Jalen Williams Makes Triumphant Return
The Oklahoma City Thunder are buzzing with excitement following the return of All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams. The Santa Clara alum had been sidelined for the first 19 games of the current season due to offseason wrist surgery, which repaired torn ligaments he sustained towards the end of last season. Despite this setback, Williams played a pivotal role in the NBA Finals, helping the Thunder secure their first championship in franchise history.
Early Season Impact
Since rejoining the lineup, Williams has made his presence felt. In his first three games back, he is averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.7 stocks (a combination of steals and blocks). His shooting percentages stand at 41% from the field, a challenging 20% from beyond the arc, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line. Notably, his defensive capabilities remain as sharp as ever.
Williams continues to demonstrate his versatility, effectively shutting down offensive plays and creating turnovers, which ignites fast-break opportunities for the Thunder. His ability to deflect passes, secure steals, and block shots has not diminished during his recovery.
Facilitator Role and Offensive Struggles
On the offensive end, Williams is emerging as a critical facilitator. He excels at setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities, showcasing his adeptness in the pick-and-roll and navigating through defenses that aim to limit his scoring. Although he has crossed the 20-point threshold just once in his return, this is understandable as he re-establishes his rhythm.
Signs of his offensive resurgence are evident, as he begins to create space from defenders, leading to high-quality shot attempts. If one were to review footage of his recent shots prior to seeing the results, they would likely judge them as favorable looks for a player of his caliber.
Room for Improvement
However, Williams is still searching for his shooting touch. His efficiency has dipped, reflected in his current shooting percentages. He is hitting just 47% at the rim, 42% from mid-range, and a struggling 20% from three-point range. These figures starkly contrast with the performance levels he has displayed throughout his career, where he typically boasted a 70% conversion rate at the basket, nearly 50% from mid-range, and 38% from beyond the arc.
As Williams continues to generate quality shot opportunities and finds his rhythm, it is likely that his shooting will improve, returning to the level that earned him All-NBA recognition. With his defensive prowess and playmaking skills intact, the Thunder’s already formidable roster stands to benefit immensely from his resurgence, bolstering their championship aspirations for the season ahead.
