# OKC Thunder Still NEED Jalen Williams to win a CHAMPIONSHIP | How OKC has IMPROVED this year

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-thunder-daily-podcast-on-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-620343/okc-thunder-still-need-jalen-williams-to-win-a-championship-how-okc-has-improved-this-year
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-thunder-daily-podcast-on-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-620343/okc-thunder-still-need-jalen-williams-to-win-a-championship-how-okc-has-improved-this-year.md
Podcast: [Locked On Thunder - Daily Podcast On The Oklahoma City Thunder](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-thunder-daily-podcast-on-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-620343)
Published: 2026-05-12T20:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-thunder/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/2bdbc5/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/997c114a-b046-460c-a16f-287631b27f88/episodes/0cd10352-951c-4d00-a3d4-d81abd955de5/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=997c114a-b046-460c-a16f-287631b27f88&awEpisodeId=0cd10352-951c-4d00-a3d4-d81abd955de5&feed=TEsSygBL
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/locked-on-thunder-daily-podcast-on-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-620343/episodes/okc-thunder-still-need-jalen-williams-to-win-a-championship-how-okc-has-improved-this-year
Duration seconds: 1470

## Resource

Oklahoma City Thunder power through playoff adversity as Jalen Williams’ return becomes the missing piece for a true NBA title push. Despite sweeping the Lakers without their dynamic two-way swingman, OKC’s path to dominance hinges on reuniting its lethal lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, Chet Holmgren, and Williams. Can the “death lineup” unleash a new level of firepower in the Western Conference Finals? Rylan Stiles breaks down how the Thunder’s roster depth, defensive versatility, and clutch shooting have elevated them from last year’s champions to this season’s title favorite. Topics include Ajay Mitchell’s star turn, Chet Holmgren’s interior presence, and how emerging threats like Jared McCain and Alex Caruso compensate for injuries. With playoffs heating up, will OKC’s evolving supporting cast and relentless defense carry them past powerhouses like the Spurs or Timberwolves on the road to NBA glory?

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## Transcript

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