The Oklahoma City Thunder got Jalen Williams back from his hamstring injury in the Game 6 loss, but his disastrous play should have everyone concerned about Game 7. Williams scored one point and had one assists with two turnovers in ten minutes of action. To make matters worse, the Thunder lost by 18 points with him on the floor. They only planned to play him in three-minute stretches, but it is a massive risk to use him at all with the season on the line.
Williams just didn’t look right on Thursday night. He missed his only shot, and it looked like the injuries were weighing on his mind. He has suffered several hamstring injuries this season, and the next one likely ends his year. The rust and doubt were evident.
Trusting him with the entire campaign on the line in Game 7 isn’t easy. Nobody is suggesting OKC is a better team without him. The Thunder shouldn't even consider trading him this season, despite the foolish proposals. This is about the single game on Saturday night with a shot to be the first team since the 2018-2019 Warriors to go to back-to-back NBA Finals.
Thunder should be concerned about Jalen Williams in Game 7
Oklahoma City lost his minutes by 18 points, which was the third-worst plus-minus in Game 6. Williams did that in ten minutes. The Spurs were getting easy buckets with him on the floor, and J-Dub committed two of OKC’s 12 turnovers. It had Twitter in a panic.
Jalen Williams a liability out there.
— TimeoutSPORTS__ (@TimeoutSPORTS3) May 29, 2026
There were even some who questioned if Williams needed to shut it down completely.
Jalen Williams needs to swallow his pride and sit down.
— SportShorts (@den_shorts) May 29, 2026
They are so much worse with him. Have been all year. He’s just not in a rhythm at all nor is he healthy.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is struggling in this series, and the problems continued in Game 6. He was just six of 18 from the field and didn’t make a 3-pointer. The Thunder lost his 28 minutes by 28 points. They need the two-time MVP to be better on Saturday night, but if he isn’t, OKC needs someone to step up.
It doesn’t feel like J-Dub can do that after Game 6. There is a major risk of re-injury or the hamstring causing something worse. That alone should give the Thunder pause. If Williams isn’t helping them win, it isn’t worth playing him.
There isn’t any extra rest coming. Game 7 is on Saturday night back in Oklahoma City. This epic rivalry has lived up to the billing in their first playoff showdown. Neither of these teams is going anywhere. Victor Wembanyama is already one of the best players on the planet. The Thunder are going to need everything to go right to win this contest and the series.
Jalen Williams’ Game 6 struggles should have the Oklahoma City Thunder questioning his role in Game 7. It looks wise to sit him out. He just didn’t have the rhythm or health to make a positive impact. Both teams will be fired up on Saturday night, and even losing one minute with J-Dub on the floor could be the difference.
It is a difficult decision, especially after Williams played through a wrist injury last season. He was key in them winning the championship, but he isn’t healthy enough right now. The Thunder have to sit him. If they don’t, Williams may cost them this series and a shot at a dynasty. The decision isn’t getting easier, and all fans can do is stay tuned to see what OKC decides.
Add us as a preferred source on Google