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[Saba Sports News] Jaylin Williams delivered a standout performance Friday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised past the Utah Jazz.
With OKC having already locked up the NBA’s best record, the team rested its starters at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. That gave Williams, making just his eighth start of the season, a chance to shine—and he didn’t disappoint.
Facing a young Jazz squad filled with rookies and sophomores, the third-year big man looked like a seasoned pro, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting.
But it was one play in particular that stole the show. Late in the third quarter, Williams split two defenders in the paint and, instead of opting for a typical shot, he channeled his inner Tracy McGrady—bouncing the ball off the backboard and slamming home a self alley-oop dunk with two hands. The bold, instinctive move highlighted his court awareness and athleticism.
Williams has now posted a triple-double in each of his last three starts, a feat that puts him ahead of stars like Allen Iverson, Kawhi Leonard, Shaquille O’Neal, and even teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in career triple-doubles.
Even with their stars sidelined, the Thunder’s depth proved overwhelming, as they rolled to a 145-111 win over the struggling Jazz.