Williams delivers throwback performance as Nets tie series with Hawks

To fully understand Monday's Game 4 between the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets, a little refresher is required. 

Think back to Feb. 23, 2011, when the then-New Jersey Nets dealt Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and draft picks - that would eventually become Enes Kanter and Gorgui Dieng - to the Utah Jazz for Deron Williams. The unhappy Williams was averaging 21.3 points and 9.7 assists and had spent the last four seasons averaging 19.2 and 10.5, respectively.

That version of Williams quickly began dissipating, as ankle injuries sapped his effectiveness and he entered an early career decline. Over the last two seasons, he averaged 13.6 points and 6.4 assists on 41.7 percent shooting, and had averaged just six points, seven rebounds and 5.3 assists through the first three games of this series.

And then Monday happened.

The Nets, for a night at least, got the Williams they paid for, and he led them to a thrilling 120-115 overtime victory to even their first-round series at two games apiece. 

There were plenty of storylines in what was one of the most entertaining games of the playoffs so far, but it's the Williams throwback game that resonates most.

More on his game in a moment.

Turning Point

With the game tied 104-104 and 16 seconds left on the clock, the Nets had a terrific opportunity to hold for the final shot of regulation. It would give them the win if it dropped and prevent the Hawks from hitting a late winner if it didn't.

Instead, Williams rushed the possession, firing a turnaround baseline jumper that not only missed, but left the Hawks with 6.5 seconds with which to score.

Uncharacteristically, the Hawks botched the possession, running out of time before Paul Millsap could get his layup attempt off.

This may not be a turning point by definition, but the Hawks surely wish they had that play back. And if they did, the Nets would certainly wish they had their own back, too.

Star Performer

Somehow, the Hawks missed this piece of news before the game:

Williams was incredible, tying his career playoff high with 35 points, the first time he's scored that many in any game since March 8, 2013. He shot 13-of-25 from the floor, a torrid 7-of-11 from outside and 2-of-2 at the free-throw line. 

He also added seven assists, three steals and five rebounds, one of which was the biggest of the game on a late overtime possession.

He had an individual 8-0 run midway through the fourth quarter, scored 20 second-half points overall and hit a pair of freebies to make overtime a two-possession game with 20 seconds to play.

Williams was turning back the clock with an efficient 13-point first half, making the Hawks' defense look foolish in the process. He did the same in an unbelievable 20-point second half:

And that wasn't all:

Not be outdone, Jeff Teague got a little fancy himself:

Game 1: Hawks 99, Nets 92 (Hawks lead 1-0)
Game 2: Hawks 96, Nets 91 (Hawks tied 2-0)
Game 3: Nets 91, Hawks 83 (Hawks lead 2-1)
Game 4: Nets 120, Hawks 115 (OT) (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Wednesday, April 29, TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 1, TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 3, TBD