Kenrich Williams provides boost in Thunder's 114-88 Game 1 win over Timberwolves
Collecting dust on the bench through the first two playoff rounds, Kenrich Williams waited for his moment. A new playoff series meant new role players who could be a prime matchup. The 30-year-old was well-rested and had Mark Daigneault look like a genius for going to him.
Williams finished with eight points on 3-of-3 shooting and three rebounds. He shot 2-of-2 from 3. He played 10 minutes off the bench and committed three fouls, but they were a loud 10 minutes.
The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the second half in their 114-88 Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Quite the way to open up the Western Conference Finals with a 1-0 series lead.
The Thunder flexed their depth as the NBA playoffs are down to four teams. Perhaps the Timberwolves are the perfect opponent to use Williams in considering their three-headed frontcourt monster of Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Naz Reid. You'll need all the players you can get against them.
"First of all, he hasn't played significant minutes in a game since the last game in the regular season. That was five weeks ago. The amount of invisible work that it takes to keep yourself that sharp to be able to go in a playoff game like that in the Western Conference Finals and perform the way he did, the invisible work shows up there," Daigneault said about Williams. "That's unbelievable consistency, professionalism, mental toughness. All that stuff. I truly believe that it breathes life into the team when they see a guy not play. He was a huge contributor for us during the season and he didn't really play the first two series. He just puts his head down every day and keeps himself ready. To go in and deliver like that is a huge energy boost."
Working in the background, Williams' work ethic has always resonated with his teammates. Especially with Chet Holmgren. The locker room leader famously gave the seven-footer words of encouragement after last series' Game 1 loss to the Nuggets. He was certainly happy to see him get his moment in the sun against the Timberwolves.
"I watch K show up every single day and put the work in, regardless of the situation or what's going on in the games. He shows up and makes it happen," Holmgren said about Williams. "When I see somebody doing that, I know they're always going to be ready. I know the Coach is looking at it the same way. That's why I don't think Mark has anything hesitation of calling his name when he feels like the occasion calls for it."
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