Jalen Williams may be an NBA champion, but that doesn’t mean he relives every moment of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title run. The 24-year-old forward admitted he can’t watch the full playoff games, not because of poor performance, but because of the emotional toll they take on him.
“Jalen Williams said he can’t watch the Thunder’s full playoff games because it gives him anxiety. Has watched his highlights, though,” reported Clemente Almanza on X.
Jalen Williams said he can’t watch the Thunder’s full playoff games because it gives him anxiety. Has watched his highlights, though
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) July 12, 2025
Williams’ confession comes just weeks after the Thunder clinched their first NBA championship in franchise history, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a dramatic seven-game series. While fans have been rewatching the Finals with pride, Williams has opted for a more selective approach, focusing only on his personal highlights.
Williams’ anxiety isn’t unfounded. The Thunder’s playoff journey was a rollercoaster, filled with nail-biters and momentum swings. After dropping Game 1 to the Pacers, OKC clawed its way back, ultimately sealing the title in Game 7. Williams played a pivotal role, averaging 23.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the Finals, including a 40-point explosion in Game 5.
But behind the scenes, he was battling more than just opponents. Williams revealed he played through a torn ligament in his right wrist, receiving 28 or 29 pain-killing injections throughout the postseason. The physical and emotional strain of competing at the highest level while injured added another layer to his playoff experience.
“I didn’t want to tell the world that I was hurt… so the world just kind of ganged up on me about how I wasn’t ready to handle the moment,” Williams said in a YouTube video.
Despite the anxiety and injury, Williams emerged as a cornerstone of the Thunder’s future. He recently signed a five-year, $287 million extension, joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren in a young core worth over $822 million combined.
