​The Boston Celtics opened their 2026 NBA Summer League slate with an 83-80 overtime win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday. While the spotlight before the game focused on first-round pick Chris Cenac Jr. making his debut, a familiar name rose to the occasion as the game reached its climax. Two-way center Amari Williams delivered a dominant two-way performance, posting a game-high 23 points and 13 rebounds, including four offensive boards, to guide Boston to the victory.
Williams logged 29 minutes of action, shooting an efficient 7-for-9 from the floor and 5-for-8 from the free-throw line, while also contributing two assists and two blocks. His plus-minus rating sat at plus-nine, the second-best mark on the Celtics, underscoring his impact on both ends of the court and his growing influence within the organization.
On the other side, fellow 2025 draft pick Hugo González came close to a triple-double despite a tough shooting night. The 20-year-old managed just three makes on 16 attempts from the field and only one of nine from beyond the arc, yet he still affected the game by grabbing 10 rebounds and handing out eight assists.
Cenac Jr., the 2026 first-round selection, also experienced a slow start offensively, finishing with 14 points on 5-for-13 shooting. He did showcase his versatility by knocking down two of his four three-point attempts and grabbing 10 rebounds to complete a double-double. Five of those boards came on the offensive end, and the rookie added four blocks, highlighting a promising defensive upside that could develop as he gains NBA experience.
The game remained tightly contested through much of the night, featuring 12 lead changes overall and eight in the fourth quarter alone, culminating in a dramatic overtime period before Boston pulled ahead for the win.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to return to action on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets. For Williams, the performance served as another clear statement of his value and potential within the organization as he continues to carve out a more substantial role.
Since being selected 46th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Williams initially signed a two-way contract before earning a two-year, $2.7 million standard NBA deal in February. The promotion reflected Boston’s confidence in his long-term trajectory after several encouraging showings at the NBA level. During this offseason, Boston declined his team option but promptly re-signed him to a new two-way contract, a strategic move designed to keep Williams developing while maintaining close integration with the NBA roster.
Last season, Williams spent most of his time with the Maine Celtics, establishing himself as one of the G League’s most productive big men. Across 28 games, he averaged 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 blocks, while shooting an efficient 59.6 percent from the field. He also finished 16th in the G League in total rebounds with 305 and ranked 20th in blocks with 49, underscoring his well-rounded impact and potential for further growth in the Celtics’ system. This performance in the Summer League, paired with his G League credentials, positions Williams as a player to watch as Boston continues to shape its roster and depth for the upcoming seasons.