Utah Jazz: Williams' ankle is showing improvement

Thursday was the first time Deron Williams was able to play without a brace on the left ankle he severely sprained during the preseason.

It was both a painful and a productive experience for the Jazz point guard, who's struggled to consistently perform at his usual high level since returning from the injury a couple of weeks ago.

Williams' ankle was still heavily taped, but going without the extra bulk of a brace helped him increase his mobility.

He certainly seemed to be more explosive and energetic during his 14-point, 11-assist outing in the 97-89 win over Portland on Thursday in which he played 39 1/2 minutes.

"It still hurts physically, but physically it's more mobile," Williams said Friday at practice. "I can move more. It isn't restricted as much."

Williams will play through the pain, but his shooting style is hampered somewhat due to a lack of lift in his jumping ability.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan acknowledges that Williams still isn't quite playing up to his peak performance potential. But even though his floor general is only shooting 38 percent from the floor and has had some defensive struggles, Sloan likes the progression he's seen.

"I think (Thursday) night's game," Sloan said, "was one of the games that looked like he'd really gotten back into feeling better and having the ability to do some of the things he has been able to do in the past."

Sloan is especially encouraged by Williams' improving defensive capabilities.

"He's able to keep guys in front of him and that's a huge part, not letting them get on top of the basket on every possession," Sloan said. "That part was very good. His shooting will come around as he gets in better shape."

PROM KINGS? The Jazz tied an NBA record for fewest fouls committed in the first quarter Thursday. Utah wasn't called for a single foul until Matt Harpring had a whistle blown on him nearly two minutes into the second quarter.

Zero fouls in a quarter? Coming after Minnesota shot 21 free throws in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's win, that's great, isn't it?

Not necessarily, says Sloan, who prefers his team play aggressively and not passively. The ideal number of fouls is somewhere between none and a ton.