Jalen Williams' 27 Points Leads Thunder to Thrilling Victory Over Pistons
Despite being without star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City topped Detroit 107-106 at the Paycom Center in its second game in two days. With OKC's only all-star missing his second consecutive game, the other players on the Thunder's young roster were forced to pick up the slack.
Rookie wing Jalen Williams led the way with a game-high 27 points, shooting 11-for-19 from the field, 1-for-1 from 3-point range and 4-of-4 from the free throw line. The 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft scored in a multitude of ways, knocking down mid-range floaters and catch-and-shoot triples in addition to getting downhill and attacking the basket.
At one point, the rookie known as "J-Dub" hesitated at the top of the key before crossing over to get by his defender and into the paint, utilizing his length to finish around the rim. Williams also finished multiple put-back attempts, once off of his own miss and another to win the game after a missed shot from second-year guard Josh Giddey.
In addition to his remarkable scoring output, the Santa Clara product contributed eight rebounds, six assists and one block in Wednesday evening's win. Williams has scored at least 23 points in each of his last three games, shooting a combined 31-of-49 in that stretch.
Defensive standout Lu Dort also had a productive night on offense, tallying 20 points, six rebounds, three steals and one assist. Dort connected on three shots from beyond the arc against the Pistons, but the highlight of the Arizona State alumni's night was a huge slam dunk over Detroit big man Marvin Bagley III.
The Thunder's star defender played a team-high 38 minutes, going 7-of-15 from the field.
Off the bench, second-year guard Aaron Wiggins played 32 minutes, going 8-of-11 from the field and 3-of-3 from 3-point range en route to 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal.
"He could've been a little sharper [Tuesday] night," Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault said of Wiggins. "His response was really good, and we need that from him. Just in terms of the toughness he brings to the floor, the steadiness he brings on both ends. He obviously shot it well tonight, but he competed defensively as well. He had a lot of different assignments."
OKC returns to action Friday, March 31 in Indiana when the Thunder take on the Pacers.
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