Spurs won't be fazed by Jalen Williams return to Oklahoma City Thunder's rotation

The Oklahoma City Thunder have operated much of the season without the second-best player on their team, but that's expected to come to an end in the Western Conference Finals. Straight from the man's mouth, Jalen Williams is healthy and ready to suit up against the Spurs on Monday, May 18.

Williams only played 33 games in the regular season for several injury-related reasons. The Thunder's two-way guard missed time recovering from offseason wrist surgery and has had to deal with hamstring strains in both legs since. Whether he'll be able to stay on the court remains to be seen, but San Antonio will be prepared to corral OKC with or without Jalen on the floor.

The Santa Clara alumni dropped 40 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals last year. He's to be respected. But in San Antonio, that respect is described as "appropriate fear," and they approach that mindset by playing with force.

The Thunder present a challenge the Spurs actually want

The Spurs love to compete, and Oklahoma City is the cream of the crop. They're the only team to finish the regular season with a better record than the Silver and Black, but it was only by two games. The stakes are high with a trip to the finals on the line but also for respect and control of the Western Conference.

Both teams will try to impose their will on the other, but the Thunder will have the same problem everyone else has. The 7'4" guy in the middle of the floor will clog the paint, making it difficult to get easy points. The guards will play aggressively on the perimeter, funneling OKC right into the lane. That's where they dominate.

Holmgren may be OKC's true swing factor

The challenge will be covering Chet Holmgren if he's knocking down his outside shot. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will find various ways to get inside where he can shine with his midrange jumper. San Antonio will likely crowd him as much as possible to reduce his effectiveness, but sometimes, that leaves a man open.

Holmgren's height makes him a tough cover when he pops out after setting on-ball screens. The regular season matchups between these teams showed the Spurs' guards can match up with OKC's. Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper, Julian Champagnie, and Carter Bryant have the size and quickness to defend the Thunder on the perimeter. Chet is their X-factor, not Williams.

Look at the impact Naz Reid was able to make for the Timberwolves in the last round. He kept them in games almost by himself at times. His combination of size, shooting ability, and versatility made him a tough cover. As long as Holmgren avoids trying to take Wembanyama 1-on-1, he'll have an advantage. The question is whether he can capitalize on it.

That's what makes this series so mesmerizing. OKC is deeper into their journey and has already climbed the mountain once, but the Spurs aren't some heartfelt underdog story attempting to crash a party. They aren't just happy to be here. They've spent the entire season carrying themselves like a team that expects to win, and they have the size, defense, and confidence to take the Thunder down.

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