“No Way I Was Missing This Game”: Brandon Williams Shines in Mavericks’ Play-In Win Over Kings

Brandon Williams returned from injury to score 17 points in 18 minutes for the Mavericks, earning praise from teammates after a gutsy play-in win over the Kings.

Photo: Dallas Mavericks

Brandon Williams refused to sit out. The Dallas Mavericks guard, who suffered a left oblique strain in the regular-season finale, made his intent clear in a text to head coach Jason Kidd before Wednesday's play-in game against the Sacramento Kings.

"There was no way that he was going to miss this game," Kidd said.

Williams delivered. The 6-foot-1 guard poured in 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep, in just 18 minutes off the bench. He added five assists and finished a game-high plus-24 in the Mavericks’ 120-106 win.

"Ultimately, I was ready," Williams said. "The medical staff, training staff and everybody that played a good part. And then my teammates lifted me up, hooking me up. So, it was just up to me to come out here and just play my all."

Anthony Davis called Williams a "warrior" and a vital part of Dallas' postseason effort.