Jalen Williams’ Dramatic Return Fuels Thunder’s 11th Straight Win

UPDATE: In a thrilling return to the court, Jalen Williams propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a gripping 123-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, marking their 11th straight win. This victory clinches their place in the knockout round of the NBA Cup as they boast an impressive 19-1 record, becoming only the fifth team in NBA history to achieve such a start.

Williams, who underwent wrist surgery in July 2023, made his much-anticipated season debut, contributing 11 points and 8 assists in 29 minutes of play. Despite shooting 3 of 12 from the field, his presence on the court was pivotal for the defending champions as they remain a dominant force this season.

Reflecting on his return, Williams stated,

“The goal for tonight was to get in a rhythm, but it’s an adjustment… A lot of it was just rhythm — trying not to do too much, just finding the spots where I was comfortable five months ago.”

His last appearance was in a playoff game nearly six months ago, and he acknowledged the challenges of readjusting to the game’s physicality.

The Thunder have thrived even with Williams sidelined for the first 19 games, showcasing remarkable team resilience. Last season, he emerged as a standout player, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, earning accolades as both an All-NBA and All-Defense selection alongside Evan Mobley of Cleveland.

While Williams is back on the court, he faces limitations as he is ineligible for postseason honors due to his late start. This means he will miss out on a potential $287 million super maximum contract kicker in his five-year, $239 million extension.

Adding to the excitement, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stunning performance, scoring a game-high 37 points, including 15 points in the final seven minutes, shooting an impressive 4-of-5 during that stretch. He has now scored at least 20 points in 92 consecutive games, matching the legendary Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in NBA history.

As the Thunder continue their relentless pursuit of excellence, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Williams finds his rhythm and the team aims for further success in the upcoming knockout rounds.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Thunder prepare to build on their historic start.