In the recent NBA Finals, Jalen Williams has emerged as a critical factor behind the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success, demonstrating why the narrative around Jalen Williams rising as NBA’s top No. 2 player is gaining momentum. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) grabbed headlines scoring 15 of the Thunder’s final 16 points in Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers, it was Williams whose steady offensive production set up that dramatic finish, pushing the series to a 3-2 lead as Game 6 looms in Indiana on Thursday.
The Thunder’s offense often struggled to find rhythm, highlighted by just 12 assists in Game 4, but Williams’ individual brilliance kept the team competitive. Scoring 26 points in that game alone, Williams created numerous opportunities, proving himself not just as a complementary player but as a primary offensive weapon and one of the league’s most potent isolation scorers.
An All-Star Emerges: Williams’ Breakout in the Finals
Jalen Williams has not only proven his worth as an All-Star but also positioned himself as an All-NBA caliber two-way player. On the court, his blend of scoring ability, defensive toughness, and versatility resembles that of a top-tier No. 2 player, a role he fulfills alongside Gilgeous-Alexander who carries the MVP level spotlight. Williams has often been compared to Scottie Pippen in this dynamic duo, serving as the perfect wingman to SGA’s Michael Jordan-esque domination.
This comparison was reinforced in Game 5, where Williams exploded for 40 points, six rebounds, and four assists, guiding the Thunder past a surging Pacers team with a 120-109 victory. His efficiency was remarkable, shooting over 50% from the field and displaying a wide array of scoring moves including catch-and-shoot threes, isolation fade-aways, and powerful dunks. This performance made him the fifth youngest player to score 25 or more points in three consecutive Finals games, joining an elite group featuring Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dwyane Wade.
Williams’ Versatility and Fearlessness Define His Game
Williams’ impact extends beyond scoring. His style echoes the aggressive but controlled prowess of Kawhi Leonard, with the physicality to create separation using sharp shoulder and hip movements, coupled with the agility to evade defenders. As a consummate teammate, he complements SGA by being ready to shoot at any moment and sharing the responsibility of taking over games when necessary, never overreaching but always assertive.
He stepped into big plays. Felt like every time we needed a shot, he made it. He wasn’t afraid. He was fearless tonight.
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault highlighted Williams’ all-around impact after Game 5, emphasizing the “great force” the young player brings when at his best. Daigneault praised his relentless energy, game pressure, and decision-making, emphasizing the Thunder’s reliance on a similar approach in the upcoming game.
Great force. I mean, that’s the word. We’ve used that word with him in his development. When he’s at his best he’s playing with that type of force,
Daigneault said.
That was an unbelievable performance by him, just throughout the whole game. He really was on the gas the entire night. Applied a ton of pressure. Thought he made a lot of the right plays. We’re going to need a similar type of approach in Game 6 from him.
Williams’ Consistency Fuels Thunder’s Chances for a Title
If Oklahoma City closes out the series, it will be SGA who likely claims Finals MVP, an accolade well deserved for his dominant play. However, Williams’ performance over the last three games arguably matches or surpasses most players in this series with an average of 31 points, six rebounds, and efficient shooting splits. The Thunder’s competitiveness in Game 4 and resilience against repeated Pacers comebacks owe much to Williams’ output on both ends of the floor.
Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s big man, underscored the importance of Williams to the team’s progress, describing him as a player deserving of recognition not only for his on-court excellence but for his professionalism and character off the court.
He’s one of those guys that you want to see succeed, especially when you know him personally,
Holmgren said.
You want to root for him. You want him to do good just because he shows up every single day, does the right things. He’s a good guy off the court, treats everybody well. He’s always respectful. He works really hard. You want to see it pay off for him. We saw it tonight. Not only tonight. We don’t get here without him playing as good as he’s playing. So, we got to make sure he gets his credit, gets his flowers.
Defining the Role of the Ultimate No. 2 Player
While calling Williams the “Scottie Pippen” to SGA’s “Michael Jordan” may sound hyperbolic for some, the reality of the comparison lies in the specific role and impact each player fills on their respective teams. Williams’ long athletic frame, defensive acumen, and growing scoring prowess already surpass many expectations considerably for a secondary star of any team, especially at just 24 years old.
Pippen set the standard for what a second-best player should bring: two-way excellence, versatility, and the ability to consistently ease the burden on the team’s best player. Williams matches this mold and adds his own strengths, particularly as a scorer and shooter. His emergence exemplifies how championship hopefuls are often separated from contenders not merely by their superstars but by how effectively their No. 2 players perform.
Great force. I mean, that’s the word. We’ve used that word with him in his development. When he’s at his best he’s playing with that type of force,
said Mark Daigneault regarding Williams’ impact.
How Williams Elevates Teammates and Team Dynamics
Even SGA himself admitted post-game that Williams makes his job considerably easier, highlighting the value of Williams’ ability to shoulder much of the team’s effort on both offense and defense.
Not only for myself, but for the rest of the guys. He can shoulder a load. I’ve said this before. He does so many things for us as a basketball team on both ends of the floor when he’s the best version of himself. But yeah, like you said, he was great tonight. Makes a world of a difference when he’s that good, for sure.
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
This dynamic reflects how the league views other star duos, where the primary star’s output is often a given but the effectiveness of the secondary player frequently determines ultimate success. Examples across the NBA illustrate this pattern: Kyrie Irving’s excellence boosted the Cavaliers alongside LeBron; Andrew Wiggins‘ elevated play was necessary for the Warriors’ 2022 title run; Jimmy Butler significantly upgraded the Heat beyond what Steph Curry alone could provide; and Pascal Siakam has proven essential for an Indiana Pacers team led by Tyrese Haliburton.
Comparing Williams to the NBA’s Elite Second Stars
Williams’ performances in these Finals bring into focus a broader discussion about the league’s top second stars. When considering names like Jaylen Brown, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler, James Harden, Jamal Murray, Damian Lillard, and Tyrese Maxey, Williams arguably stands above them all at this moment. Even LeBron James—now playing a sidekick role to Luka Doncic—presents a challenging comparison, but the hope and trajectory for Williams suggest he is on a path to entering discussions in this elite group on his own terms.
Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, both Dallas stars, also come to mind, though Irving’s injury and upcoming absence shift the balance. Names like Devin Booker might enter the mix depending on team changes, especially if Kevin Durant moves teams, but right now, Williams’ consistent playoff scoring, defensive ability, and chemistry with SGA make him an irreplaceable asset.
Historic Levels of Performance in Playoff Pressure
Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander combined to score 71 points in Game 5, a feat unmatched in nearly 40 years of Finals play, with only LeBron James and Kyrie Irving accomplishing a similar scoring combination twice in 2016 and 2017. This level of production from a duo embodies the concept of having an unstoppable pairing that forces defenses to divide their attention, dramatically increasing their team’s championship odds.
Williams’ rise reflects more than just an individual success story; it marks the arrival of a premier NBA talent ascending into elite company. While he may never be the singular focus like Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams’ consistent excellence places him firmly in the realm of the greatest second-leading players the game has seen. This is a transformative moment for the Thunder as they aim to capture what could be their first championship in years.
Jalen Williams: The Defining Wingman of the Thunder’s Title Contention
Jalen Williams will likely remain in the shadows of Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP chase, but his influence is undeniable. On nights like Game 5, Williams stepped fully into the spotlight, showcasing the skills and leadership that make him an indispensable part of the league’s best team this season. Oklahoma City’s combination of an MVP-caliber star, elite defense, and Williams’ burgeoning all-around game creates the perfect formula for championship success.
Williams exemplifies the dream wingman—ready to take control when needed but selflessly complementing the team’s best player. His journey is just beginning, yet he is already establishing himself not just as a vital No. 2, but possibly as the greatest second-best player in the NBA today.