Utah Jazz notebook: D-Will departs team to be with daughter

PHILADELPHIA — It was only after they boarded a bus headed for morning shootaround Friday that the Jazz learned starting point guard Deron Williams had returned to Utah.

By night's end, a 112-90 win at Philadelphia in the bag with rookie point Eric Maynor starting, everyone with the Jazz knew why Williams was gone.

Yet they still weren't sure when he'd be back, or if he'd make it to Cleveland in time for tonight's game there.

According to a statement from Williams, released shortly after Friday's game: "I would like to thank (Jazz owner) Mrs.

(Gail) Miller, Greg Miller and Coach (Jerry) Sloan for allowing me to return to Utah to be with my wife and children.

"(Thursday), one of my daughters underwent a procedure in the hospital to address some health concerns. There are still unanswered questions and the doctors have been running more in-depth tests throughout (Friday).

"My daughter's health is very important to my wife and I and it is important I remain in Salt Lake City as we monitor the situation. We both appreciate the support of the fans, the Jazz organization and my teammates. I will return to the court as soon as possible."

ROOKIE WATCH: With first-round draft choice Maynor joined by undrafted Wesley Matthews in the Jazz's opening lineup Friday, the two became the first rookies in the same starting lineup since Williams and Andre Owens in a Nov. 11, 2005, loss to Sacramento.

"You've got to give it up to the two rookies," forward Carlos Boozer said after Matthews finished with 16 points and Maynor his first NBA double-double.

Maynor — whose last game at Wachovia Center here was an NCAA Tournament loss to UCLA — felt like he was back at Virginia Commonwealth.

"I played 36 minutes, had a double-double," he said. "I told somebody, it felt like college again. Just out there playing, and having the ball in my hands a lot, contributing to a win.

"My team had confidence in me," he added.

"When that happens, the sky's the limit."

DECISIONS, DECISIONS: Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said Andrei Kirilenko didn't start Friday because he didn't want all three of his players who can get the Jazz into their offense — Maynor, Kirilenko and starting shooting guard Ronnie Brewer — opening on the floor at the same time.

He opted for Kirilenko over Brewer for the role only because Kirilenko, who didn't start last season, is more accustomed to coming off the bench.