Jalen Williams flips page to 2026 NBA playoffs: 'Totally new year'

Poking the ball out of Jalen Green's pocket, Jalen Williams sprinted the other way. Testing out his hamstrings, he threw down the two-handed jam to force the first of many timeouts. The 25-year-old flexed his muscles and screamed at the OKC crowd.

The defense-to-offense sequence set the tone early. The Oklahoma City Thunder absolutely destroyed the Phoenix Suns in their 119-84 Game 1 win . For at least one game, Williams shushed any concerns about his health and his ability to return to being OKC's other 20-point scorer.

Williams finished with 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, seven rebounds and six assists. He shot 2-of-5 from 3 and went 2-of-2 on free throws. He also had one steal and one block.

That's one way to soothe any concerns. Plagued by injuries, Williams is taking a fresh mind approach as the Thunder start their 2026 NBA playoff journey. Through the first chapter, he dazzled on both sides of the floor and looked like the guy who received Scottie Pippen comparisons last June.