Jaylin Williams Steps Up as Thunder Starter: Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams was promoted to the starting lineup for the February 25, 2026 game against the Detroit Pistons after center Isaiah Hartenstein was sidelined with a calf injury.
Williams joined a reshuffled starting unit alongside Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Luguentz Dort, marking his ninth start of the season.
The opportunity came at an important moment for Oklahoma City, and Williams responded with one of his most impressive performances of the year.
First-Half Update: Williams Leads Thunder Effort
By halftime, Williams had already delivered a standout performance, showing efficiency and confidence on both ends of the floor.
Jaylin Williams First-Half Stats vs Pistons
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Points | 16 |
| Field Goal | 6/9 (71.4%) |
| Three-Point | 3/6 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Minutes | 16 |
Williams also contributed with ball movement, setting up teammates during key offensive possessions. Despite his strong showing, the Thunder trailed 52–58 at halftime, with Detroit holding the early advantage.
His scoring efficiency and floor spacing helped keep Oklahoma City within reach in a competitive matchup.
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Opportunity Created by Injury
The starting role opened due to Hartenstein’s absence, and Williams’ performance highlighted his ability to step into a larger responsibility when needed.
His combination of outside shooting, rebounding and defensive presence gave the Thunder added flexibility, especially against a physical Pistons frontcourt.
If Hartenstein returns soon, Williams is expected to move back to his regular bench role. However, games like this strengthen his case as a dependable rotation piece.
Previous Start Showed Similar Impact
Williams has already shown he can deliver in extended minutes. In his last start earlier this month, he recorded a strong all-around performance.
Previous Start Performance (Feb 4)
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 24 | 12 | 4 | 2 |
These performances highlight his ability to contribute when given consistent playing time.
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Season Role and Production
While primarily used as a depth player this season, Williams has been effective in limited opportunities.
Jaylin Williams 2025–26 Season Snapshot
| Category | Average (Starts) |
|---|---|
| Points | 6.8 PPG |
| Rebounds | 5.7 RPG |
| Assists | 2.3 APG |
| Blocks | 1.7 BPG |
| Minutes | ~25 MPG |
His defensive activity and rebounding remain key strengths, making him a valuable option when the Thunder need frontcourt depth.
The Thunder’s strong depth continues to be tested as injuries affect the rotation. Williams’ first-half performance against Detroit shows the team can rely on its young players to deliver in high-pressure situations.
With Oklahoma City competing near the top of the Western Conference, contributions from role players like Williams could play a crucial role during the second half of the season.
For now, his efficient scoring and energy have given the Thunder a much-needed boost in a tightly contested game.
