"Terrence Williams was deactivated Tuesday and didn't travel with the team to Boston for "repeatedly violating team policy," Nets coach Avery Johnson said about 90 minutes before tip-off.

"It's been something we've dealt with for the past two to three weeks or so," Johnson said. "I don't know if he clearly understands what we're trying to do."

Johnson and general manager Billy King wouldn't divulge the reason for this disciplinary action. But sources said Williams has been habitually late for shootarounds and/or practices.

Williams has been fined a number of times for his transgressions. Now the Nets are trying something different, hoping to get through to him.

"There has been a fine or two or three previously," Johnson said. "That hasn't worked.""