Headline: Thunder’s Chemistry Shines as Jaylin Williams Takes Charge: ‘Nobody’s Bigger Than the Program’

INDIANAPOLIS —In a video call held just a week prior to the NBA Finals, Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault remarked, “Our locker room is flat,” and he was not referencing a stale beverage.

What he meant was that there existed no hierarchy; the environment was egalitarian. Every player, from the league’s MVP to someone who had played merely 20 seconds in critical moments, was welcome to voice their opinions.

As the Thunder faced a pivotal moment in their season’s most significant game—Game 4 of the Finals—against the Indiana Pacers, who had established a 10-point lead in the second half, it was Jaylin Williams, the reserve center from Arkansas, who stepped up during the timeouts to offer input, not Jalen Williams, the All-Star selection.

“The communication on the bench was exceptional,” stated Daigneault. “I thought the guys who weren’t on the court were invaluable. J-Will provided an incredible voice during those huddles.”

(For clarity, “J-Will” refers to Jaylin Williams, while “J-Dub” is the nickname for Jalen Williams among the Thunder.)

Yet, the significance lies not merely in a lesser-used third-year player contributing as the Thunder mounted what could be seen as a defining victory in their franchise’s journey. It reflects the dynamic of a team wherein the leading player operates more like a peer, and the franchise deliberately cultivates a blend of diverse voices. This strategy included selecting a 6-foot-8 center in the 2022 draft who may lack showcase dunks but possesses a high basketball IQ and a vibrant personality.

The Thunder are undoubtedly a team brimming with talent, which is a paramount factor in their 68-win regular season and their pursuit of an NBA title. However, another crucial element, often overlooked by fans, is the strong sense of connection and unity that permeates the entire roster.

While it’s easy to champion “chemistry” and “culture” in press conferences, nurturing these qualities is far more challenging in reality, no matter how diligently front offices or coaching staff strive to create it. The blend of personalities and player dynamics often determines whether locker rooms propel their teams forward or hinder their progress.

Oklahoma City exemplifies the former. Walk into the Thunder’s locker room after nearly any game, especially those on the road, and the camaraderie is palpable. It’s an authentic environment where players genuinely enjoy each other’s company and embrace the game.

Postgame, you might find Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams casually chatting in one corner, having just scored 60 points collectively against their opponent, engaging in conversation as if they were in line at the grocery store. (This dynamic persists even after their rare defeats, as highlighted by my colleague Anthony Slater.)

Meanwhile, the other Jaylin Williams might be in a lively area alongside Lu Dort and other younger players, frequently engaging in banter with Gilgeous-Alexander and his namesake. Vets like Isaiah Hartenstein, Kenrich Williams, and Alex Caruso add to the mix, creating a loosely-knit environment rather than strict cliques, with playful jabs flying around freely.

A clear manifestation of this chemistry is seen when players gather around anyone conducting a postgame interview, finishing with a chorus of playful barking. No one departs the court in solitude.

They revel in playful ribbing of one another, evident when Gilgeous-Alexander sits beside Jalen Williams at the podium and jokes about his ability to defend taller players “at 6-4” (while Williams stands at 6-6), or when Jalen Williams praises veteran Caruso’s effort in Game 4 but teasingly adds, “It’s tough for him because he’s like 100.” Even during postgame interviews, the team finds amusement in fashion experiments on sideline reporter Nick Gallo.

The coach is not exempt from this merry atmosphere either. Following the Thunder’s victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves that secured the Western Conference title, Daigneault humorously interrupted his commendations of his players to quip, “But they are idiots,” as he was playfully decorated with towels on his head.

Beneath this jovial surface, however, lies an earnestness that surfaces in crucial moments. It’s striking how well the Thunder have developed a cadre of talented young players, thanks in part to their thoughtful selection of elder teammates like Caruso and Kenrich Williams, the only players over 30 on the roster.

“It’s somewhat overstated that you need a plethora of veteran presence,” Daigneault remarked. “What truly matters is having the right veterans. It’s not about filling a quota of older players but ensuring you bring in the right individuals. Kenrich Williams is definitely one of those.”

Daigneault expressed this sentiment not after Game 4, but three and a half years earlier, when the team held a 14-31 record.

Kenrich Williams, a player included in the trade for Steven Adams with New Orleans, earned a four-year, $27 million extension in 2022, despite playing a limited role on a struggling team.

“They have a winning mentality that transcends basketball, to put it simply,” Kenrich Williams shared. “After a tough loss or a subpar performance, the atmosphere in the building—during practice or at the arena—is always upbeat. In other places, you can sense a heaviness.”

“That positive energy begins with the front office, which has a knack for bringing in hard workers and supportive staff, from the medical team to the chefs. It’s a refreshing experience, and that’s the key difference.”

Now five years in, “Kenny Hustle” has emerged as a key steward of that culture, reminiscent of Udonis Haslem’s role in Miami (but important to note, the 30-year-old isn’t quite ready for the “OG” title yet—he’s still just an “unc.”)

After a misfire in the 2024 Gordon Hayward trade, the Thunder reinforced these ideals with the acquisitions of Caruso and Hartenstein—players Daigneault had previously coached in the G League during the 2016-17 season.

While both players are undeniably talented, they also seamlessly fit into the team dynamic. Caruso, 31, serves as the oldest player on a young squad, choosing his moments to contribute rather than trying to dominate discussions. Rookies Ajay Mitchell and Nikola Topić mentioned him as their primary veteran resource as they acclimate to the league.

“I’ve mentioned this about (Hartenstein) and Caruso multiple times this season; it feels like they’ve been integrated into the team for three years,” Daigneault noted during the first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. “They mesh effortlessly due to their team-focused mentality. They genuinely want to be one of the guys. They strike an exemplary balance of experience without overwhelming the younger players.”

“They provide the right mix of confidence and assertiveness while being respectful of their teammates’ development paths. Their emotional intelligence is truly exceptional.”

Ultimately, much of this revolves around Gilgeous-Alexander.

“He’s an incredibly unselfish superstar,” Hartenstein emphasized. “He prioritizes the team above his individual achievements.”

“I first noticed it early in the season when I made an extra pass that cost Gilgeous-Alexander an assist,” Jalen Williams recounted. “I apologized, thinking I should have just scored, but he responded, ‘No, it’s fine, make the best basketball play.’ He isn’t fixated on personal stats.”

Bringing our focus back to Jaylin Williams, it’s clear why he was able to take the lead during that critical moment in Game 4. In the locker room post-victory, his teammates Wiggins and Dort playfully chanted, “Teammate of the Year!” in his direction.

“Being on the sidelines gives me a unique perspective,” Jaylin Williams explained. “I aim to reinforce the game plan and communicate needed adjustments. Hearing it from a fellow player in a tense situation resonates differently than hearing it from a coach. We emphasize that no one’s position is more important than the team as a whole, so open communication is encouraged.”

“He possesses a remarkable ability to lead,” Caruso remarked. “For a young player to be vocal and trust that his teammates will hear him is a significant skill, and it’s something he’s clearly been developing.”

While it might not boast the same excitement as scoring 15 points within the final five minutes of a Finals game, his contribution carries equal weight and illustrates why the Thunder are just two victories away from claiming a championship.

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John Hollinger’s extensive experience in the NBA spans two decades, including seven seasons as Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Memphis Grizzlies and roles in media at ESPN.com and SI.com. A trailblazer in basketball analytics, he created several advanced metrics, most notably the Player Efficiency Rating (PER). He has also authored four editions of “Pro Basketball Forecast.” In 2018, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. Follow John on Twitter @johnhollinger.