Utah Jazz: Williams plays like old self in Jazz's win over Philly

In the morning, Deron Williams was asked if he remembered the Jazz's prior game against Philadelphia - and how 76ers point guard Andre Miller pounced on circumstances at the time.

Did he ever, Williams indicated with a sly smile.

It was his first game back after missing the season's first six with a sprained left ankle sustained in the preseason, and Miller - the University of Utah product - took it to him.

Understandably, too.

"If I see somebody hurt, I'm going to take advantage of him too," Williams said. "That's just part of the game."

The Jazz won that November outing, but Miller scored 25 while Williams — who would play just one more game before sitting out another six because of the ankle — hit just 1-for-8 from the field.

On Monday night, Williams was the one making sure Miller wouldn't forget.

The Jazz point scored a game-high 27 points, shot 11-for-18, dished six assists and looked much like his full-health self as Utah closed 2008 by beating Philadelphia 112-95 at sold-out EnergySolutions Arena.

Miller, meanwhile, scored just 13 before fouling out for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

"I feel a lot better today," said Williams, who also had been bothered in the past couple weeks by a strained right calf and a bruise near his right knee. "Stopped hurting a little bit, a little bit more energetic.

"A day of rest (Sunday), I think, helped," he added. "It's probably the first time all season I've felt 100 percent, or close to it."

With starting center Mehmet Okur back from back troubles but the Jazz still missing All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer and replacement-starter Paul Millsap due to their knee injuries — Boozer missing his 21st consecutive game, Millsap his third straight — the Jazz sure needed what they got from all.

Andrei Kirilenko, starting again at power forward, delivered not only a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double, but also three blocks and three steals.

Okur, playing at what he said was about "75 percent," shot 7-of-14 while producing his 10th double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 boards.

C.J. Miles scored 14, ex-Sixer Kyle Korver scored 12 off the bench and an ill Ronnie Brewer chipped in eight as the Jazz - playing their third game in four nights, but off now now visiting the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday - improved to 19-14.