{"id":139852,"date":"2025-05-16T06:00:50","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T10:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=139852"},"modified":"2025-05-16T04:42:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T08:42:26","slug":"jalen-williams-struggles-hurting-okc-chances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/16\/jalen-williams-struggles-hurting-okc-chances\/","title":{"rendered":"Jalen Williams\u2019 Struggles is Hurting OKC\u2019s Chances"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oklahoma City could have already closed<\/a> out its series against the Denver Nuggets in six games. Instead, they squandered a big chance and are now facing a win-or-go-home situation in Game 7. Amidst the mounting pressure, first-time All-Star Jalen Williams<\/a>\u2019 struggles are starting to become a huge problem for the Thunder\u2019s chances of winning it all.<\/p>\n

This series continues to be a slugfest<\/a> and is showing the difference in playoff intensity. Both teams were efficient heading into the series, only to shoot a few notches above 45%, including nearly 35% from three so far. OKC is taking advantage of Denver\u2019s lack of depth. On the other hand, the Nuggets are exploiting the Thunder\u2019s weakness in the zone.<\/p>\n

All things considered, Williams is struggling for the whole series<\/a>, but maybe a different story is coming for him in Game 7.<\/p>\n

Photo credit: \u00a9 Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Jalen Williams\u2019 Struggles is Hurting OKC\u2019s Chances<\/h2>\n

From Hero to Zero<\/h3>\n

Aside from his majestic Game 3 that ended in a loss, J-Dub has struggled against the Denver Nuggets this playoffs. Williams is shooting at a rough 33.7% from the field on 32 of 95 attempts. His three haven’t come alive in the series either, only shooting a tough 21.2% (7-of-33 shooting) from downtown.<\/p>\n

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May 15, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) controls the ball under pressure from Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) in the first quarter during game six of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a first-time All-Star this season<\/a>, there are high expectations for Williams. Whether or not he performs at a high level, the Thunder need him to come back online in any way. OKC needs to respond, but they will need more of J-Dub to finish strong.<\/p>\n

Besides Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> who gets a low amount of shot attempts, Williams was the only starter to finish below 10 points in that Game 6 loss. Sure, he has been able to defend well and force a lot of turnovers and block shots. However, OKC will need him to not miss the easy shots that he usually makes. He has missed point-blank shots and hasn\u2019t been able to drill his open looks from three.<\/p>\n

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Jalen Williams in Game 6:<\/p>\n

6 points
3\/16 FG
0\/4 3P<\/p>\n

Brutal. (via @realapp_<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/l9g7sXmFQ2<\/a><\/p>\n

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 16, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n