More Jalen Williams at practice
Getty
Jalen Williams reacts after a basket during a Thunder playoff game as he works toward a return from a hamstring injury.
Jalen Williams has been out for the OKC Thunder since Game 2 of the first round against the Phoenix Suns after picking up a Grade 1 left hamstring strain.
However, the Thunder remained unbeaten since Williams sat out, sweeping the Suns before taking care of business against the LA Lakers in the second round to secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder’s dominance allowed Williams to buy time to recover and alleviate some pressure on his return.
But before Game 1 of the West Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Williams was seen putting up shots in the Thunder’s practice
Not only was he shooting shots, but he also attempted off-the-dribble moves and fast-paced moves that included him going to his spots and knocking down mid-range jumpers.
More Jalen Williams at practice
As of writing, the Thunder has yet to announce its injury reports for Game 1 against the Spurs.
Williams is over three weeks removed from his left hamstring injury. He has struggled with injuries throughout the season, including a wrist injury early in the year and two hamstring setbacks later on.
He only played 33 regular games this season, averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams says he is healthy for the West Finals.
Jalen Williams is healthier than ever, according to him, via a YouTube video on Friday ahead of the Western Conference Finals.
Williams said that there has been no pressure for him to return to the court from his injury, considering the Thunder’s success without him in the postseason.
“It’s good that I haven’t had to rush back from my hamstring stuff at all,” Williams said. “I’m actually taking like extra days now than from what was originally planned because we were up 3-0 [against the LA Lakers], so there was no point in going into this series and possibly hurting myself before we play the Timberwolves or the Spurs.
“I’m about to go into another series healthy,” he said, a pronouncement that would allow the Thunder to have another offensive weapon.
When Williams was out, Ajay Mitchell stepped up and pushed his production to 22.5 points and 6.0 assists per game in the sweep of the Lakers in the second round.
Williams is expected to play a pivotal role for the Thunder against the Spurs, especially as the team looks to contain 7-foot-4 Victor Wembayama. Williams was Wembanyama’s primary defender in their regular-season meetings this season.
GettyOKC Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault speaks on Jalen Williams’ injury progress.
Jalen Williams continued to post positive progress from his injury, according to Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, ahead of the West Finals.
“Progressing. Same stuff,” the Thunder coach said. “I’m not going to give you the blow-by-blow on the details, but he continues to make progress and he’s doing a great job.”
The Spurs have been dominant against the Thunder this season, winning three of their four matchups this season.
Game 1 of the series will be on Monday, May 18, in Oklahoma City.
Rob Andrew Lo Rob Andrew Lo is a writer at Heavy Sports and is covering the NBA. He has covered local, collegiate, professional and international sports in various sites. He was the sports editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of University of Santo Tomas, and a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle writer for Rappler. A Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has built his voice across both collegiate and international platforms, previously contributing NBA coverage to Fansided and Sportskeeda. More about Rob Andrew Lo
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