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The Oklahoma City Thunder, sitting at 18-1 with the best point differential through 19 games in NBA history, will welcome back Jalen Williams on Friday when they face the Phoenix Suns.
Williams is officially off the injury report and cleared for his first appearance of the season, reported ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Williams underwent wrist surgery in the offseason and was initially projected to be ready for the opening of the 2025–26 campaign.
But after a follow-up procedure in October, the 23-year-old was sidelined for an additional month. The Thunder didn’t rush him, especially not with the team winning ten straight games, all by at least eight points, but there’s no denying what his return means for a group already steamrolling the league.
Last season, Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists, while also earning Second-Team All-Defense honors. His blend of size, creativity, and on-ball disruption gives Oklahoma City another elite connector in an offense built on pace, pressure, and constant decision-making.
The Thunder have already shown an ability to overwhelm opponents with depth, shooting, and defensive layers.
Adding a fully healthy Williams, who was the team’s number two scorer a year ago, raises their ceiling yet again.
His return restores one of head coach Mark Daigneault’s most versatile pieces, someone who can initiate offense, defend both guard spots, and close out games alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Oklahoma City looked frightening without him. Now they look whole.
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