Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder has emerged as a contender for the 2024-25 Most Improved Player award, receiving notable recognition with two third-place votes. This season marked a significant achievement for Williams, as he earned his first All-Star selection, showcasing a stellar performance by averaging 21.6 points, alongside 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. His rise has been pivotal, especially with teammate Chet Holmgren sidelined due to injury, solidifying his role as a key player alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

As Williams enters his third season, his contributions have been integral to the Thunder's success, bringing scoring depth and playmaking ability. His growth trajectory is particularly impressive given the challenges faced this season, and as he continues to develop, he's becoming a vital asset for Oklahoma City in their pursuit of a championship. The Thunder's future looks increasingly bright, thanks to Williams’ impactful performances.

The Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated their dominance by completing a second consecutive opening round playoff sweep, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 in a nail-biting Game 4, powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive 38-point performance. Averaging 27.8 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in the series, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to solidify his status as an MVP candidate, having led the league in scoring during the regular season with an impressive 32.8 points per game.

Following the victory, Gilgeous-Alexander's Instagram post celebrating the win quickly caught the attention of fans, igniting discussions around his MVP credentials. With this victory, the Thunder became the first team to advance to the Western Conference semifinals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, aiming to improve on their previous year's second-round exit against the Dallas Mavericks. They now await the outcome of the Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers series to determine their next playoff opponent.

Jalen Williams emerged as a pivotal player for the OKC Thunder during their convincing first-round sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. Scoring 23 points in Game 4, including a critical transition three-pointer, Williams averaged 23.3 points on an impressive 54.2% shooting for the series, stepping up when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faced inconsistency. His performance solidified his role as a key scorer and showcased his ability to be a reliable second option alongside Gilgeous-Alexander on a title contender.

Williams displayed an aggressive mindset throughout the series, demonstrating that he can handle the pressure of playoffs. The Thunder will now look to him to maintain this production as they move into a tougher matchup against either the LA Clippers or Denver Nuggets. The lessons learned and the success achieved against the Grizzlies have set high expectations for Williams in the postseason.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have demonstrated their playoff prowess in a stunning four-game sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies, effectively establishing themselves as strong contenders in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The absence of Ja Morant was palpable for Memphis, but OKC’s performance was bolstered by a remarkable showing from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who despite early struggles, delivered a powerful Game 4 with 38 points. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also shined brightly, each averaging over 23 points and displaying a versatile offensive game.

Holmgren's resurgence after recovering from a hip fracture was particularly noteworthy, as his defensive presence and shooting contributed significantly to the Thunder's success. Lu Dort's defense against Memphis' perimeter attempts showcased his value, although his offensive contribution fell flat. The team's depth showed through with role players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso stepping up defensively. As they prepare for the next round, the Thunder's blend of star power and supporting casts positions them well for a deep playoff run.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his MVP potential in a pivotal Game 4, scoring 38 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Memphis Grizzlies, securing a sweep in the first round of the playoffs. His performance was crucial as he had struggled in the initial games, averaging just 24.3 points with a shooting percentage of 35.3%. Despite the concerns earlier in the series, teammate Chet Holmgren emphasized Gilgeous-Alexander's contributions in creating opportunities and making the right plays, highlighting the importance of his process over just scoring.

As the Thunder advance, the need for Gilgeous-Alexander to regain his scoring efficiency becomes paramount, especially against tougher opponents like the Denver Nuggets or LA Clippers. Holmgren's reassurance reflects the team's confidence in Gilgeous-Alexander's abilities, suggesting that he is poised for a return to form as they aim for deeper playoff success.