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Press ReleaseORLANDO -- Yes, Deron Williams is the present and future of the Utah Jazz. But, head coach Jerry Sloan realizes that having a formidable backup to their Olympic gold medalist is extremely important.
Eric Maynor demonstrated Tuesday why the Jazz selected him with the 20th overall pick in June's NBA Draft as his 12 points, five rebounds and four assists helped jolt the Jazz to an 83-68 triumph over the Nets/76ers.
The former VCU standout, who became a familiar name during his college career when he buried a game-winning shot against Duke in the 2007 NCAA Tournament, wasn't the only one to flourish however.
Another rookie point guard showed promise as Jrue Holiday, who had the opportunity to play Maynor when UCLA defeated VCU in the first round of the tournament in March, recorded seven points and four rebounds for NJ/Philadelphia.
"It's going to be dangerous," Maynor said about his high expectations for all the point guards drafted last month. "We're going to show it was no fluke (that so many point guards were selected in the first round)."
With solid play from Josh Duncan, Utah outscored its opponent, 42-30, in the paint. Duncan finished with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field.
Other notable performers included Kevin Kruger and Kevin Lyde. The two combined for 17 points for the Jazz.
Chris Douglas-Roberts had another spectacular game for the Nets/Sixers with a game-high 27 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the floor,
Terrence Williams and Marreese Speights each posted eight points in the defeat.
Utah will clash with Indiana on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, while NJ/Philadelphia and Orlando will meet at 7 p.m.
(Courtesy 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League)
