The success Oklahoma City Thunder that we are enjoying in the 2023-24 NBA season is not only due to the incredible play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander . The Thunder also get a major boost from the second-year forward. Jalen Williamswhich turns out to be a great example of the antithesis against the notion of recession in the second year.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams defies proverbial sophomore slump
Williams, who was picked by the Thunder 12th in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, was huge for his team once again on Thursday night as Oklahoma City defeated Luka. Dallas Mavericks without Doncic at home, 126-119. Williams shot 11/21 from the field to finish with 27 points while adding five assists and four rebounds along with three blocks and a steal in 35 minutes.
After the Mavericks withdrew, Williams said he didn’t buy into the idea of a sophomore slump at all.
Via Joel Lorenzi of Oklahoman Sports:
Jalen Williams on the concept of sophomore slump: “I don’t really buy the whole wall thing. It’s just mental. … It’s basketball at the end of the day, and I’m trying to get better every game. I just throw the rookie wall/sophomore crisis thing out the window and play.
The Thunder’s rise as a serious contender for the 2023-24 NBA title can also be attributed to Williams managing to maintain and improve in his stellar rookie campaign.
So far in his second season in the NBA, the former Santa Clara Broncos The star is averaging 19.2, 4.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 45.0 percent from behind the arc. He is also third on the team in win shares (6.1).
