Thunder Clinches Top Seed Ahead of Playoffs, Jalen Williams Reflects on Growth

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the postseason as the top seed in the Western Conference, building on last year's playoff experience and boasting a franchise-best regular season record. Jalen Williams, now an All-Star, emphasized the importance of staying focused amid heightened scrutiny and reflected on the growth the team experienced since last year's playoff exit. While the Thunder's core, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Chet Holmgren, is more experienced and resilient, some analysts remain skeptical about their championship chances due to the team's youth and limited playoff history. Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas notably gave the Thunder a 0% chance of reaching the Finals, citing concerns about their inexperience and the potential for future roster instability as players seek bigger contracts. Despite outside doubts and past criticisms, Williams continues to use slights as motivation, aiming to help the Thunder capitalize on their current championship window. The team awaits its first-round playoff opponent, confident in its development and ability to handle the pressure of postseason basketball.