In just his 27th game of the regular season, Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder returned from a hamstring injury in a 123-103 win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. After missing the first 19 games of the regular season, Williams suffered two right hamstring injuries that kept him out of action since February 11.
With only 10 games left in the Thunder's regular season schedule, Williams expressed a mild level of frustration, which, considering his 45-game absence, comes as a surprise.
Williams said, "I think if I was on a different team, I would have been more disappointed. But as you guys can see, I have good energy." "So, I think that's one of the things that has kept me going. I'm trying to use it as a positive as well. My wrist is feeling better than ever. So, I think that was a big hurdle during the season that I've been able to overcome. Now it's back to normal."
The positive emotions of her teammates have played a significant role in Williams' road to recovery.
Williams continued, "You work out all season, and then you get the same injury twice in a row, and I was dealing with my arm at the time. So, that part was a little disappointing." "But I've been around good energy. I've been around a good organization so that's made it a lot easier for me to come back. I'm feeling pretty good."
Williams finished with 18 points, six assists and four rebounds in 20 minutes in the Thunder's 20-point win against the 76ers.
How Thunder teammates eased Jalen Williams' frustration
The return of Thunder forward Jalen Williams to coach Mark Daigneault's lineup is ideal amid the final stretch of the defending champions' regular season. Williams revealed how being around the team helped ease his rehab process this season.
"The biggest thing that helped me feel connected was the team allowing me to travel with the team," Williams said. "I think when you get hurt, and you have to stop on some road trips, it's really tough because you're not around the team. So, you feel like an outsider a little bit. So, the fact that I was able to do my rehab on the road at times, and still be with the team, was super dope.
"It's fun to see people have to do things they wouldn't normally do, and be successful in that situation. It was really cool."
Williams enjoyed watching Ajay Mitchell have a breakout season, while veterans like Jaylin Williams and Cason Wallace have also stood out amid injuries to the Thunder's starting lineup.
