Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams (34) screams during introductions before the start of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesClemente Almanza, OKC Thunder WireThu, November 27, 2025 at 9:21 PM UTC·2 min readDealing with injuries all season, the Oklahoma City Thunder received some help. Kenrich Williams finally returned in their 113-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. It also counted a 2025 NBA Cup West Group A game.
The Thunder announced that Williams had knee surgery on Sept. 29. He was set to be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks afterward. That put him around Thanksgiving for a new update. He missed the first 18 games of the regular season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWilliams finally returned. He had a loud ovation when he checked in for his 2025-26 regular-season debut. He had four rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes off the bench. The 30-year-old is in his sixth season with OKC. He helped them win an NBA championship last season as quality depth.
Here's what the Thunder said about Williams' return:
Mark Daigneault
“It’s good to have him back, just from all the way around. We want to be as healthy as possible. Having him back, great system player on offense, great system player on defense, great energy guy that can impact the rotation and the game in a lot of different ways. He’s just a guy that’s been a great spirit...
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"He brings a certain edge and competitiveness and fearlessness and versatility to us. We can use him in a lot of different ways. He's always ready and tonight was no different. I thought he gave us good minutes."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
"It was good. He brought the same energy he always does. Competitiveness. Fiery spirit. He was on the glass. K was himself tonight. We're getting whole and it was nice to have him back."
Chet Holmgren
"He means a lot to us. Even more so than the player on the court. He's a great voice around the team. He's one of the realest people you'll spend time around and talk to. I love K-Rich outside of basketball. You never want to see anybody hurt or rehabbing. I've been through it. It sucks. I'm happy he's past that and able to get back out there with us and rolling."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIsaiah Hartenstein
"He’s a leader. You hear his voice throughout the game and practice. Having him back is something cool. He's still been a force even when he wasn't playing. So it's good to have him back."
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder react to Kenrich Williams' return from knee surgery
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