Q: Dub, the fourth quarter was electric but tense. What did you feel late and how did you get it done?
Jalen Williams:
“I think we did a really good job down the stretch of making them work and eating up clock. That group to end the third gave us a big defensive spark. Our biggest thing is stacking possessions over the course of the game, and we were able to do that into the fourth.”
Q: Early on, you were on a minutes restriction. What changed late against the Lakers’ defense?
Williams:
“It was about finding the balance. Not playing for a few weeks makes it tough to know when to be aggressive. But I stayed confident. When you’re out there with shooters like Isaiah Joe and guys being aggressive, it opens up space. And AC was huge for us. When guys are making plays, it makes it easier for me to get to my spots.”
Q: You got to the line a lot. How were you able to draw so many fouls in the flow of the game?
Williams:
“Honestly, with Shai not out there, I probably get some of those calls now. But it’s really about being aggressive and getting to my spots. I’m trying to play through contact and actually score. That’s just learning how to get to the line more.”
Q: How important has your teammates’ support been as you’ve dealt with injuries this season?
Williams:
“It’s fun to see them play well when I’m not out there. That gives me confidence to come in without feeling like everything is on me. Just being around this group is a blessing. Their energy makes it fun to come to work, whether I’m playing or not.”
Q: You looked uncomfortable after jamming your wrist in the third. How are you feeling now?
Williams:
“It actually feels great. The three weeks off really helped — it’s the best it’s felt since last April. I just got jammed up on that play, but it went away pretty quickly. All the reps I got while I was out really helped.”
Q: What are your early impressions of your new teammate, McCain?
Williams:
“He fits right in. He’s smart, plays hard and competes. For a young player to come into a championship-level team and impact the game right away says a lot. We value good people here, and he’s definitely one of them.”
Q: Is it more fun when the Thunder are rolling offensively or swarming defensively?
Williams:
“Offense is always more fun, but defense is more necessary. Our offense is a product of our defense a lot of times. When we’re getting stops, offense comes a lot easier. You can’t really have one without the other.”