For some perspective, Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge also averages 20.3 points per game. However, he played almost 39 minutes per game to get his points. Williams is also averaging more points than Miami's Dwyane Wade (20.2) and reigning MVP Derrick Rose.
"He's been brilliant," Sixers coach Doug Collins said of Williams following practice Monday at Philadelphia College of Medicine. "It's a godsend."
Williams has been particularly dangerous in the fourth quarters of games. Twice in the Sixers' first four games, Williams has scored 10 points in the fourth quarter. However, he has been effective at the start of games, too. When the Sixers (2-2) fell behind Golden State, 20-7, in the first quarter of the team's 107-79 New Year's Eve victory, it was Williams, who went 4 for 4 from behind the three-point line, who helped the Sixers get back and eventually take over the game.
Williams said he hasn't paid too much attention to his numbers because he doesn't want to take away from what the team has done and might do. Although he can opt out of the final year of his contract next season, when he's scheduled to earn $6.3 million, Williams said his focus is on the Sixers and getting them beyond the first round of the playoffs, which is where last season ended.
For now, he's getting the green light to be the team's closer in the early going. It's a role he's comfortable with.
"It is what I've done before," Williams said. "I've always been kind of a fourth-quarter guy. Right now I want to just lay it on the line and to be most productive. If that's something that coach wants, I'm up for a good challenge. And if it helps us win games, I'm all for it."
Contact staff writer John N. Mitchell at jmitchell@philly.com. Follow him @deepsixer3 on Twitter.
