In a series full of big moments
and bigger performances, Jalen Williams finally had his. The
24-year-old wing exploded for a career-high 40 points in Game 5 of
the NBA Finals, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink of
their first championship since the franchise moved from
Seattle.
For one night, the man they call
JDub stepped out of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shadow. He wasn’t
just the Robin to SGA’s Batman – he became the Batman and carried
OKC to victory. He initiated the offense, hit timely threes,
attacked the rim with force, and defended like his life depended on
it. It was a masterclass from a player once doubted as the
long-term second option for this team. But as the confetti fell
after OKC’s Game 5 win, there was no doubt anymore: Jalen Williams
has arrived.
The emergence of a true No. 2
Oklahoma City’s ascension to the
NBA’s elite has largely been credited to Gilgeous-Alexander’s leap
into MVP territory and top 5 player in the league conversation. But
no team contends for titles with just one star. Throughout the
season, Williams quietly established himself as that second
cornerstone – an All-Star, a three-level scorer, and a swiss-army
knife on both ends of the floor.
He averaged over 20 points per
game in the regular season with 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game,
and earned All-NBA Third Team honors. But those accolades were
hard-earned, especially after the questions that clouded him
following last season’s playoff exit.
Against Dallas in the 2024
Western Conference Semifinals, Williams struggled to find rhythm.
The Mavericks’ defense smothered him, taking away his drives and
disrupting his midrange flow. He shot poorly, turned the ball over
more than usual, and appeared unsure of when to assert himself. The
Thunder were bounced in six games, and the spotlight turned on
whether JDub could ever truly complement SGA as a playoff
performer.
Williams’ redemption and resolve
Fast forward one year, and
Williams is a different player. With Isaiah Hartenstein added to
give OKC more interior toughness and Josh Giddey traded away for
Alex Caruso, the Thunder leaned even harder into their identity:
wings with size, skill, and smarts.
Williams fit that mold
perfectly, using the offseason to refine his handle, sharpen his
jumper, and study film to improve his decision-making. The result?
An All-Star nod, a 68-win season, and OKC securing the top seed in
the entire league.
But the playoffs would again
test him.
Denver pushed the Thunder to the
brink in the second round. Once again, Williams faced turbulence –
his shot abandoned him at times, and the Nuggets’ physicality
forced rushed decisions. But this time, he didn’t unravel. He dug
deeper. He impacted games with his defense and passing, then
rediscovered his scoring touch just in time to help the Thunder
close the series in Game 7.
In the Western Conference Finals
against Minnesota, he was magnificent. He shot the ball
efficiently, helped neutralize Anthony Edwards at times, and
showcased his elite cutting and off-ball IQ – areas often
overshadowed by his flashy isolation moves. By the end of the
series, Williams had reclaimed full confidence in his offensive
role.
But even that couldn’t prepare
the world for what he unleashed in Game 5 of the Finals.
A Finals performance to remember
With Indiana doubling SGA on
every touch and trying to bait OKC’s supporting cast into beating
them in Game 5, Williams took full advantage of the defensive
attention. He sliced through the defense with decisive drives,
nailed tough step-back jumpers, and even initiated offense when
Gilgeous-Alexander rested. His 40-point night wasn’t just about
scoring – it was about control. He looked every bit like a
franchise pillar that would be in the city for years to
come.
Williams’ ability to score at
all three levels, his commitment to defense, and his feel for the
game now make him one of the most complete young wings in
basketball. He’s not just a complementary piece anymore – he’s a
cornerstone.
Cementing his legacy
With the Thunder now one win
away from an NBA championship, Williams is on the verge of etching
his name into Oklahoma City lore. Not just as the guy who played
beside SGA, but as the co-author of this team’s historic
run.
It’s easy to forget this is his
first NBA Finals. He plays with the poise of a seasoned vet, never
rushing, always reading. His blend of patience and aggression makes
him nearly impossible to scheme out of a game, and his confidence
has caught up with his tools.
Of course, there’s still work to
be done. Game 6 awaits back in Indiana, and the Pacers aren’t going
quietly. But for Williams, this postseason has already validated
everything the Thunder hoped he could become.
The doubts that loomed after
last year’s postseason struggles are gone. The idea that he
couldn’t rise to the occasion? Erased. This run – this journey – is
proof of how perseverance and belief can reshape a
career.
Whether he’s cutting behind a
ball-watching defender, dishing a no-look dime on the break, or
drilling a stepback jumper in the clutch, Jalen Williams is playing
with the kind of purpose that changes narratives and wins
titles.
The Thunder may soon hoist the
Larry O’Brien Trophy. And when they do, know that it wasn’t just
SGA’s brilliance that got them there. It was Jalen Williams, too –
the sidekick-turned-superstar, who stepped up when it mattered
most.
