The Thunder have outscored their opponents by 16.5 points per game, even without Jalen Williams in the lineup. Justin Ford / Getty Images
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have already dominated the NBA so far this season. Now, they’re about to get even better.
All-Star guard Jalen Williams, who has yet to play this season after undergoing offseason wrist surgery, was removed from the injury report Thursday and, according to multiple reports, will make his season debut Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. ESPN was first to report the news.
Williams, 24, averaged a career-high 21.6 points per game last season, along with 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals. In addition to being named an All-Star for the first time in his three-year career, he made second-team All-Defense. He averaged 23.6 points against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, as the Thunder won their first championship since the franchise’s move from Seattle to Oklahoma City following the 2007-08 season.
ROLLING THUNDER: The Thunder have delivered one of the most dominant starts in NBA history – winning 10 in a row with an 18-1 overall record – and more help is on the way with the pending return of 2025 NBA All-Star Jalen Williams. With reigning Kia NBA MVP Shai… pic.twitter.com/Bjb7aqe1LS
— NBA (@NBA) November 27, 2025
In July, Williams agreed to a five-year maximum rookie extension worth up to $287 million.
Even without Williams, the Thunder have experienced anything but a championship hangover. Heading into Friday, OKC is 18-1 and has outscored its opponents by an average margin of 16.5 points per game.
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