As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for Game 2 of the NBA Finals, forward Jalen Williams spoke candidly about adjustments, accountability, and mindset following the team’s collapse in the closing minutes of Game 1.
Indiana overcame a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to steal a 111-110 win in Oklahoma City on Thursday, with Tyrese Haliburton hitting the game-winner with 0.3 seconds left.
Reflecting on the breakdown, Williams acknowledged defensive lapses that allowed the Pacers to close strong.
“You never want to overlook the fact that a team made shots,” Williams said. “You try and look back at the film and see why they did that—like what kind of defensive breakdowns we had to allow them to get the looks that they got.”
The 24-year-old also praised the Thunder’s offensive flow but stressed the importance of minor details that can decide postseason games.
“These games really come down to one or two possessions,” Williams said. “So it’s like the more we can find throughout the game—little things to lock in on and tighten up—the better we’ll be.”
Williams, now in his third season, said he doesn’t let experience—or the lack thereof—dictate his approach.
“I don’t ever think that I’m in my third year because then that allows me to make excuses,” he said. “Pressure is a privilege, so I enjoy being counted on.”
In Game 1, Williams finished with 17 points, operating as a secondary scorer behind MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dropped 38. Asked whether he feels added pressure when serving as a release valve for Shai, Williams dismissed the notion.
“The ball only feels pretty heavy when you get like a grenade or something,” he said. “A lot of it is just more staying ready to be the release valve or be ready to make a play.”
He also weighed in on the recent comparisons between Gilgeous-Alexander and Kobe Bryant, particularly in their midrange footwork and scoring touch.
“There’s a lot of similarities,” Williams said. “It’s cool that he can pick certain aspects of his game to kind of mimic that a little bit and then add his own touch to it.”
Williams stressed the importance of staying grounded during the off days between Finals games, a period he referred to as “winning the days in between.”
“All you can do is try and have the same routine that you’ve had throughout the season, throughout the playoffs,” he said. “Eliminate distractions. Not focus on what the series is at. Focus on how you can get better.”
Matched up against veteran forward Pascal Siakam for much of Game 1, Williams said he’s embracing the challenge.
“You can’t really ask for more than to guard an elite player in the Finals,” he said. “Him going at me the way he is… is making me better.”
Game 2 tips off Sunday night in Oklahoma City.
