Jalen Williams Proves All-NBA Worth Despite Thunder Shooting Struggles
Jalen Williams has returned to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup after a long injury layoff. He remains an impactful player despite clear shooting limitations.
Injury timeline and recent status
Williams missed a large portion of the 2025-26 season due to injuries. The team reports he has missed 46 games and counting.
A wrist issue and repeated hamstring problems affected his mechanics. He managed to play through parts of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Latest setback and comeback
On Feb. 11, Williams scored 28 points in 20 minutes. He then suffered a second hamstring injury within a month.
After a 16-game absence, he returned and showed signs of his old form. The Thunder have monitored his minutes carefully since.
Recent performances
- First game back: 18 points, six assists on 8-of-14 shooting in 20 minutes.
- Next outing: struggled, finishing 2-of-9 from the field.
- Two days later: 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 27 minutes.
- Another two days later: 22 points in 29 minutes, 7-of-11 from the field and 1-of-1 from three.
Shooting decline and statistical context
Williams’ three-point accuracy has dropped notably. He shot 36.5 percent in the 2024-25 regular season.
His 2024-25 playoff three-point rate fell to 30.4 percent. In 2025-26, he is at 30.1 percent across 30 appearances.
| Season | PTS/36 | REB/36 | AST/36 | STL/36 | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 24.0 | 5.9 | 5.7 | 1.8 | 48.4% |
| 2025-26 (limited) | 21.9 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 1.5 | 48.2% |
The wrist injury may have altered his shot shape. Williams has compensated by attacking close to the rim more often.
Team impact and value
When Williams is on the floor, the Thunder post strong ratings. Oklahoma City shows its sixth-best offensive rating with him playing.
The team also records its seventh-best defensive rating when he is available. Those splits underline his two-way influence.
Though his long-range production has dipped, Williams continues to create and defend at a high level. Despite ongoing shooting struggles, Williams continues to demonstrate his All-NBA value for the Thunder.
He remains an All-NBA and All-Defense caliber player from 2024-25. Filmogaz.com will continue tracking his progress as minutes and health stabilize.
