Jalen Williams Returns to Action with the Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder All-NBA guard Jalen Williams will make his season debut against the Phoenix Suns this Friday night.
Williams has been recovering from surgery on his right wrist performed in July, followed by a procedure to remove a screw on October 31. This after playing with a torn ligament last season.
The Thunder have had a dominant start to this season, with an 18-1 record and the best point differential in NBA history after 19 games, with a +16.5. Oklahoma City is only the fifth team in league history to start a season with an 18-1.
Last season, Williams established himself as one of the best players in the NBA, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He was one of two players to be included on both the All-NBA and All-Defense teams.
Williams also led the NBA in points per direct isolation allowed and ranked in the top five in points per direct drive allowed. He was one of four players with 1,400 points, 300 rebounds, 300 assists, and 100 steals last season.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams combined for 1,180 points in the 2025 playoffs, the fourth-most by a duo in a single postseason in NBA history.
The Thunder will be patient and cautious in reintegrating Williams, having had prior experience with the prolonged absence of star pivot Chet Holmgren last season, who missed three months due to a hip injury before returning in February.
The Thunder have received production from Ajay Mitchell and others in the absence of Williams, with the second-year guard averaging 15.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals. Isaiah Joe has also contributed, averaging a career-high 13.2 points, with 40.2% from the 3-point line on more than seven attempts per game.
Williams missed the first 19 games of the campaign and is not eligible for postseason honors, meaning he is no longer in line for the super-max contract bonus of $287 million on his five-year, $239 million extension.
