Jalen Williams’ Return Fuels Thunder’s 11th Straight Win, 123-119

UPDATE: Jalen Williams has made his highly anticipated season debut, contributing significantly to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 123-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns on November 10, 2023. This win marks the Thunder’s 11th consecutive triumph, solidifying their place in the knockout round of the NBA Cup.

Williams, who returned from wrist surgery, scored 11 points and dished out 8 assists in 29 minutes of play. He struggled with his shot, hitting 3 of 12, but his presence helped the defending champions maintain their 19-1 start, becoming just the fifth team in NBA history to achieve this feat. The Thunder’s flawless record in West Group A stands at 4-0.

Reflecting on his return, Williams said, “The goal for tonight was to get in a rhythm, but it’s an adjustment.” He acknowledged the challenges of re-acclimating to the game’s physicality after nearly six months. Despite missing the first 19 games of the season due to surgery for a torn ligament in his right wrist, Williams remains optimistic, stating, “Defense is easy for me… I can always play hard defensively.”

While Williams’ return is a massive boost for the Thunder, his absence has consequences. He is ineligible for postseason honors this season, impacting his potential for a $287 million super maximum contract kicker in his recently signed $239 million extension.

Leading the charge for Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance with a game-high 37 points, including 15 points in the final seven minutes on 4-of-5 shooting. He has now scored at least 20 points in 92 consecutive games, tying him with Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in NBA history. Chamberlain holds the record at 126 games.

The Thunder’s explosive start, despite injuries, illustrates their resilience and depth. As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, fans can expect Williams to continue finding his rhythm and contributing to the Thunder’s pursuit of another championship.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Thunder aim to extend their winning streak in the upcoming games.