The Oklahoma City Thunder have been missing Chet Holmgren for nearly two weeks now.
But the team hasn’t fallen apart without their young star, and that is because other players have been willing and eager to step up.
Clementa Almanza reported that Jalen Williams has averaged 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks on 55.9 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from the three-point line since Holmgren got injured.
The Thunder have gone 4-2 during this time.
Jalen Williams since Chet Holmgren’s injury:
25.3 PPG on 55.9% shooting, 6.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.4 steals, 1.6 blocks, 37.8% 3-point shooting on 5.3 attempts
All-Star type numbers. The Thunder needed him & SGA to resemble KD & Russ. That’s been the case so far
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 21, 2024
The loss of Holmgren definitely hurt the Thunder because he was averaging 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
But this news about Williams proves the team can be okay without him.
This is one of the many benefits of having such a deep roster.
Other teams would completely collapse without their star big man, but the Thunder are able to keep their good times going.
Williams has been fantastic, but the Thunder also received a very welcome addition on Wednesday night.
Isaiah Hartenstein played his first game for the team and scored 13 points and 14 rebounds against the Portland Trail Blazers on the way to a 109-99 win.
Williams’ season average now sits at 21.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.
Even with the return of Hartenstein, it’s very likely that Williams will continue to play excellent basketball.
The Thunder are currently the second-best team in the West with a 12-4 record and sit right behind the Golden State Warriors.
They will be without Holmgren for some time, so it’s good to see they can survive and even thrive without him.
