Watch- Jalen Williams converts game-winning putback to keep Thunder's season alive
OKC Thunder standout rookie Jalen Williams came through big time in the Thunder’s matchup against Detroit on Wednesday. The Thunder were trailing 106-105 with around three seconds remaining when OKC sophomore guard Josh Giddey attempted a contested go-ahead shot from the baseline. Giddey missed the shot, however, and Williams was right there for the game-winning putback with 0.5 seconds remaining.
Detroit had no timeouts left, so Pistons veteran point guard Cory Joseph was forced to heave a shot from beyond halfcourt at the buzzer. The shot came up short, and the Thunder escaped with a crucial 107-106 victory.
Watch the play below:
JALEN WILLIAMS GAME WINNER. 🔥
https://t.co/8AopCMgFnf
Jalen Williams on game-winning shot
On top of hitting the game-winner, Jalen Williams also finished with a game-high 27 points, eight rebounds, and six assists on 57.9% shooting.
Following the game, Williams spoke about his clutch putback. He highlighted how cool it was to be able to share the moment with Thunder fans:
“It was dope," Williams said.
“Throughout all that, some fan grabbed me, and that’s when I was like, ‘Oh, OK, like I’m really close to the crowd.’ But that’s a moment that’s dope to share.”
It was a big night for rookies as Detroit (16-60, 15th in the East) was led by rookie point guard Jaden Ivey. Ivey finished with 24 points, two rebounds, nine assists, and five 3-pointers on 44.4% shooting.
Meanwhile, Thunder wing Lu Dort added 20 points, six rebounds, and three steals on 46.7% shooting for OKC. Following the game, Dort spoke about the Thunder being on the verge of securing a play-in spot:
“I mean, we definitely all take a look at that, honestly," Dort said.
“We’ve worked so hard this season to be in this position today.”
The Thunder (38-39, 10th in the West) are clinging to the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. OKC is now one game ahead of the 11th-placed Dallas Mavericks (37-40) with five games remaining.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault spoke postgame about how proud he was of his team for redeeming themselves following their 137-134 loss to Charlotte on Tuesday:
“We were grittier tonight than we were last night," Daigneault said.
“And I thought the response of our players coming off of a disappointing performance last night was right where it needed to be, and this team’s made a habit of that all year. We’re not perfect, but these guys do a great job of refocusing and getting the car back on the road, and I thought they did that tonight.”
The Thunder will next play on Friday against Indiana (33-44, 12th in the East).
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