While Holmgren was out to an All-Star-caliber start, his absence provides an opportunity for Jalen Williams to take an All-Star leap. Williams has shown flashes of stardom throughout his career, and his growth was a significant piece of Oklahoma City’s 57-win campaign last season.

Jalen Williams scored a season-high 31 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 106-88 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

OKC still ran their pockets in a 106-88 win to improve to 10-2, matching its best start since the 2011-12 season. Granted, injury-riddled is an understatement. A printed version of New Orleans’ roster comes with a complimentary cast.

Despite their lack of height and enormous amount of injuries, the OKC Thunder found a way to win at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.