Mark Daigneault reacts to Jalen Williams’ “complete game” against the Suns

Head coach Mark Daigneault watched Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams‘ 28 points, near-perfect shooting led his team to a 136-109 victory against Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. 24 hours removed from Williams’ high school jersey retirement ceremony in Gilbert, ArizonaJalen put on a road show in front of his friends and family.

Williams scored 28 points on 11-of-12 shooting through three quarters, leading seven Thunder players in double figures, while Daigneault reflected on how great he was two day span it was for his start forward.

“He was cooking. That was impressive. He was in a great flow,” Daigneault said. “I thought he had a great mix of offense, including some passes that were really, really good. He did a great job. It was an incredibly complete game. It caps off a really memorable journey for him as he retired his high school jersey last night.

“Then for him to play in his hometown the way he played in front of his people is pretty special. So I’m incredibly happy for him. We’re certainly thrilled to have him there. He’s doing a great job.”

Williams checked out of the game near the end third quarter with what appeared to be an aggravation of his hamstring injury, causing him to miss 10 games before returning against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder have yet to provide an update on Williams. However, his 28-point performance against the Suns was over in just 20 minutes.

He also finished with five assists and four rebounds. Isaiah Joe continued his hot streak with 19 points, including six 3-pointers off the bench, and Chet Holmgren added 13 points and four rebounds against the Suns.

Jaylen Williams at jersey retirement ceremony amid Thunder road trip

Over 60 members of the Thunder organization, including players, coaches and staff, attended Jalen Williams’ high school jersey retirement ceremony at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona. After Williams returned from a hamstring injury during the Thunder’s two-game road trip, Jalen’s jersey retirement ceremony was held the night before Wednesday’s game against the Suns, as head coach Mark Dayno noted after Wednesday’s win.

For Williams, it was a heartwarming reminder of where is his basketball career began, during fourth championship season with the Thunder.

“It put it into perspective a little bit more just because I was the first one up there. That’s my high school. I went there when I was 14. I didn’t think any of that was going to happen. It wasn’t even a thought,” Williams said. “So it definitely puts a lot into perspective. How much it means to me and my family, and there’s the legacy. Then to have my brother go to the same high school and for him to win their first two rings ever in the program is really cool.”

“It’s something that kind of passes. I don’t really think about it. But yesterday definitely brought me back down to earth a little bit. It kind of reminds me of how far I’ve come.”

The Thunder will host the Bucks in their final game before the All-Star break.