The keys to Jalen Williams' debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC arrives at Black Friday with great news after a campaign start that is very frightening
Jalen Williams, the 'Robin' of Sha Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, seems to have finally overcome his injury and is ready to debut this season against the Phoenix Suns this Friday night. OKC is feared with their second star back after their incredible start.
The player had been recovering for months from the surgery on his right wrist he underwent in July, which was followed by another surgery on October 31 to remove a screw. All this after competing in the previous playoffs despite a torn ligament during the title race.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have made a historic start: 18 wins in 19 games and a +16.5 differential, the highest ever recorded at this stage of the season. They become the fifth team in the NBA to start with an 18-1 record.
The information comes from an urgent update released by Shams Charania.
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In the previous season, Williams made a spectacular leap, establishing himself as one of the league's standout figures. He closed the season with averages of 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals. He was one of the two players who made both the All-NBA and All-Defense teams, alongside Evan Mobley.
He also excelled in advanced defensive metrics: leading the NBA in points allowed in isolation situations and ranking among the top five in points conceded in direct drives, according to GeniusIQ data. Additionally, he joined a select group of four players who surpassed 1,400 points, 300 rebounds, 300 assists, and 100 steals, alongside Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and James Harden.
In the 2025 playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams combined for 1,180 points, the fourth-highest total for a duo in a single postseason on record.
Oklahoma City will take a gradual approach to Williams' reintegration, something they already did last season with Chet Holmgren. The center was sidelined for three months due to a hip injury and returned in February, progressively regaining his form until the playoffs.
Williams' "Substitutes"
In his absence, the team has received significant contributions. Ajay Mitchell, in his second year, averages 15.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals, while Isaiah Joe is having his best season with 13.2 points and a 40.2% success rate from three-point range, attempting over seven shots per game.
Having missed the first 19 games, Williams no longer qualifies for end-of-season individual awards, which also excludes him from the potential supermax extension of $287 million linked to his five-year, $239 million contract.
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