Overcoming off-court challenges, Brandon Williams delivered a career-defining performance, igniting the Mavericks' bench and securing a crucial win against the Pacers.
DALLAS — Three days after an arrest that forced him to miss two games, Dallas Mavericks reserve guard Brandon Williams apologized publicly — then helped his team secure a much-needed win.
“I can’t really go into further detail,” Williams said before the game. “I just want to apologize for just being a distraction. I want to take full accountability.”
Hours later, Williams responded on the court with a statement performance, scoring 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting with seven rebounds, two assists, and a block in 22 minutes as the Mavericks edged the Indiana Pacers 107-105 on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center.
The 25-year-old guard was arrested Saturday at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport after police found less than two ounces of marijuana in his luggage. The incident caused him to miss Dallas’ previous two games, both losses.
Head coach Jason Kidd addressed the situation pregame, emphasizing the team’s support for Williams.
“Going to a funeral for a friend that’s passing, having that incident, that’s something that he has to deal with,” Kidd said. “We can all be here to support him.”
Once the game tipped off, Williams provided the burst of energy Dallas had been missing. With the Mavericks short-handed — Anthony Davis exited in the first quarter with lower left leg soreness, while Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Danté Exum all remained out — Williams’ quickness and aggressiveness gave the team a needed scoring punch.
“B-Will was great,” Kidd said. “His speed and ability to get to the rim is something we haven’t had here lately. He came out and played at a very high level for us.”
Williams sparked a 29-19 third quarter that helped Dallas erase a 14-point deficit and control the game down the stretch. He attacked in transition, finished through contact, and grabbed key rebounds in traffic while the Mavericks’ bench outscored Indiana’s 64-31.
“Brandon came in ready to go,” veteran center Dwight Powell said. “He led us offensively, brought energy, and gave us a huge spark. That’s what he does.”
Williams’ 20-point outing was his fifth such game as a Maverick and his sixth career performance with at least 20 points and five rebounds. He’s averaged 6.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists through three appearances this season.
The performance capped an emotional week for Williams and helped Dallas close its five-game homestand with a 2-3 record. The Mavericks will play their first road game Saturday in Mexico City against the Detroit Pistons.