Oklahoma City’s rising star, Jalen Williams, has made headlines for his offensive output since Chet Holmgren went down with an injury. The Thunder needed the re

Jalen Williams’ season-high 31 points led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 106-88 blowout win against the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday night. The Chet Holmgren-less Thunder captured their tenth win of the regular season.

The Thunder hope starting Jalen Williams at center will be sustainable while their rotation bigs mend from injuries.

While Holmgren was out to an All-Star-caliber start, his absence provides an opportunity for Jalen Williams to take an All-Star leap. Williams has shown flashes of stardom throughout his career, and his growth was a significant piece of Oklahoma City’s 57-win campaign last season.

Jalen Williams gets up for not one, but two big swats to deny the Pelicans for the Thunder.

Jalen Williams, the off-ball player who the Thunder gravely need these days with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein injured, was a star.

One clear point of emphasis this offseason was increasing 3-point volume from the team’s star players. Obviously, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s uptick in outside shots has been a big point of conversation early on.