The Thunder will bring in much-needed reinforcements just in time for the NBA Cup quarterfinals

Just in time for their upcoming Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals, the OKC Thunder have finally received some good news on the injury front.

Before Thursday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, it was announced that elite 3-and-D guard Alex Caruso (hip) had been removed from the injury report, while Jaylin Williams (hamstring) was listed as a game-time decision. ultimately excluded.

Although the team may only get one of these two oft-sidelined players back, the fact that Jay Will’s status has changed, even for brief moments, is a sign that he could be back for next week’s NBA Cup game.

Even without these two players, the Thunder have been absolutely dominant and have the best record in the Western Conference at 16-5. Without Alex Caruso, OKC has managed to more than stay afloat with a record of 6-2, showing that they can still compete at a high level even when not at full strength.

Still, getting one of these players back before next week’s Cup game will be crucial as the Thunder seek revenge on their rivals, the Dallas Mavericks, who not only defeated them in the semifinals last postseason, but also defeated them on March 17 November have repulsed this current campaign.

Caruso has struggled offensively so far this season, scoring just 5.0 points per game on 35.6 percent shooting. However, what he lacked on offense, he more than made up for on defense.

In 13 games played, he averaged 1.8 steals and just under one block per game. He also ranks third in the league in deflections per game with 3.9 per game.

Considering how much Dallas wants to swing the ball around and get players like PJ Washington and Klay Thompson involved early, his ability to read the passing lanes will prove to be very valuable.

Jaylin Williams (assuming he can be back on the floor next Tuesday), meanwhile, will give the Thunder some much-needed size to take the pressure and high-end workload off of Isaiah Hartenstein.

Although the 22-year-old may not be considered the most threatening central defender in the league, he does have a special quality that sets him apart as a true defensive player who makes the difference in depth.

His secret weapon: knowing how to handle an attack.

Last year he became something of an offense king, ranking sixth in the league with 19 total attacks and first in attacks per 36 minutes at 0.76.

This talent could prove detrimental to Mavs attacking guys like Luka Doncic and Derek Lively II, as it can lead to early foul trouble in decision-making.

Williams also brings some offensive versatility, as he is able to set screens like Hartenstein while also shooting the long ball (which has a career distance rate of 38.5 percent).

With both players potentially healthy enough to face the Mavericks next week, they could well prove to be the backup needed to win the Emirates NBA Cup and get the prize money that Jaylin Williams has everyone in the locker room with harassed.