College basketball ended over a month ago, but that doesn't mean Hog fans have nothing to cheer for. The NBA conference finals are here, and two former Razorbacks are still in the running to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy over their heads at the beginning of June.
Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe assist Thunder in road to Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the unquestioned best team in the association, winning four more games than anyone else in the regular season and finishing with a four-game win streak. Right now, the Thunder are playing in the Western Conference Final, and former Hogs Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams have played a massive role in helping OKC reach that point.
In the regular season, Joe was the most lethal three-point shooter on the team, knocking down 41.2 percent (at least five attempts per game) of his shots. Williams, on the other hand, wasn't as impactful in the box score but has acclimated to his role brilliantly. In the 16.7 minutes he averaged during the regular season, he had the second-highest assist-to-turnover ratio on the team. He also recorded three triple-doubles, more than 96 percent of the NBA by the middle of April.
Willims was also a key factor in the Thunder's 4-3 series win over the Denver Nuggets. Dubbed the Jokic stopper, Williams' defense against the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, left fans astounded.
Last night, OKC and the Minnesota Timberwolves faced off in the first game of their series. Williams didn't play on a coach's decision, but Joe put together 13 solid minutes, scoring seven points and pulling in eight boards. Game two will start at 7:30 PM CST on May 22 on ESPN.