Deron Williams' adventure began earlier than expected Saturday when his Besiktas Black Eagles beat perennial Euroleague power Montepaschi Siena, 93-91, in the annual Bormio Tournament in Italy. Williams scored 14 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and handed out 6 assists in 18 minutes.
Williams wasn't intending to play. He tweeted, "Went to the gym to watch the team play today! Shot around for a couple min and then decided to play and got a W ! #WhyNot" Later, he added, "Finally got a good night sleep! Going to my first practice. Played last night without knowing any plays."
Williams only arrived in Turkey on Thursday, then flew to Italy for Saturday's game. Siena's coach called D-Will's impact "pivotal at times". Also playing in the tournament, Efes Anadolu, which features Sasha Vujacic. Vujacic had games of 30 and 18 earlier in the week.
- Montepaschi defeated by Besiktas (Google Translate) - SienaFree
- Montepaschi Cedes to Besiktas (Google Translate) - Montepaschi Siena
- Besiktas: 93 - Montepaschi Siena: 91 (Google Translate) - Total Basket
- Deron Williams leads Besiktas to win in debut - Ben Golliver - CBS Sports
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Deron Williams helps Besiktas win in first game with new team - Sporting News