Overview
- Fernández confirmed Williams’ DNP against New York was a coach’s decision tied to defensive effort rather than injury.
- It marked Williams’ first game without playing since he joined Brooklyn two seasons ago.
- The coach said Williams’ path back to minutes depends on bringing elite ball pressure, deflections and pick-and-roll defense.
- Williams entered the Knicks game averaging 9.2 points and 2.6 rebounds on 38.1% shooting with a drop in effective field goal percentage from last season.
- Brooklyn’s broader defensive issues framed the move, with recent game-by-game metrics showing Williams’ defensive impact dipping as Jalen Wilson took his minutes.