Jalen Williams Proved to be Oklahoma City's Catalyst to Success

Jalen Williams established himself as a rising star in the NBA behind a furious finish to the season.

The Santa Clara product wasn't even inserted into Oklahoma City's starting lineu until later on in the year, and capped off a terrific all-around rookie season with a strong final month. The first year guard was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for March and the few games in April.

Williams averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists throughout the Thunder’s last month of games, and had to step up in a big way during games Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed with injuries. He also recorded 1.7 steals, showcasing his talent on the defensive side of the ball, too. Williams picked up great experience guarding some of the best wings in the league, including Kevin Durant in OKC. He became more and more comfortable as the season wore on, and his All Star potential was limited on display down the stretch.

The Kia NBA Rookies of the Month for March and April! #KiaROTM

West: Jalen Williams (@okcthunder)
East: Paolo Banchero (@OrlandoMagic) pic.twitter.com/3APpiuRHFY
— NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2023

Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic won the award for the Eastern Conference — and it’s very likely that Banchero and Williams finish No. 1 and No. 2 in the Rookie of the Year voting. For Williams, it was his second time of the season bringing home to hardware out West.

On the year, Williams finished his rookie campaign averaging 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He ended with shooting splits of 52.1% from the floor, 35.6% from 3-point range and 81.2% from the free throw line. It was an impressive all around season for the Thunder’s lottery selection.

Williams generated 17 games of 20+ points, Oklahoma City’s most by a rookie since Russell Westbrook. He netted 30-point performances against Utah and Charlotte, combining to shoot 23-for-31 in the two combined games. His efficiency was unbelievable for a rookie, and his play on the court genuinely helped the Thunder win games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's leap to an MVP candidate is certainly the reason for Oklahoma City's rising ceiling and immediate success. But the play of Williams is a big reason for the Thunder's dramatic improvement in just a year's time. He brings versatility to the floor that the team has never had before.

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