Terrence Williams sizzles in debut as Armor hold on

The Springfield Armor discovered Thursday night that players assigned to the NBA D-League can have a big affect on their games.

Newcomer Terrence Williams recorded a triple-double and Craig Brackins added 16 points as the Armor defeated the Maine Red Claws 116-112 before 1,836 at the Mas&$#%#&@!ual Center.

Williams, on indefinite assignment to the Armor from the New Jersey Nets, made his first game with the Armor a memorable one, scoring 16 points with 15 rebounds and 13 assists.

It was the first triple-double in Armor history.

Brackins, on assignment from the 76ers, added seven rebounds and four assists to his 16 points.

It was the first time the Armor (3-2) eclipsed the 100-point barrier. They also had a season-high 29 assists.

“When you got guys of that caliber from the NBA, they know how to make plays,” Dee Brown said. “The old saying is to get the ball to your two best players and everybody just play off them and that’s what we did.”

Whether it was the additional talent on the floor or all the brass (Danny Ainge, Billy King, Quinn Snyder) in the seats, the Armor played a remarkably complete first half and led the Red Claws 57-51.

Williams was a strong presence on both ends of the floor. He had only four points, but in less than 19 minutes on the floor he had 10 assists with seven rebounds and was a floor general for the Armor.

“You don’t realize how much experience you get playing 82 games in the NBA, it’s like a lifetime,” Williams said. “I just tried to take what I learned and help put them in the right position.”