Cody Williams' breakout performance is bigger deal than Jazz fans think

Skeptics can scoff at Cody Williams putting up his best NBA performance against one of the worst teams in the NBA, but keep in mind that he had plenty of chances to put up this kind of performance against that exact type of team last season, and he never came close to doing it.

The point: progress is progress, no matter what.

Besides, what makes this a bigger deal than most think is for two reasons. One, Williams dominated in a fashion that is not typical from him, and two, Williams has actually been putting up some good statlines over the last several games for Utah.

Let's start with the numbers against the Kings: 34 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, shooting 12-for-20 from the field, including three threes. But statlines don't tell the whole story. Williams dominated in every facet: contested threes, putback layups, driving baskets, fadeaways, midrange shots, you name it. It's impressive, and it hasn't typically been the way in which he makes his mark.

Williams's little but noticeable progress was primarily made by making smart cuts to the basket, which he then used his size and athleticism to finish with a layup and/or dunk. But not in this game. The game film and shot chart showed a completely different side of him.

Williams has been turning the corner for a while now

Anyone who has been watching Williams with the Jazz for the past few weeks will tell you that he put up during that Kings game wasn't completely out of the blue.

So, as the Jazz have increased his role (by proxy of more guys being out indefinitely or for the season), he's thrived in it. He's playing with confidence, which he certainly wasn't during his disastrous rookie season, and it's leading to him putting up some numbers.

With that said, it's time to confront the hybrid elephant in the room/devil's advocate: the Jazz aren't winning many games lately, making a solid argument that this is good stats/bad team. It very well might be, but Williams had the chance to put up performances like those and couldn't do it.

He probably won't put up these numbers when the Jazz are at full strength next season, but they are good enough that the notion that he could turn into a real weapon should not be brushed off.

If Williams is blossoming, Jazz have another staple in their rotation

Williams is showing his talent when many questioned if he possessed any for a while. He was showing some progress in Year 2, but not enough for the Jazz to start trusting him. At a time like this, he should be putting up these kinds of numbers.

Many questioned Utah's decision to pick Williams' team option for Year 3 when they did, and with the season nearing its end, he's proving they were right to do it. If he can build off this, it should make Utah feel even more confident about where their next season is headed.

All Jazz fans wanted from Williams this year was a pulse, and nights like last night shows he definitely has one.