by Scott
Against the Washington Wizards last night, Deron Williams put on one of the greatest shooting displays I have ever witnessed. He warmed up his shooting hand with a couple of wide open looks and then, the flood gates opened. In the opening five minutes, he shot 6-6 from downtown. By the end of the first half, he had knocked down nine trey’s – an all-time NBA record. When the night was over, he finished with 42 points and was a three shy of tying the NBA record (12) set by Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall.
But this wasn’t exactly a breakout game for Deron. Sure, it was the most points he has scored in a single game in a little over a year, but he has been playing out of his mind since the All-Star break.
In those nine games, Deron is averaging 23.8 points while shooting 48% from the field, 53% from the three point line and 90% from the charity stripe. The only point guards who are averaging more points that Deron over this three week stretch are Stephen Curry (26.9) and Russell Westbrook (28.1). But to go along with his 23.8 PPG, Deron is also averaging 7.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in each of those contests. That’s kind of looking like…yeah, like the 2010-2011 Deron Williams who was getting “best point guard in the NBA” loved. So, based on all that, I am confident in saying that Deron Williams is back.
Whew! I was hoping I would say that at some point this season.
And the Nets? Well, they are doing pretty good. Their record is at 36-26 and they are currently holding on to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. But as long as Williams continues to play at this level (which we all knew he can), the Nets should be just fine come Playoff time.
Williams shooting his way into the record books
Thanks to kietasss for the video.