The Oklahoma City Thunder are 59-12 through twenty-two weeks of action. They went through another week undefeated, going 3-0.
The Thunder have already surpassed last year’s win total (57) and clinched the No.1 seed in the Western Conference with 11 games remaining.
Here’s my Week 22 — Thunder Player of the Week:
Thunder Player of the Week
Jaylin Williams
Jaylin Williams is playing some of the best basketball in his career in March. Williams was a huge reason the Thunder went undefeated during Week 22, averaging 15 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 68.1 percent from the floor, 69.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Williams put together his best performance of his career against the Philadelphia 76ers. He put together an all-around masterclass — 19 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals while being a game-high +33.
Stepping Up In March
With the Thunder managing injuries as they prepare for the playoffs. With multiple players in and out of the lineup, Jaylin Williams has stepped up in March. In 11 games played, Williams is averaging points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3 assists in 19 minutes per game while shooting 50 percent from the floor and 47.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Williams is the ninth player in franchise history to record a triple-double. In fact, he has recorded two triple-doubles in March.
Williams’s numbers may not stand out; however, his impact and production have been crucial, as his play continues to highlight the depth of this roster. The Thunder are on the verge of breaking the franchise record for the most wins in a season (60).
Mark Daigneault & The Thunder Players On Jaylin Williams
Here are quotes from Mark Daigneault and the Thunder players discussing how Jaylin Williams has imprinted a lasting impact on this Thunder team.
“He’s just a character. His personality is kind of contagious,” Thunder teammate Aaron Wiggins on Jaylin Williams. “He always has a certain energy about himself that pours into the team.”
“He’s a great leader on this team… I can’t say enough about him,” Mark Daigneault on Jaylin Williams.
The Thunder’s most popular trait may be their infamous post-game interviews.
https://youtube.com/shorts/4TbNXt0GE78?si=gFl2WG6PimqSmP0x
Takeaways:
The Thunder continues to roll and win games, no matter who’s out of the lineup. They have won six straight games and are 9-1 in their last ten games. Another impressive feat in the midst of this special season is that the Thunder are 10-0 on the road since the All-Star break.
Wins: vs Philadelphia 76ers (133 to 106), vs Charlotte Hornets (141 to 106), @ Los Angeles Clippers (103 to 101).
End Of The Week Updates
With 11 games left, the Thunder have already surpassed last year’s win total (57) and are on the verge of breaking the record for the most wins in franchise history.
Jalen Williams has missed the last six games with a hip strain, Ousmane Dieng has missed the last four games with a calf strain and has no return timeline, and Chet Holmgren missed the previous game with a hip strain.
With the Thunder clinching the No.1 seed, they’ll look to manage and get their players as healthy as possible and sharpen their blades, as Mark Daigneault says, heading into the playoffs.
Main Image: © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
