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The Oklahoma City Thunder’s swift and decisive 4-0 sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies wasn’t just a series victory; it was a resounding statement to the rest of the league. Spearheaded by the undeniable brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who consistently torched Memphis for 38 points on 13-of-24 shooting and a near-flawless 11-of-13 from the line. Instead of settling for threes, Shai attacked the mid-range and paint with relentless efficiency.

While SGA rightfully commands superstar status, the playoff emergence of Jalen Williams has ignited a debate among NBA circles, with former stars Lou Williams and DeMarcus Cousins offering differing opinions on whether the young forward has already ascended to superstardom. Regardless of the immediate label, Williams’ impactful two-way play has undeniably elevated the Thunder into a legitimate contender.

Jalen Williams made sure it wasn’t a one-man show. The rising star poured in 23 crucial points, including a dagger three-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped the Thunder finally pull away. His poise in big moments added the perfect complement to Shai’s brilliance. With their young core stepping up under playoff pressure, Oklahoma City didn’t just win, they announced themselves as a real threat in the Western Conference.

Yet, two ex-NBA stars, Lou Williams and DeMarcus ‘Boogie’ Cousins, have split opinions on the current dynamics in the OKC squad. In a recent episode of Run It Back on Fan Duel TV, Lou Williams posed the question, “There’s two superstars in OKC right now? Jalen Williams is an all-star, but a superstar right now?” 

With a rising star now along with SGA, now there seems to be mixed emotions on this. “he will be a superstar in the NBA, yes! He’s like 22” Said DeMarcus Cousins. And well, it’s not very far from the truth. Well, yes, he admits that “potentially,” Williams is a superstar. And this just points to the fact that Williams has a lot of growing up to do with his game.

This debate can be answered simply. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s strategy has centered on a blend of adaptability, youth development, and defensive intensity. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascendance as a true superstar driving their rise to the top of the Western Conference. Jalen Williams, while not yet universally recognized as a superstar on Gilgeous-Alexander’s level, has become a vital second option and a rising star in his own right-delivering consistent scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions, especially in the playoffs. 

Holmgren, in his post-game comments, stated, “It’s a team mentality, it’s not one person, you know, everybody’s voice holds the same amount of weight in that locker room.” Definitely seems like the team sure is in good hands. The players certainly do not see one as better than the other and this might be something that will diffuse the “who is the superstar of OKC” debate.

Williams’ emergence alongside SGA gives OKC a formidable one-two punch, making them less reliant on a single player and positioning them as legitimate championship contenders. But are his performances worthy of him being dubbed a superstar? Let’s find out.

Is there a new superstar in Oklahoma?

Jalen Williams is balling out for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 playoffs. Like, this isn’t just a little step forward — it’s a full-on leap. Through three games, he’s putting up around 23.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists a night, and he’s doing it crazy efficiently. He’s hitting about 57% of his shots overall, and even though his three-ball is a little shaky at 25%, his true shooting percentage is still an elite 61 %+.

What’s even more impressive is how he’s getting his buckets. He’s mixing it up with mid-range shots, aggressive drives to the hoop, and he’s killing it as a pick-and-roll ball handler, averaging 6.3 points per game just off those plays. He’s not just scoring either; he’s running the offense and making life easier for everyone around him.

And defensively? Man, he’s been a menace. He’s averaging 2 steals per game and has a ridiculous 86.3 defensive rating. Against Memphis, he’s been especially lethal, using his size and quickness to hound their smaller wings and create turnovers left and right.

The clutch gene is definitely there too. In Game 4, he dropped 23 points and hit a massive three in the fourth quarter to help OKC put the Grizzlies away and complete the sweep. When the Thunder needed someone to step up next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen was right there, ready for the moment. His clutch performance in the close-out game highlights his ability to perform under pressure.

Bottom line: Williams is no longer just a promising young piece. He’s turning into a legit playoff riser, and it’s making a huge difference. His two-way impact is helping OKC look like a real championship threat, and honestly, it feels like he’s just getting started. Williams’ emergence as a legitimate second star elevates the Thunder’s championship aspirations significantly.