Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams has revealed that he endured 28 or 29 shots to his right hand throughout the 2024-25 NBA postseason, injuries that tested his resolve but ultimately contributed to the team’s championship victory. Williams shared details about his mindset and physical struggles during the playoff run, emphasizing his determination to win despite the pain.
Injury Details and Adjustments to Playing Style
The hand and wrist damage included a torn scapholunate ligament in Williams’ right wrist, an injury that he believes worsened after playing much of the regular season with a wrist sprain. This forced Williams to modify his jump shot, focusing more on finger control and touch rather than relying on his usual wrist follow-through. His ability to adapt was crucial in maintaining his performance during the playoffs.
Williams Reflects on Forced Resilience and Competitive Focus
Discussing his injury in a recent YouTube interview, Williams stated,
“I got 28 or 29 shots in my hand throughout the playoffs, and was like, ‘That can’t be for nothing. We have to win.’ So that was my mentality,”
emphasizing how the physical toll intensified his commitment to help his team secure the title. He added,
“So after the 40 [points in Game 5]… it kinda sucks, and I’ve talked about it a little bit, but I didn’t really get to enjoy it because I was so focused on, ‘Let’s just win the next game. Let’s win however we need to win in seven, because there’s just no way I get all these shots and we lose.’ That was my thought process throughout the whole thing.”
Executive Praise Highlights Mental Strength Amid Injury Challenges
Sam Presti, the Thunder’s executive vice president and general manager, praised Williams’ perseverance, telling reporters that his star player demonstrated remarkable mental toughness and confidence. Presti stated,
“He showed incredible mental endurance and security in himself, and I’ve said this many times: The best players are secure players,”
and added,
“I really thought it was pretty impressive that he just kept moving along with no excuses and obviously played his best basketball down the stretch of the season.”
This endorsement underlines how Williams’ resilience behind the scenes was vital to the Thunder’s ultimate success.
Significance of Williams’ Injury and Future Outlook
Williams’ ability to withstand repeated hand and wrist trauma without letting it impact his performance significantly illustrates both his individual toughness and dedication to the Thunder’s championship goals. His experience sheds light on the physical sacrifices players often endure in playoff competition. Moving forward, addressing these injuries will be essential to maintaining his long-term health and career trajectory as the Thunder prepare for upcoming seasons.