Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams described reaching the NBA Finals as “very surreal” following the team’s Western Conference-clinching win at home.
Speaking postgame, Williams said the moment still hadn’t fully registered with him.
“It kind of happened pretty fast,” he told reporters. “This is my third year, and I’m trying to put all of it into perspective.”
Williams reflected on the rapid progression of his career since being drafted out of Santa Clara in 2022.
He noted that while he tries not to dwell too much on the past, he keeps his college journey in the back of his mind as a reminder of how far he has come.
“That’s a long way from now already,” Williams said. “But I try not to forget it… just how blessed I am to get to where I’m at.”
The 24-year-old also discussed the impact of playoff experience, referencing the Thunder’s earlier postseason runs.
“Last year, a lot of us had never been in that situation except for maybe like two of us,” Williams said. “We’ve just seen a lot more things. Most importantly, we’ve been able to grow through the experiences.”
He added that being able to center himself emotionally through the highs and lows has been key to his consistency this postseason.
“You always try to get back to zero,” Williams said. “Roll with the punches and trust the work that I’ve put in.”
Since Game 7 of the previous series, Williams has posted strong numbers alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, helping Oklahoma City close out Minnesota in the Western Conference Finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander praised the group’s energy and effort, particularly in the first half of the closeout game.
“We were pretty good—really good—on that end in the first half for sure,” he said, referring to the team’s defensive execution.
The 26-year-old also acknowledged the emotional weight of the night but emphasized that their goal extends beyond the conference championship.
“This isn’t our goal,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We want to win an NBA championship.”
As the Thunder prepare for their first Finals appearance since 2012, Williams said he’s focused on staying grounded and present.
“There’s a lot of other things that go on that make me think about how fast and how blessed I am to get to the point that I’m at now—and who I’m getting to the Finals with,” he said.
Oklahoma City will now await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals before beginning their four-win pursuit of the franchise’s first NBA title.
