Jalen Williams

Healthy, and free of an eye injury that left him “seeing double” just two nights prior, Jalen Williams used a game-clinching two-play sequence to leave the Los Angeles Lakers with the most unwanted sight of all on November 29, 2024. Menacing throughout the evening’s defensively-minded affair, Williams — keeping his antennas raised during Los Angeles’ must-convert inbound play — perfectly times his pillage, raiding Austin Reaves’ pass attempt to set up a breakaway layup. Taking center stage with any dunk in his repertoire in play, Williams powers in a two-handed flush, propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder to a six-point lead inside of 20 seconds, essentially guaranteeing a pivotal NBA Cup victory. Four days later, the Thunder secured West Group B, with Williams’ fearlessness in high-leverage moments proving key. A consistent two-way dynamo, Williams held opposing Lakers to just 36.4 percent (on 11 attempts) to go along with traditional statistics that included 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two trifectas.

Championship Year