Robert Williams' first career triple-double helped the Boston Celtics beat the mighty Phoenix Suns on New Year's Eve by a score of 123-108. He recorded 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. His fantastic stat line also included five blocks, two steals and zero missed shots.

Williams recording the most assists in a game that features Chris Paul is very impressive and surprising. Celtics' head coach Ime Udoka said that he only learned of Williams' playmaking skills recently. He explained what makes Williams' skills so beneficial for the team.

Per Patrick McAvoy of NESN:

“A few weeks ago I didn’t know how good of a passer he was. Obviously we go through some of that stuff with (Al Horford) coming into the season but we really saw what Rob could do right there as well,” Udoka said. “You can run stuff through both of those guys but it’s more so not being stagnant when the ball goes into them or the ball goes to the high post so our movement and cuts were great and our pace and variety today.

Udoka also said that Williams is better than people think and that he responds very well to tough love, which bodes well for his ability to carve out a big role for Boston.

“He’s one guy that I know that can take coaching and take coaching hard and so I don’t view it as calling him out, but obviously told him the same thing. He’s been resilient and bounced back every time I challenged him.”

Williams said after the game that he appreciates Udoka's faith in him.

The 17-19 Celtics could use more performances like this from Williams, as franchise star Jayson Tatum — who praised Williams for his stellar performance — is absent from the team due to health and safety protocols.