Lopez, Williams sharp in Nets' preseason opener

NEW YORK — Brook Lopez scored 20 points in his return from an injury-shortened season, and Deron Williams also had a strong return from surgery in the Brooklyn Nets' 111-94 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

Williams had 17 points and seven assists in Brooklyn's preseason opener. The Nets now head to China, where they will play exhibition games against the Sacramento Kings in Shanghai and Beijing.

Lopez played in only 17 games last season before breaking his right foot in December. He had surgery to repair that injury and later another procedure on his left ankle.

He shot 8 of 12 Tuesday while playing into the fourth quarter.