OKC Thunder: Rookie Jalen Williams Helping Postseason Cause Down the Stretch

Earning some 2022-23 Rookie of the Year buzz in recent weeks, it’s now no secret that Thunder frosh Jalen Williams has been one of the better rookies this year.

At 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, he’s burst onto the NBA scene with a mix of athleticism, creation ability, playmaking and stout defense.

While it’s unlikely he’ll win the award or even come close with front-runner Paolo Banchero out far ahead, Williams has statistically kept the same pace or better for a few months now. In his last 20 games, Williams is averaging 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 55 percent overall, 46 percent from beyond the arc and 88 percent at the line.

On the season, he’s now improved to 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game on wildly efficient splits for a rookie.

But Williams’ impact goes far beyond just the box scores and stats.

In game after game, Williams has come up clutch as a scorer, facilitator and defender for Oklahoma City. And, perhaps most importantly, his energy has kept the team afloat in several key games all season long.

This was on full display in the two timely triples he hit versus the Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Or any of the high-flying dunks he had in the Clippers series.

While the stats have been great, Williams has tangibly helped the Oklahoma City Thunder stay afloat in a heated Play-In race in the Western Conference. And that’s what is likely his biggest case for Rookie of the Year rests on.

Next, Williams and the Thunder look to a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. tomorrow in Paycom Center to get back to an even record.

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