Jaylin Williams’ Resilient Performance in Thunder’s Short-Handed Loss

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Jaylin Williams playing in a basketball game

Quick Read

  • Jaylin Williams scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the OKC Thunder on February 4, 2026.
  • The Oklahoma City Thunder lost 116-106 to the San Antonio Spurs.
  • OKC played with only eight active players due to numerous injuries, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
  • Kenrich Williams led the Thunder with 25 points, and Aaron Wiggins added 20 points.
  • The Thunder recently acquired guard Jared McCain in a trade to boost roster depth.

SAN ANTONIO (Azat TV) – Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams delivered a standout individual performance on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, recording 24 points and 12 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the San Antonio Spurs, who defeated a severely short-handed Thunder squad 116-106. The road loss in San Antonio marked the fourth time this season the Spurs have bested the Thunder, highlighting the challenges faced by Oklahoma City as it navigates a significant injury crisis heading into the All-Star break.

Jaylin Williams’ Impact Amidst Injury Woes

Despite the team’s struggles, Jaylin Williams showcased a versatile offensive game, even attempting a running floater in the lane for the first time in the series against the Spurs, according to reports from The Oklahoman. His 24 points and 12 rebounds were crucial for a Thunder team that was down to just eight active players for the contest. The roster included only five standard players and three two-way contract athletes, forcing less experienced players into prominent roles.

The Thunder’s injury report was extensive, with key figures like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain), Chet Holmgren (low back spasms), and Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) all sidelined. Other notable absences included Alex Caruso, Ousmane Dieng, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, Thomas Sorber, and Nikola Topić. This depleted roster meant increased minutes and responsibility for the available players.

Thunder’s Resilient Fight Against San Antonio

Even with the significant disadvantages, the Oklahoma City Thunder maintained a competitive edge throughout the game. Kenrich Williams led the team with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Aaron Wiggins contributed 20 points and six assists, managing to evade the Spurs’ defense with creative plays, including a pump fake that led to a successful three-pointer. The team stayed within striking distance, with a Cason Wallace layup cutting the deficit to just six points with little over two minutes remaining. However, the Spurs held firm, securing their lead until the final buzzer.

Rookie Brooks Barnhizer, selected 44th overall in last year’s NBA Draft, also made a notable impact. Despite a low three-point percentage entering the game, Barnhizer confidently knocked down an open three-pointer and finished with 14 points, five assists, and three rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench. His ability to stuff the stat sheet and contribute in multiple facets of the game proved valuable for the short-handed Thunder.

Upcoming Schedule and Roster Changes for the Thunder

Looking ahead, the Thunder (40-12) are hoping for reinforcements before the All-Star weekend. Alex Caruso, who was out for right adductor injury management, is expected to return soon. Multiple other players are also anticipated to rejoin the team for their upcoming home game against Houston on Saturday, February 7, following a two-day break. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not expected back during this immediate stretch of games.

In a recent roster move, Oklahoma City finalized a trade to acquire guard Jared McCain from Philadelphia in exchange for Houston’s 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks. McCain’s debut date has not yet been announced, but his addition could provide much-needed depth.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s ability to remain competitive despite such a significant number of key players sidelined underscores the depth and resilience of its roster, even as the consistent losses to the San Antonio Spurs highlight areas for improvement when facing strong opposition.

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