Paul Pierce: 'Deron Williams is important part of Brooklyn Nets'

Paul Pierce has described Deron Williams one of the "most important pieces" of the Brooklyn Nets following his return from injury.

The point guard scored a season-high 25 points for the team during their 104-95 win over the Boston Celtics, which ended his nine-game absence with a sprained ankle.

The small forward, who was also returning from an injury, told reporters: "He's the head of the snake. I mean he's one of the most important pieces of what we're trying to do here, what we're trying to build and trying to win a championship.

Williams added: "We're starting to get whole and it's definitely good to have everybody back. Even though Paul didn't start, I thought he came in and gave us a big boost off the bench.

"It seemed like our energy level was a lot better. More intensity on both ends of the floor."

The Nets play again tomorrow against the Los Angeles Clippers.