The Oklahoma City Thunder’s historic 2025 NBA title celebration came with a surprising—and hilarious—revelation from rising star Jalen Williams: he had his first-ever alcoholic drink moments after the team clinched the championship in Game 7.
“Actually just had my first drink, so I’m like working on that,” Williams said with a laugh during a postgame interview.
Jalen Williams says everything is a “blur” after winning the NBA Finals because he just had his first drink 😅
(via @Joe_Sway)pic.twitter.com/cvZFgEs5zt
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 23, 2025
The 23-year-old forward, who played a pivotal role in OKC’s playoff run, admitted the moment was a blur—not just because of the emotions, but because he was navigating unfamiliar territory in the locker room celebration. While most NBA champions are seen dousing each other in champagne, the Thunder’s postgame party was more awkward than wild.
Williams wasn’t alone. Teammate Jaylin Williams also tried beer for the first time and immediately made a face that went viral online.
Jaylin Williams wasn’t feeling his first beer 🤣 pic.twitter.com/EDgmec1aKg
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 23, 2025
The Thunder, the second-youngest team in NBA history to win a title, had to watch YouTube tutorials on how to pop champagne bottles. Veteran Alex Caruso, the only player on the roster with prior championship experience, had to teach his teammates how to uncork the bubbly.
“We didn’t do it all at the same time until, like, the third try,” Caruso said with a grin. “We’ll be better next year”.
Jalen Williams wasn’t just along for the ride—he was one of the engines. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists during the postseason, including three straight 25+ point games in the Finals before turning 25. His chemistry with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren helped power OKC past the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series.
But despite the on-court dominance, it’s Williams’ off-court honesty and charm that fans are loving just as much.
“God’s been good to me,” he said. “I thought about that… and then I had alcohol”.
