Jaylen Williams points to growing respect for Isaiah Joe’s shooting touch

Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams admitted he has a newfound respect for Isaiah Joe’s role in the defending champion. Williams takes great pride in his elite defensewhich Jalen says two wrist surgeries followed by months of rehab didn’t affect his approach through the first two games.

However, Joe’s role as the Thunder’s 3-point shooter off the bench is something that really impresses Williams revealed after Sunday’s 123-115 win against the Portland Blazers.

“Honestly, I don’t think that’s even the most underrated part of the whole thing. I think it’s more like coming into the game, you don’t know when you’re going to come in, you don’t have a shot, and your first three are: I’ve got to run, get on my feet and shoot a corner 3 with about four seconds left – and it’s expected to go – is very elite,” Williamski said. “And that’s not a skill that a lot of NBA players have. So for him to be on our team and have that, it’s very special.

“And honestly, we probably take that for granted, because when he misses, it’s kind of weird. And you kind of have to catch up. I think not playing was something that I really started to understand — his job is extremely difficult. To come in and he’s expected to make shots right away. But that’s why he’s getting paid and he’s doing it at a very high level.”

Isaiah Joe’s ability to shoot at a high clip fresh off the Thunder bench is what makes Joe a unique player, as Jalen explained.

“I think that’s the most impressive thing,” Williams added. “Obviously, he’s having a hard time catching shots. But just being able to come in whenever needed and hit big shots is a big thing. And something that we take for granted, but really appreciate,” Williams concluded.

Joe finished with 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 3-for-6 from deep. He’s connected on at least three in 15 of his 16 outings this season while shooting at a 40.7% clip.

Jaylen Williams proud of Thunder defense

Thunder All-Star Jaylen Williams preached patience after his season debutwhich he followed up in Sunday’s win against the Blazers. After the game, Williams also reminded reporters of the Thunder’s ability to adjust to the added pressure of the opposing defense on Shai Giljos-Alexander, on offense.

“Some of it is, obviously, the game plan, some of it is also, we’ve been playing with each other for four years. We kind of know when the doubles come — we know what to do,” Williams said. “We were able to game plan. So I wouldn’t say it’s second nature. It’s not perfect. But we just understand what’s expected and trust each other a lot more.”

“He starts by being willing to get off the ball and let us create, and there’s a confidence that he’s gotten more and more from us over time.”

The Thunder’s depth helped stretch a near-perfect start through 21 games.