Robert Williams III had 2 points, 2 rebounds and a block in 16 minutes off the bench in his first game since March 27.

NEW YORK (AP) — Center Robert Williams made his 2022 playoff debut for the Boston Celtics on Saturday night in Game 3 of their first-round series against Brooklyn after missing nearly a month with torn cartilage in his left knee.

Celtics coach Ime Udoka said Williams was available to play about 20-24 minutes off the bench Saturday night. He checked in for the Celtics with three minutes left in the first quarter and immediately made his presence felt.

Williams finished with 2 points, 2 rebounds and a block in 16 minutes as the Celtics beat the Nets 109-103 to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Williams, who started all 61 games in which he played during the regular season, averaged 10 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks during the regular season. He missed the final seven games with his knee injury.

Udoka said Williams has felt good after his scrimmage sessions and met every benchmark to be cleared to return with the Celtics holding a 2-0 lead in the series.