Jalen Williams has demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the NBA Finals, increasing his scoring tally in each of the first five games. In a pivotal Game 5 victory over the Indiana Pacers, the 24-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder player dazzled with a standout performance, scoring 40 points.
Though Williams often plays second fiddle to league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, together they have amassed an impressive 291 points in the Finals, a remarkable achievement that places them alongside basketball legends. In fact, only Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen from the Chicago Bulls in 1993, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, and Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant from the Golden State Warriors in 2017 have surpassed this scoring feat through the first five games of the Finals.
This historic accomplishment has led to comparisons between Williams and Scottie Pippen, who remarked on ESPN that he sees a reflection of himself in the young player. Pippen expressed optimism about Williams’ potential, stating, “I see him being greater… Players that are playing in today’s game have a chance to be better than players in the past because of the ability to shoot the ball.”
Williams has established himself as a valuable asset on the court, boasting a career 3-point shooting percentage of 38.2%. His capability to shoot from long range is highlighted by his recent Game 5 performance, where he made 3 out of 5 attempts from beyond the arc. In contrast, Pippen had a career 3-point shooting percentage of 32.6%, with his first season achieving over 100 3-pointers coming at the age of 29.
Both Williams and Pippen share a similar journey, having been underrated prospects who flourished at mid-major colleges—Pippen at Central Arkansas and Williams at Santa Clara. Their rise to first-round draft picks illustrates their determination and talent, setting them apart over the years.
In essence, Pippen sees great potential in Williams, asserting, “He’s definitely a player that is capable of being able to lead that franchise to multiple championships.” The Thunder now have a chance to secure their first championship title on Thursday night against the Pacers, marking a promising and exciting time for both the team and their fans.