Thunder’s Jalen Williams reveals what led to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 54 points

OKLAHOMA CITY — After beating the Utah Jazz 123-114, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams reacted to the All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s career high with 54 points. As Gilgeous-Alexander approaches the 50-point plateau in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s win, Williams revealed he expects his teammate to reach a new career high.

When Gilgeous-Alexander reached 41 midway through the final frame, Williams expected a potential 50-plus point performance from his All-Star guard.

“I saw it, and it was also like reading the play,” Williams said. “The side he was on was not loaded.” So you’re giving the best shooter in the NBA a wide open lane, so I kind of saw it. The boys (were) already extended. So he could help. But, yes, I saw it (happening).”

While sharing the floor with Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams saw signs against the Jazz.

“It definitely feels that way on the field.” As a player, when you’re in so much flow,” Williams said. “I’ve never had 50 (points), so it’s going to be hard for me to explain, but when you’re in that kind of flow, I don’t think he likes to think about points.” He doesn’t count, but for me it sure does because I’m in possession. I am included in them.”

While en route to a game-high 54 points, Gilgeous-Alexander was still preparing his teammates for open looks down the stretch. For Thunder forward Jaylen Williams, it’s a testament to his leadership.

“It’s a good relationship. “That’s one of the reasons he’s a good leader,” Williams said. “It’s one of those things that instills confidence in everyone.” I mean, just for me personally, when he throws me the ball (in that situation), he works the other way. Knowing he’s 48, I try to get him to 50, and I give him the ball back. It’s like a push and pull thing. He trusts us. We obviously trust him.”

Gilgeous-Alexander was 17-of-35 from the floor, including 3-of-10 from deep and 17-of-18 from the free throw line. He also finished with eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.

Marc Daigneault at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Career Night

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault talked about the peak of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s career 54 points in Wednesday’s win against the Jazz.

After the game, Daigneault he said felt similar to any of Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominating performances this season.

“Not really. It wasn’t much different,” Daigneault said. “Basketball is an efficient game. The NBA has figured it out. It’s what you do with your property. It’s not just about counting statistics. He was an efficient scorer and an efficient player.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will face the Mavericks at the Paicom Center on Thursday.