Jalen Williams Sees ‘Blessing in Disguise’ Amid Thunder Surge

Williams returned to the Thunder's lineup since he last played on Feb. 11—appearing in a game for just the third time since Jan. 17—contributing 18 points, six assists and four rebounds in 20 minutes of play.

After the game, Williams pointed to the steady stream of injuries impacting Oklahoma City's lineup as something that will ultimately benefit the Thunder heading into the playoffs.

“I think it’s gonna end up being a blessing in disguise a little bit,” Williams said. “It's going to give us a little more urgency to kind of figure out how to play with all the guys. I think it's also one of the coolest things about the team is that we have an issue because of our depth.

“I don't think we've all played together yet. So I think that goes a little taken for granted because we're really good, but it's definitely one of those hurdles we're going to have to get over. We have enough games to do it.”

Williams also highlighted the growth of several teammates and usual role players who have taken on larger roles of late.

“It’s just fun to watch the guys have to do things they don’t normally do and then thrive in that situation,” Williams said. “That was really cool to watch. Like, you guys got to watch Ajay blossom even more. J-Will and Caso (Cason Wallace), they’ve had to be in spots that they didn’t think they were going to be in to start the season.

“We’re better for it now.”

The Thunder will look to increase their winning streak to 13 consecutive games when they face the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed Boston Celtics on Wednesday.