Deron Williams put together one of his finest all-around performances of the season against the New York Knicks Wednesday night, putting in 26 points (11-17 FG), adding seven rebounds and seven assists in the 100-98 victory. The Nets outscored the Knicks by 26 points with Williams on the floor.
There are some moves in there you just don’t see often. The pull-up three-pointer off a Lopez screen at 1:30. Both tip-in put-backs. This was an energized Deron Williams, one who made the Nets better by his presence.
Just watch the blow-by at 1:55. That’s the one that made Ian Eagle say Williams had “major bounce.” Williams grabs the board, drives the length of the floor, crosses up Lance Thomas on a switch, and slides into the lane for a pretty arcing layup. That’s just not something Williams does much anymore.
“Deron carried us tonight,” coach Lionel Hollins said after the game. “This is the second back-to-back set that he’s come out and set the tone offensively, which has helped us get off to a good start.”
