C.J. Williams speaks about his game winner against Atlanta

After nailing the game-winner, the LA Clippers’ C.J. Williams spoke on the shot.

Last night, C.J. Williams was the unlikely hero for the Clippers. Williams is under a 2-way contract for the LA Clippers, coming from the G-League. If you were to ask him, he had no idea where his NBA career would take him, but he’s always been prepared. However, the Clippers have been decimated by injuries this year, and we’re in desperate need of players. Life is a series of moments where preparation meets opportunity, and C.J. Williams seized that opportunity.

Typically, Lou Williams has been the go-to player during clutch moments this season. Despite playing like an All-Star with 34 points, Lou Williams was ice cold during the 4th quarter; he shot only 2/12 from the field. Lou tried shooting the game winning 3, but the ball bounced off the iron. Wesley Johnson grabbed the rebound, and the ball ended up in the hands of rookie C.J. Williams. Williams didn’t shy away from the moment, opting to take the game winning three himself.

Doc Rivers actually said post-game that he didn’t want a three pointer in this situation. Rivers said he was screaming during the play, that the team didn’t need a three. However, Williams was confident that his shot would go in.

Game by game, it seems that C.J. Williams’ confidence has grown. Doc Rivers addressed C.J’s confidence during the post-game conference, agreeing that it’s grown each game. Williams doesn’t panic under pressure, makes the correct plays, and has been a consistent player. While his numbers may not show it, his game does. Here’s what he had to say about his game winner against Atlanta.

"“I’ve made that shot before. Just a rhythm dribble to my left. I felt the momentum & the excitement of the moment… So I got into my rhythm dribble and shot it. I shot it with confidence & as soon as I let it go, I knew it was good.”"

Williams may have been the unlikely hero for the Clippers last night, but his heroics proved he deserves to be in the NBA.