The Oklahoma City Thunder rolled to a dominant 121-92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, dismantling their Western Conference rival with ease. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again reminded the league why he’s an MVP front-runner, posting 30 points and nine assists in just 29 minutes — all without stepping on the court in the fourth quarter.
During ESPN’s postgame interview with Gilgeous-Alexander, his teammate Jalen Williams made sure fans watching at home didn’t forget about him, interrupting with a perfectly timed quip.
“ESPN, I still play basketball, I swear.”
Jalen Williams:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 13, 2025
“ESPN, I still play basketball, I swear."
🤣🤣🤣. (Via @espn)
pic.twitter.com/noJHlyzf90
Williams has yet to make his 2025-26 season debut, still recovering from right wrist surgery he underwent during the offseason. The 24-year-old was a major factor in OKC’s 2024-25 championship run, averaging career highs of 21.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.3 rebounds. His last appearance came in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, where he recorded 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists across 38 minutes of action.
It’s safe to say the Thunder could sit Williams for the remainder of the season and still dominate opponents. OKC currently holds a league-best 12-1 record, outscoring teams by an impressive +15.5 point differential. Over their last three games, that number has ballooned to +22.3.
Williams’ absence has also given head coach Mark Daigneault room to discover new contributors across the rotation. The Thunder now have six players averaging double figures, including Ajay Mitchell with 16.9 points per game and Isaiah Joe adding 16.3 in eight appearances off the bench.
Oklahoma City isn’t just winning — they’re doing it with the same unselfish, uptempo brand of basketball that carried them to the 2025 NBA title over the Indiana Pacers. And if you think they already look like the scariest team in the league, just wait until Jalen Williams gets the green light to rejoin the starting lineup.
More Thunder news:
- OKC holds Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in check during 29-point rout
- Isaiah Hartenstein lands new sneaker deal amid career year
- Thunder vs. Lakers: OKC updates injury report before tipoff
- Thunder predicted to add son of two-time NBA All-Star to help Shai Gilgeous-Alexander