Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jalen Williams

How Jalen Williams built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jalen Devonn Williams, known as J-Dub, is a professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He played college basketball at Santa Clara for three seasons before being drafted by the Thunder in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft. By 2025, he earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection and All-NBA Team honors, establishing himself as a prominent player in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: First Finals Appearance Since 2012

In 2025, after the Thunder won the series in five games, they advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, marking the first Finals appearance of Williams' career.

2013: First Western Conference First Seed Since 2013

In 2024, Jalen Williams helped lead the Thunder to a 57–25 record and their first Western Conference first seed since 2013, entering the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

November 5, 2019: Santa Clara Debut

On November 5, 2019, Jalen Williams debuted for Santa Clara, recording 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals against UC Santa Cruz.

November 30, 2021: Career-High 30 Points Against Hawaii

On November 30, 2021, Jalen Williams registered a career-high 30 points with four rebounds and four assists against Hawaii.

2021: First Career Double-Double

During the opening round of the 2021 WCC tournament, Jalen Williams recorded his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds against Pepperdine.

January 27, 2022: Game-Winning Shot Against BYU

On January 27, 2022, Jalen Williams hit a game-winning shot against BYU, finishing with 26 points.

March 15, 2022: Final Collegiate Game

On March 15, 2022, in the 2022 NIT, Jalen Williams played his final collegiate game, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists in a loss against Washington State.

March 31, 2022: Declares for 2022 NBA Draft

On March 31, 2022, Jalen Williams declared for the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility.

October 19, 2022: NBA Debut and Injury

On October 19, 2022, Jalen Williams made his NBA debut, scoring 5 points in 6 minutes before suffering a right orbital bone fracture.

November 30, 2022: 27 Points Against San Antonio Spurs

On November 30, 2022, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, Jalen Williams scored 27 points and helped the Thunder rally from a 20-point deficit against the San Antonio Spurs.

2022: NBA Draft

In 2022, Jalen Williams declared for the NBA draft and was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2022: Drafted 12th Overall by Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2022, Jalen Williams was drafted 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA draft.

December 27, 2023: Career-High 36 Points

On December 27, 2023, Jalen Williams scored a career-high 36 points in a 129–120 win over the New York Knicks.

2023: Selected to 2023 USA Basketball Men's Select Team

In preparation for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Jalen Williams was selected to the 2023 USA Basketball Men's Select team alongside Thunder teammate Chet Holmgren.

January 23, 2024: Game-Winning Jump Shot

On January 23, 2024, Jalen Williams put up 19 points alongside a game-winning jump shot in a 111–109 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

April 21, 2024: Playoff Debut

On April 21, 2024, in his playoff debut, Jalen Williams recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in a 94–92 Game 1 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in the opening round of the NBA playoffs.

January 30, 2025: Named 2025 NBA All-Star Reserve

On January 30, 2025, Jalen Williams was named as a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first selection.

2025: NBA All-Star and Finals Appearance

In 2025, Jalen Williams was named to his first NBA All-Star Game and All-NBA Team. 2025 also saw him help lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals.

2025: Playoff Career-High 40 Points

In Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, Jalen Williams scored a new playoff career-high 40 points in a 120–109 victory to give the Thunder a 3–2 lead in the series.