The Oklahoma City Thunder have dominated so far this year, opening the season with a an 18-1 record, the highest mark in the Western Conference and in the NBA. Oklahoma City enters a pivotal NBA Cup matchup on Friday, as the Thunder look to claim the No. 1 seed in Group A. Luckily for them, they'll get an added boost back into their lineup. After missing the first 19 games of the season due to injury, Jalen Williams, OKC's No. 2 scorer last season will return to the lineup against Phoenix according to NBA insider Shams Charania. The Thunder are expected to be precautious with Williams as he continues to work his way back up to full speed.
Williams had been recovering from wrist surgery after he played through a torn ligament in his hand during last year's title run. Williams was a key part of OKC's championship, including a 40-point game in Game 5.
In his third season for the Thunder last year, Williams made the All-Star team, the All-NBA third team and the NBA Defensive second team. On the season, he averaged 21.6 points 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals.
In his rookie season, he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting while averaging 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
Now, coming back into the fold for his fourth year, there's no telling the heights that Oklahoma City could reach, now fully healthy.
The Thunder will resume play on Friday, hoping to clinch Group A in NBA Cup play.
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