Heading into Monday's Game 4 against Los Angeles, the OKC Thunder find themselves amid a seven-game win streak, making them just the sixth defending champion in league history to boast a 7-0 record in their follow-up tour.
One more win would make them just the fourth to start off with an 8-0 record or better and, in turn, officially punch their ticket to a second-straight Western Conference Finals.
Of course, a pursuit of making even more history shouldn't be the only driving force in Oklahoma City's push for a clean 4-0 sweep over the Lakers. In fact, arguably the most desirable result of such an outcome would be the fact that it would automatically secure All-Star Jalen Williams roughly a full month of recovery before tip-off to round three.
With the Timberwolves tying their series up 2-2 against the Spurs on Sunday night with a 114-109 win, the two are now destined to play at least six games against one another, meaning the start of the next round will officially be on May 20.
Last J-Dub suited up for the Thunder was in Game 2 of their quarterfinal bout against the Phoenix Suns back on April 22, where he ultimately sustained a left hamstring strain.
Should the Thunder sweep Los Angeles on Monday, it would officially lock in one more full week of rest and recovery for Williams before coach Mark Daigneault and company even have to think about him returning to in-game action.
Considering how tricky hamstring injuries can be, this ample time off has been and should continue to be an absolute blessing for Williams.
Thunder will need Jalen Williams to 'to reach the mountaintop'
Despite their all-out domination through this point of the postseason, it's well understood, particularly by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, that in order for the Thunder to "reach the mountaintop" yet again, they'll need Jalen Williams at the ready.
Even during last year's run, a hobbled Dub proved how valuable he was to this team under the bright lights of the playoffs, especially during the NBA Finals.
While dealing with a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist, he still averaged an impressive 23.6 points per game in the title round and even registered a 40-burger on Indiana in a pivotal Game 5 win.
Throughout the regular season, while dealing with the repercussions of his offseason wrist surgery to repair the aforementioned ligament and multiple flare-ups of a right hamstring strain, Williams remained highly productive, averaging 17.1 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 48.4 percent from the floor.
Again, this was all accomplished while playing far from full strength. Just imagine what he can provide this club now with a month of rehabilitation under his belt.
Add us as a preferred source on Google