Deron Williams Injury: Updates on Mavericks PG's Sports Hernia and Return
The Dallas Mavericks' playoff run has hit a snag, as point guard Deron Williams is dealing with a sports hernia. However, he's ready to return to the court.
Continue for updates.
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Williams Active vs. Thunder
Monday, April 18
Mike Leslie of WFAA in Dallas reported Williams will play Monday against Oklahoma City. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Williams would give Dallas "whatever he's got. I give him a lot of credit. He's in a lot of pain," per Leslie.
This sports hernia has been an ongoing issue for Williams since March 25. He missed eight games toward the end of the year but returned April 10 against the Los Angeles Clippers. He played 22 minutes in Game 1 on Saturday, shooting 1-of-9 from the floor in Dallas' 108-70 loss to the Thunder.
Williams Crucial to Mavericks' Playoff Hopes
This has been a solid bounce-back season for Williams, who looked lost by the end of his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets last year. He's no longer an elite shooter, but the 31-year-old has turned into more of a three-point weapon than a true creator.
The Mavericks have built good depth at point guard this season. J.J. Barea has been solid coming off the bench or making a spot start, averaging 10.9 points and 4.1 assists per game. Raymond Felton also has the ability to play point guard, though he's better suited to handle shooting guard.
Even a diminished version of Williams is Dallas' best point guard. He trails only Dirk Nowitzki, Zaza Pachulia and Chandler Parsons among his teammates in win shares, per Basketball-Reference.com.
