Thunder: 3 studs, 1 dud from terrific Game 4 win vs the Mavericks

Dud: Jalen WIlliams

It is not often for Jalen WIlliams to play like a dud for the OKC Thunder. 

Typically, Williams is a bonafide stud who can get his baskets on a whim, utilizing his speed, athleticism, and process to score over any defender thrown at him. 

However, in Game 4, J-Dub seemed to have lost his rhythm on the road.

The second-year hybrid talent shot an atrocious 5-of-19 from the court to finish with just 14 points, along with nine rebounds,  six assists, and four steals. 

Despite his struggles, Thunder coach Daigneault’s trust in Williams was on full display as he played 41 minutes in the game, the second-most behind SGA’s 42. He was also visibly encouraged to remain aggressive and put pressure on the Mavericks’ offense in the fourth quarter, which resulted in a few baskets for the OKC side.

Williams' struggles, and the subsequent support he got from his teammates and the coaching staff showed the Thunder's collective effort to help each other against adversity. With him regaining confidence in the latter stages of the fourth quarter, expect J-Dub to bounce back in a pivotal Game 5 at home.

Game 4 showed how the Thunder can respond to adversity. The rest of the series will determine how equipped they are to finish the job they have started.