Oklahoma City is still riding high from the Oklahoma City Thunder's historic NBA championship victory, a moment that has electrified the city and its fans after a 17-year wait since the franchise relocated. The Thunder captured their first-ever NBA title on June 22, 2025, with a thrilling Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers, and the celebrations have extended well into the summer with a unique tribute honoring each member of the championship team.
On July 29, 2025, the city officially declared "Jalen 'JDub' Williams Day," recognizing the young superstar's pivotal role in the Thunder's title run. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt made the proclamation, celebrating Williams as one of 18 players who brought home the franchise's first championship banner. Williams, a 24-year-old guard and 2019 graduate of Perry High School in Gilbert, has become a hometown hero, further cementing his legacy as the street leading to his alma mater was renamed "Jalen Williams Way" earlier in June during the Finals.
Williams’ journey from a promising talent to a bona fide NBA star has been nothing short of remarkable. Selected 12th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Santa Clara, he quickly rose through the ranks alongside fellow Thunder stars Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forming a formidable young trio. Their combined youth and talent made the Thunder the youngest NBA championship team since the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers, with an average age of just 25.56 years.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Williams demonstrated his growing prowess, averaging a career-high 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His impressive performance earned him his first All-Star selection, as well as All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive Second Team honors. As the playoffs unfolded, Williams elevated his game even further, averaging 23.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists during the Finals against the Pacers.
One of the defining moments of the Finals came in Game 5, when Williams exploded for a playoff career-high 40 points, shooting 14 of 25 from the floor and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. This critical victory put the Thunder ahead 3-2 in the series and set the stage for the eventual championship clincher in Game 7, where Williams contributed 20 points. Remarkably, Williams achieved these feats while playing through a torn ligament in his right wrist, which required surgery shortly after the Finals concluded.
His toughness and determination earned him the affectionate nickname "JDub" and the status of a "dog"—a term in sports that signifies a player’s relentless will to win. Thunder fans embraced this identity wholeheartedly, often barking in unison when Williams was introduced in the starting lineup, with some even donning dog masks in celebration. Williams himself joined in the fun, barking back after big plays, further endearing himself to the fanbase.
In the weeks following the championship, the city of Oklahoma City extended its gratitude beyond just the players. Thunder chairman Clay Bennett, general manager Sam Presti, and head coach Mark Daigneault were also honored with designated days, as part of a month-long celebration spanning from June 30 to July 30, 2025. Each player and key figure received their own day, with Williams' celebration falling on July 29, and only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's day remaining on July 30.
Williams took to social media to share his excitement and humorous requests for how fans should celebrate his day. On X (formerly Twitter), he urged fans to "THROW SUM ON THE GRILL FOR ME!!!!" accompanied by laughing emojis, encouraging a festive barbecue atmosphere fitting for the summer heat. Shortly after, on his Instagram story, Williams playfully asked fans to bark at others in his honor, continuing the "dog" theme that has become synonymous with his tenacity on the court.
Williams' impact on the Thunder goes beyond his on-court heroics. His five-year contract extension, reportedly worth up to $287 million, signals the franchise’s commitment to building around him as a cornerstone for years to come. With the core of Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Holmgren intact, Oklahoma City enters the 2025-26 NBA season as heavy favorites to defend their title, carrying championship experience and youthful energy rarely seen in such a potent combination.
Statistically, Williams ranks impressively among his 2022 draft class, holding the second-most career points (3,901) and assists (924), trailing only a select few. His playoff performances have also placed him in elite company; at just 24, he became the fifth-youngest player in NBA history to score 40 or more points in a Finals game, joining legends like Magic Johnson, Rick Barry, Jerry West, and Russell Westbrook.
The Thunder’s championship run and Williams’ emergence have sparked a renewed sense of pride and excitement in Oklahoma City. The city’s enthusiastic celebrations, from the parade to the individual player holidays, reflect the deep connection between the team and its community. As Williams and his teammates continue their offseason recovery and preparation, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in what promises to be a thrilling era for Thunder basketball.
With Williams set to be reevaluated in October following his wrist surgery, the anticipation builds around his readiness for training camp and the upcoming season. His resilience and star power have already made him a beloved figure in Oklahoma City, and his ongoing contributions will be crucial as the Thunder aim to repeat as NBA champions.
From his humble beginnings at Perry High School to his rise as an NBA champion and city icon, Jalen Williams embodies the spirit of determination and excellence. His day of celebration on July 29 is a testament not only to his individual achievements but to the collective success of a team that has captured the hearts of a city and rekindled its basketball dreams.
