Jalen Williams

Behind on the scoreboards, and yet, ahead of schedule in nearly every other facet, it was only right that Jalen Williams and the Oklahoma City Thunder knew just the way to beat the clock on October 27, 2024. Accepting the challenge of recharging the Thunder's understandably-sluggish offense — battling through the finale of a three-games-in-four-nights set — Williams migrates towards the paint, hopeful to provide reinforcements during his teammate’s off-balanced 3-point attempt. As if instinctually aware that the shot would fall just shy, “J-Dub” appropriately offers a “winning play,” tracking down the misfired shot, redirecting it through for a buzzer-beating putback. Sending a noticeable surge through Paycom Center’s sellout crowd, Williams supplied the energy Oklahoma City needed to engineer a second-half runaway victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The seeds were beginning to be planted for a memorable, All-Star-type Year Three, as Williams, keying the Thunder’s 3-0 start, contributed 20 points (on 8-of-17 shooting), nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a +14 plus-minus.

Championship Year