Good mentality, Jaylen Williams calls Thunder Finals pressure "a privilege"

Thunder All-Star Jaylen Williams talked about how to adapt to his third season before playing against the Pacers in the NBA Finals.

Few players have won numerous honors that Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jaylen Williams won in the 2024-25 season in their third season in the NBA. From being selected for the All-Star for the first time to be selected for the All-Defensive Team Second Team and All-Squad Third Team, Williams received these honors for the first time in his career. In his NBA Finals debut against the Indiana Pacers, Williams faced pressure from high expectations.

Before the third game against the Pacers, Williams explained how the team's culture, coupled with Thunder head coach Mark Degenut's "next man to play" tactics, accelerated his growth and eventually grew into the NBA's best offensive and defensive player in the third season.

"I had to evolve quickly, and I think that made me a very good player. I've held a lot of different positions on the team and that helped me to the point where you say what's different about our roster, I didn't even notice it," Williams said. "We have a bunch of players who are ready to play at any time. So, everyone is waiting for their own chances. We have a lot of different squads throughout the year, so no one will be surprised when Mark wants to use a small squad, or change that squad, or do that squad."

"So, we have a lot of players who have had this experience." And, over time, you don't seem to really notice this, you're just more ready for the game, and when your number is called, you're ready. “I think that’s what makes our team special,” Williams concluded.

vs. the Pacers, Williams scored 17 points and 19 points in the first two games of his NBA Finals debut. Jaylen Williams called the pressure of the Thunder Finals a "privilege"

Jaylen Williams of the Thunder did not like to compare the 2012 Thunder with this year's roster; he and Shea Gilgers-Alexander, who is also an All-Star and MVP, are writing an unprecedented chapter in the team's history. Williams knew how rare his path was and readily accepted the bright trajectory of himself and the Thunder.

"I just tried to see myself as a very unusual person." "I never thought I had been playing for three years because it gave me an excuse," Williams said. "I should play. It's a privilege to bear pressure. So, I enjoy being dependent. To be honest, I feel like since last year, everyone has been relying on me because I will support other teammates with all my strength. Now, we're in the Finals."

In the series with the Pacers, Williams and the Thunder tied 1-1, just three wins away from Oklahoma City's first NBA championship.