{"id":177279,"date":"2026-02-10T10:42:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T15:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=177279"},"modified":"2026-02-10T10:42:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T15:42:23","slug":"jalen-williams-return-game-hinted-thunders-missing-potential","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/02\/10\/jalen-williams-return-game-hinted-thunders-missing-potential\/","title":{"rendered":"Jalen Williams’ Return Game Hints at Thunder’s Missing Potential"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jalen Williams<\/a>‘ return game proved to be a huge win for OKC, but will he be able to stabilize the team’s issues in the long run? It did look like the Thunder were rolling back into a much better competitive squad than ever. But there are a few hiccups in his game that certainly need addressing to begin with. One can even say that his return was forced, like OKC didn’t have a choice but to roll their cards on.<\/p>\n

Williams has been one of the prominent players on the Thunder roster. He is capable of turning up the energy for the team. One can even say that his presence is bringing a whole lot of dynamics to Oklahoma City. It is changing their game<\/a> to a whole new level. They’re becoming a fearsome team on both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n

Jalen Williams’ Return Game Hints at Thunder’s Missing Potential<\/h2>\n

Williams’ return to the Thunder<\/a> helped them get back from a two-game skid. As a Thunder fan, no one is accustomed to losing on a consistent basis. After all, the Thunder are a winning team, and it is really hurting fans to see their squad lose. With a resounding win against the Lakers, OKC is feeling good at this point. That’s thanks to J-Dub, who propelled them to a much-needed win.<\/p>\n

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Feb 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Kennard (10) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

J-Dub Still Has His Clutch Game<\/h3>\n

Prior to this game, the Thunder had gone 13-9 in clutch games. That’s quite a record, whether looking at it on a positive or negative side. Jalen Williams, for what it’s worth, made it possible to add one more win on that list. J-Dub was shooting at a meager 27.3% from the field through three quarters. He even only had 13 points to start the fourth, but he eventually found a way through.<\/p>\n

With five minutes left to play, Williams crashed the glass, attacked the basket, and even played good defense. He would go on to drop his final 10 points in the fourth and even sink a jumper that would later prove to be the dagger. J-Dub then knocked down the final four free throws to ice the game for the 119-110 win.<\/p>\n

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There were people on here who were vocal for months that the Thunder were better without Jalen Williams<\/p>\n

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 10, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n