The Oklahoma City Thunder may be sitting pretty atop the Western Conference standings, but even the league’s hottest team isn’t immune to the grind of the regular season. Over the past week, OKC has been hit with a wave of injuries that’s tested its depth and resilience. Key contributors like Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, and Aaron Wiggins have all missed time, leaving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to shoulder even more of the load.
And while Shai has continued to play like the MVP candidate he is, even he can’t do it all on his own. Fortunately for the Thunder, help has emerged from a somewhat unexpected source: Kenrich Williams.
Williams, a fan favorite known for his hustle and versatility, has stepped up in a big way during this shorthanded stretch. Over the last four games, he’s logged over 20 minutes per night-something that’s only happened seven times all season. In that span, OKC has gone 2-2, and Williams has been a stabilizing presence on both ends of the floor.
Take Sunday night against the Raptors, for example. Williams poured in 15 points, showing the kind of offensive spark that’s been rare in his limited minutes this year.
But it’s not just about one game. When Williams sees extended time, the numbers back up his impact.
In those seven games with 20+ minutes, he’s averaging 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists-a well-rounded stat line that speaks to his ability to contribute across the board.
He’s also been quietly efficient. Despite limited opportunities, he ranks fifth on the team in offensive rating and sixth in true shooting percentage. That kind of production, especially from a player who’s often on the fringe of the rotation, is hard to ignore.
At 6-foot-7, Williams brings a physical presence that many of OKC’s other wings simply don’t offer. His size and length give the Thunder a boost on the glass-something they’ve sorely needed with Hartenstein out. In their three recent losses, OKC has been out-rebounded by an average of nearly 10 boards per game (41.3 to 51), and Williams’ ability to crash the boards from the wing could be a crucial counter to that trend.
What’s more, his gritty, no-nonsense style of play-earning him the nickname “Kenny Hustle”-fits perfectly with the Thunder’s identity. He doesn’t need plays run for him.
He defends, rebounds, moves the ball, and does the dirty work. And when given the minutes, he’s shown he can score too.
With the Thunder sitting at 37-10, they’ve built themselves a cushion that allows for a little experimentation. This could be the perfect window for head coach Mark Daigneault to give Williams an extended look.
If he struggles, no harm done-OKC gets clarity on their rotation as they gear up for the postseason. But if he thrives?
Then the Thunder might have stumbled onto yet another key contributor on a roster already brimming with young talent and depth.
In a season where the Thunder are eyeing their second straight title, every edge matters. And right now, Kenrich Williams is making a strong case that he deserves to be part of the equation.