried to reflect throughout its late-season surge. The Blazers’ push into the Play-In subject has been constructed on defensive construction and position readability, areas Williams has emphasised since arriving.
Williams additionally highlighted the emotional shift that comes with postseason strain. “It’s a unique feeling,” he mentioned. “I’ve been by means of loads with this staff. I’m making an attempt to get to the Playoffs. We are able to’t take Phoenix flippantly in any respect. It’s an amazing staff over there, however I’ll go together with us towards anyone.”
The veteran middle added that have has formed how he views Portland’s present alternative. “Yeah, you kinda gotta carry that to this staff,” he mentioned. “The power, kinda. It’s late within the [season], so we really feel like we deserve it, however you may’t take it as a right, man. It’s laborious to get again to the Playoffs so I’m glad we acquired the prospect.”
Well being has additionally performed a central position in Williams’ availability this season, an element he addressed with perspective. “Yeah, that’s the largest factor,” he mentioned. “I’m thanking God on a regular basis, man. I’m nonetheless doing my nutritional vitamins, been in remedy, and hopefully simply maintain going, man.”
