The Oklahoma City Thunder are back on track. Despite another poor shooting night, they defeated the lowly New Orleans Pelicans, 104-95.
This next stretch will see them face a number of genuine contenders, so this win was a major step in the right direction after their back-to-back losses to the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors.
As usual, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was again solid, responding quickly to a rough start and finishing with 29 points, six rebounds, and four assists, although he shot just 8-of-22 from the floor.
Yet what truly won them the game was their ability to control the boards in the most important moments. Although they tied with New Orleans in the rebounding battle, 62-62, the combination of Jaylin Williams and Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt proved to be lethal, combining for 24 rebounds on the night.
As long as Isaiah Hartenstein remains sidelined (and perhaps far into the future if his departure is indeed imminent) this combination could prove to be a secret weapon for Oklahoma City.
Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams provide the Thunder with a lethal lineup combination
Holmgren has taken strides on the offensive end all season. He's averaging 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while knocking down 37.5% of his attempts from beyond the arc through 42 games this season.
Williams, meanwhile, has struggled offensively since his return from the heel injury that sidelined him for 13 games.
Yet the tandem made a major impact on Tuesday night.
Williams earned just his sixth start this season, playing his most minutes since the Thunder's victory over the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 11. This was a highly strategic move by head coach Mark Daigneault.
Typically, Holmgren will play mnutes alongside Hartenstein in the frontcourt when he's available, allowing him to take on more of a slashing, power forward role while Hartenstein will perform the traditional center duties.
While Jaylin Williams doesn't provide the same size or rim protection capabilities, he does add another wrinkle to the frontcourt when paired with Holmgren. Although his 3-point percentage has taken a dip this season, he's still a capable shooter from beyond the arc who can keep defenses honest.
Prior to last night's game, the duo had played just 139 minutes together this season, per stat aggregator Databallr. Yet in those minutes, the Thunder have posted a stellar 100.3 defensive rating.
That metric, combined with the impact they had on the game offensively last night, means this is a combination worth giving more extensive run to in the future.
Hartenstein has been out since Dec. 28 with a calf strain. There is currently no concrete timetable for his return.
Moreover, with his $28 million club option looming this offseason, there's a very real possibility Oklahoma City needs to part with his contract in the near future.
If Williams and Holmgren prove to be a viable combination in the frontcourt, it could soon be a developing rotational weapon for the Thunder.