Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be the OKC Thunder stud who has been setting records left and right during this magical 2024-25 campaign, but, as soon as Thursday's NBA Finals tipped off, it was his star counterpart who found himself etching his name into the history books.
Per the NBA Communications' official X account, Jalen Williams officially became the first third-year player in 48 years to have claimed their first All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defensive Team selection all in the same season that they participated in their first championship round.
The last player to have accomplished such a feat -- Bill Walton.
Thunder star adds another accolade to career season during NBA Finals
Without question, this year has proven to be a career campaign for the 24-year-old.
On top of his bevy of individual accolades, Williams wrapped up his junior year boasting statistical highs virtually all across the board.
In 32.4 minutes per night, J-Dub dropped 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and just shy of a block while shooting a highly efficient 48.4 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from distance.
Throughout the regular season, Williams established himself as easily one of the most valuable contributors on this top-seeded Thunder team. At times, he was arguably even more valuable to the club than the MVP himself in SGA, especially early on when the natural wing (6-foot-5, 211 pounds) was utilized and, impressively enough, excelled as OKC's primary pivot during their injury woes.
His high-level, two-way play ultimately flowed right on into the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Not only did he put some the most prominent concerns spectators had about him to rest but also outplayed both superstar Anthony Edwards and multi-time All-Star Julius Randle under the bright lights of the Western Conference Finals, finishing the series with stellar averages of 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.0 steals on 49.4 percent shooting from the floor and 46.2 percent shooting from deep.
Now, after all he and this Thunder team have managed to accomplish throughout the year, they find themselves just four wins away from claiming the organization's first Larry O'Brien Trophy since their SuperSonic days way back in 1979.
It literally took just one second for Jaylin Williams to write his name into the illustrious history books of the NBA Finals, and, as this best-of-seven showdown continues, the hope is that this won't be the last time Oklahoma City manages to do so.