Mark Williams was brought in to anchor the paint for the Phoenix Suns - a defensive force, a rim protector, the kind of big man who could help them hold the line inside. But on Tuesday night, with Devin Booker sidelined by an ankle injury, Williams showed he’s got more than just defense in his bag. He can flat-out score, too.
The 24-year-old center turned in a career night, dropping 27 points on a blistering 13-of-15 shooting performance as the Suns edged out the Brooklyn Nets, 106-102. Phoenix couldn’t buy a three, going just 5-for-20 from deep, but they dominated inside - hitting nearly 68 percent on two-point attempts and doing most of their damage in the paint. Williams was the engine behind that interior assault.
A Two-Way Force Emerging in Phoenix
Williams has always had the tools - size, touch, and timing - but what we’re seeing now is a player putting it all together. His offensive game, once more of a bonus than a feature, is becoming a real weapon for the Suns. He’s shooting a career-best 66.2 percent from the field this season, and while he’s not exactly stretching the floor, he did hit the first three-pointer of his NBA career this year (yes, he’s 1-for-1 - perfect from deep).
Last season, he averaged 20.6 points per game, but it came with higher usage and less efficiency - 60.4 percent shooting and 1.6 turnovers per game. This year, he’s tightened things up, turning the ball over less (1.1 per game) and making better use of his touches.
And with Booker out and Jalen Green still nursing a hamstring strain, Phoenix needed someone to step up. Williams answered the call.
Typically, Williams thrives as a complementary piece in the Suns' offense - crashing the boards, finishing lobs, and cleaning up misses. He averages 3.2 offensive rebounds per game, which leads to a lot of second-chance points.
But Tuesday night was different. He wasn’t just cleaning up - he was creating.
He showed he can handle a bigger offensive load when the team needs it, and that’s an exciting development for a Suns squad looking for more balance.
A Trade Paying Major Dividends
Let’s rewind for a moment. Williams was nearly a Laker.
After the Hornets dealt Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, they tried to flip Williams to Los Angeles. That deal collapsed when Williams failed a physical - a setback that may have had more to do with buyer’s remorse than actual medical red flags.
After all, Williams’ injury history wasn’t exactly a secret.
Instead, he landed in Phoenix - a team that clearly wanted him and paid to get him. The Suns gave up two first-round picks for the 7-foot-1 center.
On paper, they weren’t blockbuster assets - one became No. 29 pick Liam McNeeley, and the other is a 2029 pick that’ll be the least favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah’s selections. But for a young big with Williams’ upside, that’s a price Phoenix was happy to pay.
And so far? It looks like a steal.
Williams has missed just five games all season and is on pace to set a career-high in games played before the All-Star break. That’s a big deal for a player whose availability was once a question mark.
Phoenix’s Youth Movement Is Paying Off
The Suns went all-in on veterans when they brought in Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. But around that core, they’ve started building a younger, more athletic supporting cast - players who can grow with Booker and take some of the load off the stars. Williams fits that mold perfectly.
He’s not just filling a role - he’s expanding it. And if Tuesday night was any indication, he’s only scratching the surface of what he can do offensively.
For a team with championship aspirations, having a young big who can defend, rebound, and now score with efficiency? That’s a game-changer.
Mark Williams was supposed to be the defensive anchor. Turns out, he might be the offensive spark, too.