Jalen Williams has made a year-two leap, and one category is helping the Thunder win above all else

The OKC Thunder have seen Jalen Williams take a second year leap with the ball in his hands, how his improved playmaking is making a difference for Oklahoma City.

Jalen Williams is off to an amazing start to his sophomore year, building on his outstanding rookie performance. Williams has improved so far this season in a number of significant categories.

Over the season, Williams’s most noticeable development has been his increased volume and skill at setting up plays.

Mark Daigneault has gained a noticeable amount of trust in Williams, as he has seen increased ball-handling responsibilities and opportunities as the lead guard.

Jalen Williams has made a leap as a playmaker, and it is unlocking the Thunder’s offense.

On face value, there is an increase in the number of assists Williams is creating, jumping from just over three per game last season to four and a half per game this season.

The evolution and efficiency of Jalen Williams’ game have really opened the door for his playmaking to blossom. Williams has become ultra-efficient operating in the mid-range, as he has shot 58 percent from 10 to 16 feet this season.

Williams’ deadly mid-range talent has forced defenses to adjust, creating gaps

for passes and lobs. Williams’ ability to see cuts better than anybody else has been one of his most notable and

astounding skill gains. He has snuck passes to skilled off-ball players like

Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe numerous times this season.

Williams has played a major role in the Thunder’s seventh-fastest tempo in the league this season. He is the best of the

main ball handlers on the Thunder and is ranked fourth in individual pace. He

has a lot of experience pushing the ball to open up easy looks for his teammates.

Drop coverage hasn’t been effective on Williams either, as his three-point efficiency is some of the best around the league. He is shooting over 45 percent from beyond the arc this season, and defenses struggle to choose the coverage when guarding him.

Since the new year has ticked over, Williams has had one of the best stretches of his career. In 2024, he has raised his assist average to just under six dimes per game, and his scoring has jumped to 21 per game.

The chemistry Jalen Williams has formed has also played a role in his playmaking

ability. Chet Holmgren has been very efficient as the roll man this season,

generating 1.4 points per possession with him as the roll man. Jalen Williams has

thrown many lobs to him when the defense has stepped up and hit him on

pops when the opposition has anticipated the drive or entry pass.

Williams had back-to-back games with ten or more assists during a two-game span in early January, which helped the Thunder win two games on the road against the Wizards and Heat.

Williams gave Holmgren seven assists in those games, four of which were lobs. In addition, he provided four assists to Aaron Wiggins, including three consecutive ones versus Washington.

This season, a variety of factors have contributed to Williams’ ability to make plays, but his performance has greatly improved as a result of handling the ball with more responsibility and at a quicker tempo.

Coaches and the front office have been impressed by the awareness he has showed on cuts and lobs. His increased facilitating has given him a deadly offensive weapon for the Thunder, and he has been a very difficult player to guard.