NBA NBA West Thunder

Jalen Williams Is Becoming a Playoff Riser

Miles LeichtApril 24, 20252 Mins read1.2k

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 21: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Paycom Center on April 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

In the first two games of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder have looked like one of the best teams in NBA history, having a point differential of 70 points.

Jalen Williams has been a key piece to this success.

In just 30.5 minutes per game, J-Dub is averaging 22 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 57.1% from the field.

He had a disappointing playoff debut last season, averaging 18.7 points on only 54.4% true shooting.

What has changed?

Playing at His Own Pace

In last season’s playoffs, it was clear J-Dub was not comfortable playing against playoff defenses.

This year, it is quite the opposite. Williams has been comfortable running a pick-and-roll offense with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, while still managing to get to his spots. Also, J-Dub is 15th in pick-and-roll ball handler points per game in the playoffs (6.3).

J-Dub is just one of four players in the playoffs, with an average of 2+ field goals made between 15 and 19 feet. Of those four, he is the only one to average 3+ field goals made per game between 10 and 14 feet.

Maintaining his great mid-range shooting is the main reason for his playoff turnaround.

In these two games, J-Dub has proven he is an elite shot-maker inside the three-point line and has become OKC’s dream second option.

Maintaining Elite Defense

After a monstrous defensive regular season, J-Dub is picking up right where he left off.

J-Dub has an 86.3 defensive rating in these playoffs and 2.0 steals per game. Therefore, J-Dub continues to be an elite on-ball defender with incredible instincts.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been an excellent matchup for Williams. Smaller, less athletic wings make it easy for him to stay in front and force turnovers.

J-Dub’s defensive versatility is a significant reason OKC is putting up historical numbers this series against Memphis.

What Does This Mean for the Rest of the Playoffs?

OKC desperately needed a great second option in last year’s playoffs. With J-Dub rising to this title, OKC will be nearly unbeatable in the West.

It will be critical to have a reliable scorer other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams is exactly that.

https://twitter.com/ThunderLead/status/1914859949768790403

Written by

Miles Leicht

Despite growing up in Northeast Ohio, Miles gravitated towards the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Giants at a young age. Now, he is a sports management major at Miami Ohio and a proficient writer and editor at The Lead.