Jalen Williams is showing encouraging signs of recovery as he continues to push past his wrist troubles, which have affected his performance over the last season. The 24-year-old guard showcased his skills in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s impressive 136-109 victory against the Phoenix Suns, delivering a standout performance just before the NBA All-Star break.
In what can be considered his best game of the season, Williams lit up the court with 28 points, shooting a perfect 11-of-11 from the field. His shooting included a dazzling display of his signature mid-range jumpers, which found the basket effortlessly from various angles—whether it was from the baseline or through traffic. This performance reflects a significant turnaround for Williams, who has struggled with a surgically repaired wrist that affected his shooting percentage earlier in the season.
However, amidst this positive resurgence, Williams faced a setback as he re-aggravated a hamstring injury during the game, marking just his second outing since returning from a ten-game absence. The Thunder now face uncertainty regarding how long this strain will sideline him, which poses a challenge to their championship aspirations.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault expressed optimism about Williams’ recovery, suggesting that the time away from competitive play allowed him to refine his shooting technique and regain comfort on the court. “During that period of time, he was taking more shots with the wrist in practice than he had at any other point in the season, which allowed him to gain some rhythm,” Daigneault noted, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in overcoming previous challenges.
As the team gears up for the crucial post-All-Star break stretch, the Thunder will likely rely on Williams to return to his All-NBA form from the previous season, especially with the regular season winding down and only six weeks remaining. While the hamstring strain is concerning, the fact that his wrist issues appear to be under control is a beacon of hope for both Williams and the Thunder moving forward.
Daigneault remarked on Williams’ current condition, stating, “It’s better than it’s ever been since the surgery. It’s the best it’s been right now,” reinforcing the idea that with continued effort, Williams will further improve. The situation remains fluid, but fans can hold onto the hope that Williams will soon be back at full strength, ready to help propel the Thunder toward a successful season.