The biggest positive was how Jalen Williams returned from a hip injury in a massive way. Williams has returned from a very short absence looking fresh and rejuvenated. He has looked comfortable on the floor and his defense has remained terrific.

Despite his injury and a recent loss, Jalen Williams and the Thunder lead the Western Conference with a 36-8 record. After the Cleveland Cavs lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 132-129 on Friday, the Thunder and Cavs are tied for the best in the NBA with identical records.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s MVP candidate, is an All-Star lock. Williams — who is second on the team in points and assists, third in rebounds and is a versatile cog in their top-ranked and historically disruptive defense — is their only other true candidate. That might be Williams’ simplest case.