January 10th, 2010 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in 
If you’re a Utah Jazz fan, then you’re probably breathing easier knowing that point guard Deron Williams has returned to the team’s lineup. That’s not to minimize the contributions that Ronnie Price and others who subbed for Williams; the fact remains that the Jazz are a different team when D-Will is out of the lineup. And a test to see how far along Williams has come in his recovery from a wrist injury would be forthcoming as the Jazz visited American Airlines Center to take on the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night.
I think it is safe to say that Williams passed the test with flying colors. Williams drained 20 points, leading a balanced attack as Utah made short work of Dallas 111-93.
The Mavericks played without forwards Josh Howard and Drew Gooden. Howard sustained a left thigh contusion Friday against San Antonio, while Gooden sprained his right ring finger and needed four stitches to close a cut on his chin in the same game. Utah took control with 18-4 first-half run, moving from an 18-all tie to a 36-22 edge midway through the second quarter.
The Jazz held a 50-40 halftime advantage, then opened the third quarter with an 13-3 spurt, including a pair of 3-pointers by Williams for a 63-43 lead. Utah carried an 83-62 advantage into the fourth quarter. The Mavericks made it interesting as they cut their deficit to 13 on a pair of Jason Terry free throws, but Utah would coast for the remaining 4:58 of the contest in securing the victory.
Six Jazz players scored in double-digits, led by Williams with 20 points (including 3 treys), 2 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals while Carlos Boozer scored 15 with 7 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal; Mehmet Okur added 14 with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a block.
The Mavericks were led by Dirk Nowitzki with 29 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists while Jason Kidd chipped in 19 (including 4 three-pointers)with 5 rebounds, 8 assists and a block; Terry came off the bench to add 16 with 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
Utah (20-17) plays again on Monday when they begin their home stand, hosting the Miami Heat while Dallas (25-12) gets a rest while they await the Los Angeles Lakers’ visit to town on Wednesday.
Tags: 
