Oklahoma City’s path back to the top may not hinge only on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doing what he already does best. Jalen Williams could end up being the piece that gives the Thunder’s late-game offense a different kind of edge.
The Thunder were elite in close games last season, going 24-10 in clutch situations. In games defined by the final five minutes with the score within five points, that 70.6% winning percentage ranked second in the league, trailing only the Lakers. That kind of finish was a big part of why Oklahoma City won 64 games and secured home-court advantage throughout the postseason for the second year in a row.
That late-game success also helped Gilgeous-Alexander earn Clutch Player of the Year. He’ll be back leading the way in those moments, but Williams’ return could change the way those possessions play out.
Last season, Williams was limited to 33 games, and the Thunder often had to navigate clutch situations without their second-best creator. He appeared in just 10 of Oklahoma City’s 34 clutch games, though the team still went 7-3 with him on the floor in those spots.
Getting Williams back for a full season would do more than simply deepen the rotation. It would take some of the burden off Gilgeous-Alexander and give the Thunder more chances to sharpen their late-game approach before the postseason arrives. After the team’s struggles in the conference finals, Oklahoma City’s title chances look tied to Williams being available.
If he starts stacking up big clutch moments, that could do more than help the standings. It could build confidence for both Williams and the group around him.
There’s also a strategic wrinkle here. With Gilgeous-Alexander coming off a Clutch Player of the Year season, opponents may try to force the ball elsewhere. Oklahoma City has capable options like Ajay Mitchell, but the Thunder are clearly comfortable putting Williams in control when the game gets tight.
His return has been one of the main talking points around the Thunder’s upcoming season. The clutch piece of that comeback has not gotten nearly as much attention, but it may wind up mattering just as much for Oklahoma City’s 2026-27 run.
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