Williams explained that the timing of his injury allowed him to recover fully without rushing back:
“It’s good that I haven’t had to rush back from my hamstring stuff at all. I’m actually taking extra days now than what was originally planned because we’re up 3-0, so there was no point in going into this series and possibly hurting myself before we have to play the Timberwolves or the Spurs. I’m about to go into another series healthy.”
The Thunder have been unstoppable in his absence, going 8-0 in the postseason and sweeping both the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. However, San Antonio poses a far tougher challenge. The Spurs and Thunder were the two best teams in the NBA during the regular season, finishing with 62 and 64 wins, respectively. San Antonio also took four of five matchups against OKC during the season.
Williams was arguably the Thunder’s second-most valuable player during last year’s playoff run, and he is expected to play a similar role this postseason. His defensive presence will be critical against a Spurs squad loaded with perimeter shooters surrounding star center Victor Wembanyama.
With Williams back at full strength, the Thunder are set to bring a full complement of their championship-contending roster to a series that promises to be one of the fiercest of the playoffs.
