Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
Thunder ‘s Jalen Williams keeps it 100% on late-game usage in Game 3 vs Nuggets
Image credit: ClutchPoints

DENVER — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams turned in his best postseason performance before finishing the fourth quarter and overtime period with zero attempts in Game 3’s 113-104 loss to the Denver Nuggets. After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the floor smiling, a reporter asked Williams if the ball should have been in his hands instead of Gilgeous-Alexander, whose shooting struggles continued down the stretch of an overtime loss.

During his media availability, Williams addressed his lack of touches in a nail-biting finish that ended with an 11-2 Nuggets run in the extra period.

“When you have the best closer in the NBA, you get him spots where you want him to get to and you shoot the ball,” Williams said. “If I want to go force a shot, obviously, I can. But we have other talented guys on the team. I don’t even think I shot one shot in that. I turned the ball over twice. So, I mean, those are opportunities to score. Great for others, too. I had my opportunities. I’m never gonna sit up here and complain about touches or something like that. I have the ball a lot.”

For Williams, the end of Game 3 came down to the team’s inability to execute game-defining plays, while the Nuggets cruised to a nine-point win to take a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.

“We have guys out there that can score and make big plays,” Williams added. “I actually thought we got pretty decent shots down the stretch. Just didn’t make them in.”

Jalen Williams’ 32 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including 3-of-7 from deep, led the Thunder. He also had five assists and three rebounds, while Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 18 points on 7-of-22 attempts, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was all smiles after Thunder loss

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts before the game against the Denver Nuggets during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

After losing Game 3, Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wouldn’t let a group of Nuggets fans get a reaction out of him. After Gilgeous-Alexander took the blame for late-game execution, he explained why he was smiling.

Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the Nuggets fans during his media availability.

“It’s easy to taunt when you’re up, and I don’t ever want to show them that I’m defeated or mad, or anything like that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Nothing’s written. The series is not over, and we have a lot to be optimistic about. I didn’t perform the way I did down the stretch, but I have an opportunity in the next game and the game after that to make up for it, and I’m optimistic about it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look to even the series 2-2 in Game 4.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Celtics' Al Horford Holding Up Free Agency, Says Insider
NBA

Celtics' Al Horford Holding Up Free Agency, Says Insider

After doing exactly zilch in free agency thus far, the Golden State Warriors may be the most interesting club left on the board. The team is still in the midst of negotiations on a new deal with restricted free agent power forward Jonathan Kuminga, although it appears that both Golden State and Kuminga may benefit from a divorce by way of a sign-and-trade. When it comes to free agency, the Warriors clearly still need center help, and there are a few seasoned vets available, plus some trade options. Golden State is also apparently seeking more backcourt depth. More news: Celtics Roster ‘Makes Zero Sense’ Says NBA Insider Boston Celtics champion power forward/center Al Horford's decision making, meanwhile, has helped create a cooling effect for the rest of the NBA's free agent frenzy, with several decorated veterans still very much in play. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reveals that Horford has only been connected with one team at this point in the summer. Free agent shooting guard De'Anthony Melton, who was only traded away from Golden State to the Brooklyn Nets last season after suffering a season-ending partial ACL tear, is expected to return to the team this year. But Kuminga is putting a cramp in their styles. More news: Former Celtics Champion Gets Exciting New Gig "The main reason Horford and Melton, or any other player, have yet to sign with the Warriors is because of Kuminga's holdout," Siegel explains. "If the Dubs were to agree to multiple contracts right now, they would inch closer to the tax apron and basically take away their ability to match a potential offer sheet that could come in from another team for Kuminga." Because Horford is the best free agent big man on the market, however, his signing also appears to be pausing the fates of the lesser power forwards and centers available. "If, by some chance, Horford decides he no longer wants to wait on the Warriors and he ultimately retires or joins another team, Trey Lyles and Chris Boucher would become backup plans for this team. Until Horford signs, these two are forced to wait in free agency. Golden State is the only team being linked to Horford at this juncture, especially after Summer League," Siegel writes. More news: Jayson Tatum Receives Injury Advice From Former Celtics Forward Celtics Called Out for Trading Away Former First-Round Draft Pick For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.

Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision
NFL

Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision

Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.

New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez
MLB

New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez

The Arizona Diamondbacks have plenty of suitors for third baseman Eugenio Suarez. A new team has reportedly entered the market for his services. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Phillies have reached out regarding Suarez. While Lauber did not provide any indication as to whether or not those talks have gained traction, the Phillies are an intriguing suitor for the Diamondbacks' third baseman. The Phillies' interest may be a recent development. Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated on Friday that the Phillies could emerge as a suitor in the wake of third baseman Alec Bohm landing on the injured list with a fractured left rib. Suarez is in the midst of what is arguably his best season thus far. He has produced a .249/.321/.587 batting line in 421 plate appearances entering Saturday with 36 homers and a major league-leading 87 RBI. Suarez would be more than just another powerful bat in the lineup. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Bryce Harper are both left-handed hitters — adding Suarez would provide more balance in the batting order. He would also provide a counter against opposing managers bringing in a lefty reliever to face Schwarber and Harper. The biggest question would be how the Phillies would handle an eventual logjam on the roster. Bohm is expected to return from the IL in mid-August and would not have a clear path to regular at-bats if Suarez were acquired. Schwarber could theoretically return to left field to open up playing time at the DH spot, but his outfield defense is mediocre at best. However, as the Phillies are also looking to upgrade the outfield, where Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh have been disappointments, adding Suarez could solve several problems in one fell swoop.

Rangers Sign Former Stanley Cup Champion to Tryout Agreement
NHL

Rangers Sign Former Stanley Cup Champion to Tryout Agreement

The New York Rangers are adding to their forward depth ahead of their upcoming training camp. The Rangers are entering a new chapter of their organization under new head coach Mike Sullivan. After missing the postseason last year, the organization is trying to rebound and respond accordingly in 2025 and 2026. Former Stanley Cup champion forward Conor Sheary is the latest player to join the new-look Rangers. The veteran forward agreed to a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the club and will look to earn an NHL deal with his performance in training camp and the preseason. Sheary is a veteran of 593 NHL games. Originally an undrafted free agent, he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins after completing his collegiate career. Following a year with the Penguins' AHL affiliate, he forced his way onto the NHL squad after posting 36 points in his first 30 games of the 2015-2016 season at the AHL level. His debut NHL season went better than ever expected, and he was a key part of the Penguins' lineup that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Sheary's coach at the time, both at the AHL and NHL levels, was Mike Sullivan. Now, he'll get the chance to reunite with the coach under whom he won two championships. In addition to playing for the Penguins, Sheary has played for three other NHL franchises. The Pens dealt him to the Buffalo Sabres before the 2018-2019 campaign, but he would return to Pittsburgh the following season at the trade deadline. After his second stint with the Penguins, he joined the Washington Capitals. He played three seasons in Washington, D.C. before landing with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he spent the past two years. Over his 593 career games, he's compiled 124 goals and 143 assists for 267 points. His best NHL season came during the 2016-2017 campaign, his second in the league. He scored 23 goals and added 30 assists for 53 points in 61 regular-season games.