Jalen Williams and the Thunder’s Offensive Drought
Oklahoma City finds itself at a crossroads, having suffered two of its three season losses in just the past week. While there’s no need for alarm, the Thunder must address some pressing issues. A glaring problem has emerged: the offense has struggled mightily during critical moments of games.
In their recent matchup against the Spurs, a promising start quickly devolved into a second quarter where the Thunder’s offensive engine stalled. Fast forward to Friday’s game in Minnesota, and the trend continued. The Thunder faltered once again in the second quarter and failed to execute down the stretch, only managing to score 22 points in the final frame while being outscored by seven.
Jalen Williams’ Performance Under Scrutiny
Jalen Williams, a promising young talent, found himself at the center of this offensive conundrum. In the fourth quarter against the Timberwolves, Williams played 10 minutes but failed to find the basket, going 0-for-5 from the field and missing both of his three-point attempts. Yet, to overlook his overall performance would be a mistake. Prior to that final quarter, he had shown considerable promise, maintaining a solid shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Over the last three games, Williams has demonstrated his potential as a sharpshooter, converting 6-of-11 attempts from three-point range and elevating his season average to 40%. However, a noticeable shift has occurred in his shooting volume. Last season, Williams made it a priority to increase his three-point attempts, averaging a career-high 4.9 per game. This season, however, that number has plummeted to just 2.8 attempts per game—his lowest since his rookie year, where he averaged 2.7.
The Need for a Confident Outside Shooter
For the Thunder to regain their offensive rhythm, they need Williams to rediscover his confidence from long range. He is undeniably one of the team’s most effective shooters. In games where the offense has stagnated, the floor has shrunk, resulting in fewer opportunities. If Williams can maintain his current 40% shooting efficiency while ramping up his volume, the Thunder’s offensive dynamics could shift dramatically.
Williams excels in catch-and-shoot scenarios, and if he can refocus on that aspect of his game, it may serve as a catalyst to rejuvenate not only his individual performance but also the overall flow of the Thunder’s offense. The isolation plays often feel forced, and Williams may benefit from simplifying his approach. A return to his previous shooting volume could be the spark that reignites the Thunder’s offensive potential, paving the way for a more cohesive and effective attack.
