Deron Williams suffered an ankle injury during a workout in the offseason and came back to the hardwood in an impressive display against the Heat in Miami.
Williams had 11 points in 10 minutes in the Nets 108-87 win over the Heat. He made three consecutive jumpers from behind the arc in the first quarter, and finished the game 4-5 from the field. The 29 year old point guard also had two assists and a steal.
"I've been working out so hard, I wasn't never worried about my wind," Williams said. "I got a little tired, but nothing bad. I wasn't huffing and puffing, didn't have to touch my knees. I think the practice tomorrow will be tougher than the game."
NY Daily News reports that Williams said he is on his way to playing in the Nets' season opener on Wednesday in Clevevland.
Head coach Jason Kidd likes the progress he's seeing in Williams.
"He's the engine. He's the one that runs the show here," Kidd said. "The talent that he brings to the table, he's one of the best in the league at his position. He's looked good. Each day he's gotten better and stronger. I thought he went in the right direction tonight."
According to ESPN Williams had his first full practice Thursday after participating in half-court five-on-five drills Tuesday and a shoot around Wednesday.
“I’ve been missing basketball. I’ve been missing playing,” he said. “I love watching the guys play but I’m sick of watching them at the same time. I want to be out there. I was happy to be out there with them.”
Williams was happy to out on the floor with his teammates and he played well in the limited minutes he played.