Jaylin Williams made a statement last night with his hustle and determination. Saving the ball from slipping into the backcourt, he was soon rewarded as it swung back to him.
With Cade Cunningham guarding him, Williams drove hard to the basket, muscling past for a slick layup off the glass. That early bucket was just a preview of the night he was about to have.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite being short-handed, put up a valiant fight in their 124-116 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Facing a team gunning for the NBA's top record, the Thunder nearly pulled off a major upset.
Williams delivered a standout performance, posting 30 points on 9-of-14 shooting, along with 11 rebounds and four assists. He was hot from beyond the arc, hitting 5-of-10, and was flawless at the free-throw line, going 7-of-7. Add a block and a steal to his stat line, and you’ve got a complete game.
When the Thunder needed someone to step up, Williams was the man. Despite being the third-string center, he rose to the occasion against one of the league’s toughest defenses. His scoring was a mix of hot shooting and gritty drives to the basket, showing he could earn his points the hard way.
Williams was a frequent visitor to the free-throw line, a key factor in his efficient scoring. Just ask Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who chipped in 16 points in the first half. Thanks to their scoring bursts, the Thunder managed to open up a double-digit lead by halftime, keeping the game within reach.
In the fourth quarter, Williams took charge, scoring 14 points as the Thunder pushed to pull off the improbable. His presence on the boards was crucial, especially for an undersized OKC squad up against a formidable Detroit team.
The Thunder have built a reputation for resilience. Even with more than half their roster missing, they made both the Pistons and San Antonio Spurs work hard for their victories. These are the teams many see as the biggest hurdles to consecutive titles.
"We just have a group of resilient guys," Williams said. "Whether we’re up or down, we approach every situation the same way. We leave it all on the court and play defense."
Regardless of who’s available, the Thunder’s all-out effort keeps them competitive. Williams exemplifies this ethos. At 23, he’s been a rotational player, but he’s proven he can step up when needed.
"It shows how our organization keeps guys ready for any moment," Williams added. "You never know who’s going to step up or how many shots you’ll get.
We have a team full of players willing to do whatever it takes to win. That speaks to our connectedness and selflessness."