By CLIFF BRUNT
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jalen Williams retains bouncing again.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder All-Star has suffered by poor capturing stretches in every of the previous three playoff sequence. And every time, he’s recovered to assist the Thunder win essential video games.
After two tough capturing nights to begin the Finals sequence in opposition to the Indiana Pacers, the 24-year-old ahead out of Santa Clara discovered his stride.
In Recreation 4, Williams dealt with the ball extra and was aggressive. He scored 27 factors and made 8 of 18 area targets and 11 of 11 free throws. His success helped league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explode for 35 factors because the Thunder received 111-104 to even the sequence at 2-2 and regain homecourt benefit.
He had comparable moments within the Western Convention semifinals in opposition to Denver and the convention finals in opposition to Minnesota.
Williams stated he doesn’t fear about whether or not photographs go in as a result of his confidence comes from his full sport. He’s a keen passer and a second-team All-Protection choice.
“I work really hard on my game,” he stated. “So there won’t be a game where I don’t shoot well and it affects my confidence to not shoot those shots my teammates need me to shoot. That’s the confidence I have going into it, and wherever the shots fall, they fall.”
Indiana has been good at adjusting all through the season and the sequence beneath coach Rick Carlisle. The Pacers, as common, might be assured of their preparation heading into Recreation 5 on Monday.
“Being now at this stage, I just think that we’ve had those games under our belts where the guys have come through when we haven’t done things well, and we’ll be able to correct it,” Pacers ahead Pascal Siakam stated. “I think that experience is there.”
Williams has no difficulty with correcting issues, both.
In opposition to Denver, he went right into a three-game stoop throughout which he made 10 of 43 area targets and averaged 11.3 factors. He adopted by scoring 24 factors on 10-for-17 capturing in a blowout victory in Recreation 7.
Within the convention finals, he had 13 factors on 3-for-9 capturing in a 143-101 loss to Minnesota. He responded with 34 factors on 13-for-24 capturing within the subsequent sport, a 128-126 win.
The sample has continued within the Finals. Within the first two video games, he shot a mixed 11 for 33. The following two, he shot 17 for 26 and averaged 26.5 factors per sport.
Williams modified the trajectory of Recreation 4, and maybe the sequence, along with his efficiency. The following step in his growth is to take care of that prime capturing degree.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault believes something is feasible with Williams.
“I thought in Game 3, his first stint was one of his worst stints of the series,” Daigneault stated. “He catches his breath and reflects on that. He had a much better stint later in that game and then came out and was really big time for us in Game 4, not only his creation but just some of the simple plays he made to put his teammates in advantages.”
Initially Printed: June 15, 2025 at 2:50 PM PDT
