Ziaire Williams first walked into FedExForum as a bright-eyed 20-year-old rookie preparing for his first NBA season under challenging circumstances. Williams, who returned to Brooklyn Nets last night, is looking for his second chance in the league and is making the most of this chance with his new club.

Williams was effective in Nets’ 119-106 away win earning Like against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. important On the first night of back-to-back overtime losses against the Denver Nuggets. Ziaire scored 17 points and 4 steals in 22 minutes against his former team.

“I wanted it so bad,” Williams said after the game. “It was a strange feeling to be on the other side. As I said before, it’s all love though. “I missed those guys, but I was definitely happy to be able to talk a little bit and more importantly get the win.”

There were Nets without Nic Claxton, who missed the preseason due to his knee injury, continues to receive treatment. This placed an even greater defensive burden on Williams, but he was able to pass the test. The Stanford product was using the entire field, intercepting errant passes and creating overall nuance on that side of the ball.

“Jordi and the rest of the team told me from day one that my number one role was to destroy the defense on the field,” Williams said. “To protect the best player, engage and energize the entire field. “When I come off the bench, I feel like that’s the least I can do for starters.”

Brooklyn’s energy as a whole was remarkable, considering the team suffered an overtime loss at home before traveling to Memphis. A teammate who helps set the tone The name of Williams, who played a key role in the Nets’ victory with 33 points and 8 assists, is Dennis Schröder.

“He’s a winner,” Williams said. “He’s been doing this 94-foot (defense) thing for years, so I’m just trying to keep up with him. He does everything to win. Causes damage on the offensive and defensive sides. “He’s playing great right now, he’s a big shot and he’s making high-level plays.”

In addition to Schröder and Williams, Cam Thomas also scored 19 points for the Nets against the Grizzlies. Cam Johnson scored 14 points by shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range. Brooklyn will then play the Chicago Bulls on Friday night at Barclays Center.

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