Vietnamese-origin player shines brightly, scoring more points than the NBA's biggest superstar

This Vietnamese-descended basketball star consistently demonstrates his value in the elite NBA arena whenever he gets an opportunity.

Vietnamese-American basketball player - Jaylin Williams left a strong impression despite the Oklahoma City Thunder losing 106-116 to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025-2026 NBA regular season game on the morning of February 5th, Vietnam time.

On a day when key Thunder players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Lu Dort did not play, Jaylin Williams naturally started and became a crucial factor in the team's offensive plays.

Given ample opportunity to shine with 40 out of 48 minutes on the court, Williams maximized his strengths: solid defense, game reading, pick & roll execution, smart spacing, and deadly three-point shooting.

According to NBA and ESPN statistics, "J-Will" recorded a double-double: 24 points with a 40% shooting rate — including 4 three-pointers — and 12 rebounds. Additionally, the 2002-born forward had 4 assists and 2 blocks. He was the third highest three-point scorer in the game, behind teammates Keinrich Williams and Keldon Johnson from the Spurs, who both scored 25 points.

In fact, this Vietnamese-origin player scored more points than Victor Wembanyama — currently one of the NBA's most prominent stars. The French center also had a strong game with 2 points fewer than Jaylin, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks.

With a lineup mostly made up of bench players, it was not surprising that OKC lost to the Spurs. Even with a full roster, the reigning champions have struggled against Wembanyama and his team this season, losing 4 out of 5 matchups — the clearest evidence.

OKC currently holds a record of 40 wins and 12 losses, firmly leading the Western Conference standings, with the Spurs trailing by 6 wins.

Jaylin Williams, born in 2002, has a Vietnamese grandmother who moved and settled in Arkansas, USA. "J-Will" cherishes his Vietnamese heritage, enjoys pho, and has expressed a desire to visit Vietnam to meet fans and explore the culture.

He was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 34th pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft and has had periods as a regular starter due to Chet Holmgren’s injury. Jaylin contributed significantly to OKC's NBA championship last season and also became the first Vietnamese-origin basketball player to win this prestigious title.