Jalen Williams Shines in OKC’s 11th Straight Victory Over Suns
Oklahoma City Thunder secured their 11th consecutive victory with a 123-119 win over the Phoenix Suns on March 15, 2024. The match marked the long-awaited return of Jalen Williams, who contributed significantly after recovering from wrist surgery. His performance included 11 points and eight assists over 29 minutes of play, helping the Thunder advance to the knockout round of the NBA Cup.
Williams had undergone surgery in July 2023 to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist. A follow-up procedure was necessary to remove a screw that caused irritation during his recovery. Despite missing the first 19 games of the season, Williams’ return adds depth to a Thunder team that is currently enjoying a remarkable start.
The Thunder’s impressive run has positioned them among the elite in NBA history, as they became the fifth team to achieve a 19-1 record. They completed their group stage with a perfect 4-0 record in West Group A. Williams, who had an outstanding previous season, averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, was excited to be back on the court.
“The goal for tonight was to get in a rhythm, but it’s an adjustment,” Williams remarked. “Game 7 was, what, five months ago? Almost six. Trying to adjust to the physicality now was a little different.”
Despite his relatively low shooting percentage of 25% in this game, Williams emphasized that regaining his offensive rhythm will take time. He stated, “Offensively, yeah, it’ll take time. I’ve had two hand surgeries, and I’m still figuring out my jump shot and dribbling.”
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high 37 points, which included 15 points in the final seven minutes. His consistent scoring ability has now extended to 92 consecutive games with at least 20 points, a streak that ties him with basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest in NBA history. Chamberlain holds the record with 126 straight games.
The Thunder’s success is particularly notable given Williams’ absence at the start of the season, as he is now ineligible for postseason honors. This includes missing out on a potential $287 million super maximum contract kicker in his five-year, $239 million extension.
As the Thunder continue their campaign, Williams is optimistic about finding his place within the team. “I can always play hard defensively and figure things out from there,” he said. “My feet feel fine, my wind is good. I can find ways to contribute offensively until I get my rhythm back.”
The Thunder’s next challenge will be to maintain momentum as they progress in the NBA Cup, with Williams’ integration into the lineup expected to play a crucial role in their ongoing success.
