Kenrich Williams fuels Thunder’s championship aspirations with tireless effort
The Oklahoma City Thunder have undergone a remarkable transformation, reshaping their roster after a disappointing first-round playoff exit. The franchise has entered a new era, marked by a commitment to building a competitive team from the ground up. Following a magical run to the playoffs in the 2019-20 season, General Manager Sam Presti made strategic moves to further solidify the team’s future. The 2020-21 season marked a pivotal moment in this journey, as the Thunder embraced a “bottoming out” strategy to secure higher draft picks.
The Foundation of a New Era
From that roster, only a select few remain, including the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luguentz Dort, a frontrunner for the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year. Among this core is Kenrich Williams, a veteran role player who has become an integral part of the Thunder’s championship aspirations. Originally brought in as a secondary piece in the trade that sent center Steven Adams to the New Orleans Pelicans, Williams has evolved into a fan favorite and a vital contributor.
Kenny Hustle’s Relentless Spirit
Known affectionately as “Kenny Hustle,” Williams embodies relentless effort on the court. Throughout his eight-year NBA career, split between the Pelicans and Thunder, as well as his collegiate tenure at New Mexico Junior College and TCU, he has consistently been the hardest worker in the arena. Williams excels at drawing charges, diving for loose balls, and sinking crucial mid-range jumpers and three-pointers.
After undergoing knee surgery just before training camp, Williams missed the first 18 games of the season. However, his return on November 26 against the Minnesota Timberwolves marked a significant boost for the Thunder. In the 11 games since his comeback, the 31-year-old has averaged 6.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His shooting efficiency has been noteworthy, with a field goal percentage of 53.7% and a three-point percentage of 41.7% on 2.2 attempts per game. This marks the second-highest three-point shooting percentage of his career, only surpassed during his initial season with the team.
Stepping Up When It Matters Most
Williams has ramped up his performance in recent games, scoring in double digits twice in his last three outings. In a December 22 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, he recorded 11 points, four steals, and six rebounds. The following day, despite a loss to the Spurs, Williams contributed 10 points, showcasing his ability to step up in challenging situations. Even on Christmas Day, when he did not reach double digits, he remained a crucial part of the Thunder’s efforts against a formidable Spurs squad. Williams tallied eight points, five rebounds, and two steals, all while battling against the towering Victor Wembanyama.
Whether it’s through unsung hustle plays that don’t always show up in the box score or timely shooting, Williams consistently finds ways to elevate his team. As the reigning champions look to overcome a recent 2-4 slump, they will undoubtedly lean on Williams’ tenacity and skill to fuel their championship quest. His relentless spirit is a beacon of hope for the Thunder as they navigate the ups and downs of the season.
