In a series full of big moments and bigger performances, Jalen Williams finally had his. The 24-year-old wing exploded for a career-high 40 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink of their first championship since the franchise moved from Seattle.

For one night, the man they call JDub stepped out of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shadow. He wasn’t just the Robin to SGA’s Batman – he became the Batman and carried OKC to victory. He initiated the offense, hit timely threes, attacked the rim with force, and defended like his life depended on it. It was a masterclass from a player once doubted as the long-term second option for this team. But as the confetti fell after OKC's Game 5 win, there was no doubt anymore: Jalen Williams has arrived.

The emergence of a true No. 2

Oklahoma City’s ascension to the NBA’s elite has largely been credited to Gilgeous-Alexander’s leap into MVP territory and top 5 player in the league conversation. But no team contends for titles with just one star. Throughout the season, Williams quietly established himself as that second cornerstone – an All-Star, a three-level scorer, and a swiss-army knife on both ends of the floor.

He averaged over 20 points per game in the regular season with 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game, and earned All-NBA Third Team honors. But those accolades were hard-earned, especially after the questions that clouded him following last season's playoff exit.

Against Dallas in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, Williams struggled to find rhythm. The Mavericks’ defense smothered him, taking away his drives and disrupting his midrange flow. He shot poorly, turned the ball over more than usual, and appeared unsure of when to assert himself. The Thunder were bounced in six games, and the spotlight turned on whether JDub could ever truly complement SGA as a playoff performer.

Williams’ redemption and resolve

Fast forward one year, and Williams is a different player. With Isaiah Hartenstein added to give OKC more interior toughness and Josh Giddey traded away for Alex Caruso, the Thunder leaned even harder into their identity: wings with size, skill, and smarts.

Williams fit that mold perfectly, using the offseason to refine his handle, sharpen his jumper, and study film to improve his decision-making. The result? An All-Star nod, a 68-win season, and OKC securing the top seed in the entire league.

But the playoffs would again test him.

Denver pushed the Thunder to the brink in the second round. Once again, Williams faced turbulence – his shot abandoned him at times, and the Nuggets’ physicality forced rushed decisions. But this time, he didn’t unravel. He dug deeper. He impacted games with his defense and passing, then rediscovered his scoring touch just in time to help the Thunder close the series in Game 7.

In the Western Conference Finals against Minnesota, he was magnificent. He shot the ball efficiently, helped neutralize Anthony Edwards at times, and showcased his elite cutting and off-ball IQ – areas often overshadowed by his flashy isolation moves. By the end of the series, Williams had reclaimed full confidence in his offensive role.

But even that couldn’t prepare the world for what he unleashed in Game 5 of the Finals.

A Finals performance to remember

With Indiana doubling SGA on every touch and trying to bait OKC’s supporting cast into beating them in Game 5, Williams took full advantage of the defensive attention. He sliced through the defense with decisive drives, nailed tough step-back jumpers, and even initiated offense when Gilgeous-Alexander rested. His 40-point night wasn’t just about scoring – it was about control. He looked every bit like a franchise pillar that would be in the city for years to come.

Williams’ ability to score at all three levels, his commitment to defense, and his feel for the game now make him one of the most complete young wings in basketball. He's not just a complementary piece anymore – he's a cornerstone.

Cementing his legacy

With the Thunder now one win away from an NBA championship, Williams is on the verge of etching his name into Oklahoma City lore. Not just as the guy who played beside SGA, but as the co-author of this team’s historic run.

It’s easy to forget this is his first NBA Finals. He plays with the poise of a seasoned vet, never rushing, always reading. His blend of patience and aggression makes him nearly impossible to scheme out of a game, and his confidence has caught up with his tools.

Of course, there’s still work to be done. Game 6 awaits back in Indiana, and the Pacers aren’t going quietly. But for Williams, this postseason has already validated everything the Thunder hoped he could become.

The doubts that loomed after last year’s postseason struggles are gone. The idea that he couldn’t rise to the occasion? Erased. This run – this journey – is proof of how perseverance and belief can reshape a career.

Whether he’s cutting behind a ball-watching defender, dishing a no-look dime on the break, or drilling a stepback jumper in the clutch, Jalen Williams is playing with the kind of purpose that changes narratives and wins titles.

The Thunder may soon hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy. And when they do, know that it wasn’t just SGA’s brilliance that got them there. It was Jalen Williams, too – the sidekick-turned-superstar, who stepped up when it mattered most.