All-NBA Guard Shakes Off Months of Recovery to Lead Oklahoma City Past Phoenix in Season Debut
After months of grueling rehabilitation following offseason wrist surgery, Jalen Williams finally stepped back onto the court Friday night, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The Oklahoma City Thunder's All-NBA guard made his season debut against the Phoenix Suns, immediately reminding the NBA why he's one of the league's most dynamic two-way players.
Williams didn't ease back into action—he jumped right in with 11 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block in 29 minutes as the Thunder secured a thrilling 123-119 victory over the Suns. For a player returning from his first extended absence in months, the performance was nothing short of impressive, suggesting that Williams' recovery has progressed exactly as the Thunder hoped.
A Long Road Back
The journey to this moment has been anything but smooth. Williams underwent
right wrist surgery in July, followed by a procedure to have a screw removed on October 31st after playing through a torn ligament during last season's championship run. The Thunder, having learned from their experience managing Chet Holmgren's three-month hip injury absence last season, have committed to being
patient and cautious with Williams' reacclimation.
Despite his absence, Oklahoma City hasn't skipped a beat. The Thunder have maintained an
18-1 record through 19 games—the fifth team in NBA history to start a season with such dominance. The team's supporting cast, led by second-year guard Ajay Mitchell and sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, stepped up admirably in Williams' absence, keeping the Thunder's championship window wide open.
What's Next for the Thunder?
What makes Williams' return even more significant is what it means for Oklahoma City's future.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has already hinted that Friday's version of the Thunder might be the worst we see all season, suggesting that as Williams continues to regain his rhythm and conditioning, the team could reach even greater heights.
Last season, Williams established himself as one of the NBA's elite two-way players, averaging
21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He became only the second player to make both All-NBA and All-Defense teams, joining Cleveland's Evan Mobley in that exclusive club. His defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy—he led the NBA in points per direct isolation allowed and ranked in the top five for points per direct drive allowed.
The Thunder's championship core of Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams combined for
1,180 points in last season's playoffs, the fourth-most by any duo in a single postseason in NBA history. With Williams now back in the fold and the team's supporting cast proving capable, Oklahoma City looks poised to make another serious championship run.
The Silver Lining
One notable consequence of Williams' extended absence: he's now
ineligible for postseason honors, meaning he won't qualify for the
$287 million super maximum contract kicker in his five-year,
$239 million extension. However, for a player and organization focused on winning championships, individual accolades pale in comparison to the ultimate goal.
As the Thunder continue their historic season, all eyes will be on how quickly Williams can return to peak form. If Friday's debut is any indication, that day might come sooner than anyone expected.
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1.
Jalen Williams Off Injury Report; To Make Debut vs. Suns - ESPN2.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Says Terrifying Part About Jalen Williams' Return - Thunderous Intentions
Sources
1. Jalen Williams off injury report; to make debut vs. Suns - ESPN
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says terrifying part about Jalen Williams' return out loud
