Christmas came on Thanksgiving this year for Oklahoma City Thunder fans. While OKC devotees all over the country were enjoying their turkey, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes and gravy, a single Shams Charania notification gave them something exciting to add to their "thankful for" lists. All-NBA superstar Jalen Williams was set to make his season debut on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns.

The earsplitting welcome Williams received when he was announced in the starting lineups for his season debut was probably the only time a player not named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claimed the loudest ovation. The Thunder's second All-Star is a fan favorite and he was greeted with his typical mix of cheers and barks, only the volume was turned all the way up.

The final box score line in Williams' return to the court in a 123-119 win doesn't jump off the screen. He ended up with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and only 1 turnover. Williams shot 3-12 from the field, 1-1 from deep and 4-4 from the free throw line. Obviously, it was expected that the shooting would be a bit rusty in his first game since Game 7 of the NBA Finals. But the passing and defense were already in midseason form.

"He was great defensively... All the touch and the little things will come back to him. We don't worry about that. He's a hell of a player for a reason and he showed it tonight," Gilgeous-Alexander said of Williams in his postgame interview with Thunder sideline reporter Nick Gallo.

The playmaking became even more important in a tight battle with the Suns after Ajay Mitchell left early with a knee contusion. The Sixth Man of the Year candidate had been OKC's secondary creator and playmaker in the absence of Williams. While Mitchell was missed, Williams reclaimed his role as the Thunder's second best table setter in his debut.

"Just pass the ball to the guys that have been playing was the was the goal for tonight," Williams said in the postgame media availability.

Mission accomplished. Chet Holmgren specifically benefited from his established chemistry with Williams. The Thunder big man was fed easy buckets at the rim several times from his fellow 2022 draftee.

The Thunder clinched the NBA Cup West Group A with a victory in Williams' season debut. As he continues to find his rhythm offensively, a 19-1 juggernaut of a team will only get better. That's great news for Thunder fans who had to wait nearly a quarter of the season to watch one of their favorite players. And bad news for the rest of the NBA.