Kenrich Williams: From TCU to NBA Finals - The Journey of 'Kenny Hustle'
The TCU athletic season for 2024-25 recently concluded, but former TCU basketball player Kenrich Williams, also known as "Kenny Hustle," is still in the running for an NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder. They will be facing off against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, with the series starting on Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Kenrich Williams is the first Horned Frog to make it to the NBA Finals since Kurt Thomas in 1999, who played for the New York Knicks.
Kenrich Williams joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020 after playing his first two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. As a small forward, he has been a valuable contributor to the Thunder, averaging 16.4 minutes, 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 69 regular-season games. Despite missing some games due to injury, Williams has played a significant role in the team's success during the postseason, appearing in nine out of 16 games.
In the Western Conference semifinals against Denver, Kenrich Williams had limited playing time, but his role expanded in the Western Conference Finals against Minnesota. He made crucial contributions in key moments, including sparking a scoring run in a game one victory. Williams also performed well in the regular-season games against Indiana, averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 assists, and seven rebounds in 21.5 minutes.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had an impressive season, winning a league-high 68 games, which is tied for the fifth-most in NBA history. Led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, all-star Jalen Williams, and power forward Chet Holmgren, the Thunder boast one of the league's most potent offenses. Additionally, they have the best defensive rating in both the regular season and playoffs.
With an average age of 25.6, the Oklahoma City Thunder is the second-youngest team to reach the NBA Finals in the last 70 years. Kenrich Williams, at 30 years old, is the second-oldest player on the team, behind guard Alex Carusso (31). As the Thunder gear up to face the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, Kenrich Williams will be looking to make his mark and help his team secure the championship.