Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams expressed his appreciation for head coach Mark Daigneault following a dominant 131-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors. This win marked the Thunder’s 30th win in just 35 games, mirroring last season’s impressive 30-5 performance. As the team focuses on defending its championship title, Williams highlighted Daigneault’s crucial role in motivating and challenging his players.
During an appearance on Sports on Prime’s NBA Nightcap, Williams discussed how Daigneault keeps the young team engaged, emphasizing the importance of avoiding complacency. “Not getting bored with the process. I think it helps because we’re so young. So, everybody’s like so driven on personal improvement that it kind of helps the team in a way,” he said. Williams acknowledged that while the team enjoys success, there’s more work to be done, stating, “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. We’re trying to accomplish something that we can hold onto for years to come.”
In the game against the Warriors, Williams contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring with 30 points and seven assists. Chet Holmgren finished with a double-double, recording 15 points and 15 rebounds along with four assists and four blocks.
Williams discussed the challenges of reintegrating into the team after undergoing two wrist surgeries, admitting that adjusting to a team that started the season with 21 straight wins was difficult. “Trying to figure out where I fit in with the team… is the hard part,” he shared. His return is vital to the Thunder’s success, as he aims to find his rhythm while the team continues to thrive.
So far this season, Williams is averaging 16.9 points, 5.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 16 regular-season games, showcasing his pivotal role in Oklahoma City’s championship pursuit. With Daigneault’s guidance and a roster filled with young talent, the Thunder remain a formidable contender in the league.