OKC Thunder: 3 takeaways as Thunder escape Wolves for win

OKC Thunder takeaway No. 3) Williams deserves more minutes

Williams’ name isn’t as flashy for Thunder fans as those of Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort or Bazley. Even Maledon generates more buzz among the Thunder faithful than Williams.

The jury is still out, but Williams is making an argument for more playing time, and it’s hard not to pay attention.

Williams got the start at forward on Saturday and logged 30:26 of court time. During that stretch, he shot 50 percent from the floor and scored 10 points. He’s not setting franchise records, but his value is more than points on a scoreboard.

Williams’ hustle is contagious.

He has a knack for rebounding that few others on this team possess. Williams tied Gilgeous-Alexander with a team-high nine rebounds but led all OKC Thunder players with three offensive rebounds. He doesn’t hesitate when the ball comes off the rim. If he’s in position, he attempts to gain possession for the Thunder, and that’s the kind of player this team needs.

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So far this season, he’s averaging a meager 4.5 points per game, but over his last four, he’s logged at least 20 minutes per game and has averaged 11.2 points per game in that time. He’s done so while shooting at a high percentage.

In the Thunder’s 104-87 win over Houston, Williams hit 87.5 percent of his shots for 19 points in 23 minutes. The only game in which he hasn’t hit at least 50 percent of his shots came in the 136-106 loss to Houston, where he shot 42.9 percent.

Williams is making a case for more minutes, and by allowing him to see time on the court, head coach Mark Daigneault recognizes his worth.

Fans looking for further details on the game can check out Matthew Hallet’s grades here.

There’s little rest for the OKC Thunder as they head to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers on Monday at 9:00 p.m. CT.