UPDATE: In a thrilling return to the court, Jalen Williams played a pivotal role in the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s 123-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns on November 24, 2023. This win marks the Thunder’s 11th consecutive victory and secures their spot in the knockout round of the NBA Cup.
Williams, who underwent wrist surgery earlier this year, scored 11 points and dished out 8 assists in 29 minutes of play. His return comes after missing the first 19 games of the season, a significant absence for the defending champions. The Thunder’s record now stands at 19-1, making them only the fifth team in NBA history to achieve such a start.
After the game, Williams expressed his eagerness to regain his rhythm. “The goal for tonight was to get in a rhythm, but it’s an adjustment,” he stated. He acknowledged the challenge of re-acclimating to the physicality of the game after nearly six months away. “A lot of it was just rhythm — trying not to do too much, just finding the spots where I was comfortable five months ago.”
The Thunder have showcased exceptional performance even in Williams’ absence. Last season, he emerged as one of the league’s stars, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. However, due to his absence from the first part of the season, Williams is now ineligible for postseason honors, which also affects his potential $287 million super maximum contract kicker in his five-year, $239 million extension.
Highlighting the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 37 points, including a clutch 15 points in the final seven minutes. His performance has now extended his streak of scoring at least 20 points to 92 consecutive games, tying him with the legendary Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in NBA history.
As the Thunder prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on Williams as he continues to integrate back into the team. His progress will be crucial for Oklahoma City as they aim to maintain their winning streak and push for another championship run.
This victory not only cements the Thunder’s dominance in the league but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fans are eager to see how Williams’ return will further impact the team’s performance as they look to capitalize on their strong start.
