Pierce on Deron Williams' 35-point game: 'That's what you expect out of him'

Deron Williams' playoff career-high 35 points did more than just help the Brooklyn Nets even their series against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

It impressed Paul Pierce - no small feat for Williams.

Only weeks ago, Pierce hinted he was disappointed by Williams' performance as his Nets teammate last season, saying the pressure of playing in New York got to the former All-Star.

After D-Will's outburst against the Hawks, Pierce had a more positive assessment.

"I think it's great. I know that's what he's capable of," Pierce told reporters of Williams on Tuesday. "That's probably why I said a lot of things I said because I know what Deron Williams is capable of. The player you saw last night, that's what you expect out of him.

"It's all a mind-set. You've got to go out there and will yourself every night, I believe."

That last line from Pierce is more in tune with what The Truth had to say about Williams in an interview with ESPN's Jackie MacMullan earlier this month:

Before I got there, I looked at Deron as an MVP candidate. But I felt once we got there, that's not what he wanted to be. He just didn't want that.

It's fairly evident, between the two comments, that Pierce believes Williams isn't putting his best foot forward.

Even when he's complimenting D-Will, Pierce is still dropping truth bombs.

A five-time All-Star, Williams' game has been in steady decline for the last couple of years, as ankle injuries and other ailments have taken their toll.

Pierce spent the 2013-14 season as Williams' teammate in Brooklyn.