Oklahoma City’s transition assault has shawn flashes this season, however nothing too constant simply but. The items are in place for the younger Thunder to beat groups down the flooring persistently as the season goes on. The key to that push might very properly be rookie Jalen Williams.
Williams missed a handful of video games with an orbital fracture, however began his first sport Tuesday in opposition to the Magic. He performed simply 21 minutes, however registered 6 factors on 3-of-7 capturing with two steals. In the sport earlier than that, a street contest in opposition to the Mavericks, Williams totaled 4 steals, persistently impacting the defensive finish.
His protection leads to offense, as the Santa Clara product’s size and deal with permits him glide to the rim. Every time Williams will get a steal, he’s a risk to rating in transition. It provides one other dimension to this Thunder group.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is proving to be a incredible throughout participant. He may be good in transition, too. Typical with Gilgeous-Alexander, although, he performs at a slower tempo, selecting and selecting his spots on the offensive finish. This 12 months, we’ve seen him arrange the half courtroom offense and rating off the isolation usually.
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That’s why having a participant like Williams is so particular for this Thunder group. Matching an elite half-court All Star with a probably elite transition participant may very well be a recipe for fulfillment. Williams opens up the flooring in transition and permits Gilgeous-Alexander to proceed doing his injury in the half courtroom.
When he finds his rhythm on the flooring, Williams can even be a serious asset in Oklahoma City’s off-ball motion. Having high-IQ slashers enable proficient passers like Josh Giddey to rack up assists and again door passes.
Williams has solely been again in the lineup for 2 video games, so the pattern dimension continues to be small. So far, although, he appears to be an ideal slot in Oklahoma City, including a brand new transition presence to the group.
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