Jaylin Williams Shines in Thunder’s Victory Over Grizzlies

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — In a night highlighted by first-time All-Star Jalen Williams and rising star Chet Holmgren, the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s 120-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies showcased the unheralded efforts of Jaylin Williams. Following the game on Wednesday, star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized Williams’ significant contributions, despite the player’s fluctuating role on the team.

“Some nights he plays, some nights he doesn’t play. Some nights he gets told he’s not gonna play and then just gets thrown in,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “To have a masterpiece of a game like he did tonight was so big. Guys in my position, not take it for granted, but you’ll never understand how hard it is to not have security.”

This season, Jaylin Williams has had to navigate a challenging landscape in the Thunder’s frontcourt, particularly due to injuries to key players, including Holmgren, who missed significant game time with a right iliac wing fracture. During Holmgren’s absence from November 11 to February 7, Williams averaged roughly 17 minutes per game, showing a usage percentage of 15.1.

However, since Holmgren’s return, Williams’ role has become less stable. His playing time varied dramatically, from 23 minutes one night to two consecutive games without playing at all. His usage rate has dropped to a team-low 9.9 percent over this period.

Wednesday’s game exemplified this trend. After logging only nine minutes against the Houston Rockets earlier in the week, he saw his minutes jump to 19 against the Grizzlies. Williams made the most of the opportunity, finishing the night with 13 points, four rebounds, and two blocks, shooting 100 percent from both the field and beyond the arc.

“He was who he was tonight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s a reason why we’ve been a good team all year.”

Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, Williams’ contributions have been vital to the Thunder, ranking fifth on the team in defensive rating (105.1), sixth in offensive rating (118.4), seventh in net rating (13.3), and ninth in plus-minus (+4.6) among players who have appeared in 30 or more games.

Despite not always grabbing headlines like his teammates Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren, Jaylin Williams’ impact on the Thunder has been unmistakable. His performance against the Grizzlies was a reminder to fans and pundits alike of his value to the Oklahoma City roster.