In a league driven by star power, the Oklahoma City Thunder are finding success through something less glamorous, but potentially more impactful – equality in the locker room.
Despite boasting the league’s reigning MVP, the Thunder don’t operate on hierarchy. Instead, the team thrives on the collective voice of its entire roster.
John Hollinger of The Athletic noted that the Thunder’s internal culture has allowed them to thrive during the grueling NBA season.
Players are empowered, regardless of role or minutes played, and that spirit of inclusion is proving foundational in their push for a championship.
Backup center Jaylin Williams, whose court time in the Finals has been limited, doesn’t see himself as a bystander.
“Being able to watch it from the side, I get a different view,” he shared. “Trying to kind of echo what we need to do, echo the plan. Sometimes it’s different hearing it from a player that’s going through battle with you than hearing it from a coach.”
This philosophy isn’t just surface-level talk. There’s a deep-rooted belief that no one is above the team.
“We’ve always had this saying,” Williams added. “Where if you feel like there’s something that you want to say to a teammate, like, nobody’s bigger than the program. So, you just say it to each other.”
In an environment where ego often takes center stage, the Thunder are rewriting the rules – and winning because of it.
Thunder Notes: Jaylin Williams, SGA, Hartenstein, Defense https://t.co/KkOEYTwheE pic.twitter.com/5mNmzltuFQ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 16, 2025
