This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/thunder/onsi as Jalen Williams' Return Could Boost Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Case. Oklahoma City’s second star made his return, and the MVP might be able to bolster his case to go back-to-back because of it.

Thunder 123, Suns 119 (West A): In a winner-takes-the-group showdown between the 3-0 Thunder and 3-0 Suns, it was OKC that held on down the stretch to outlast Phoenix and advance to the Knockouts for the second straight year. | Recap

Daigneault confirmed that Williams has continued to rehab his wrist injury. He didn't give out an exact timetable, but he has progressed. The Thunder have overcome his absence. Since the start of last season, they're an amazing 31-1 in games without the All-NBA player.

Six of the eight spots in the 2025 NBA Cup knockout stage will be determined Friday night as group play wraps up in the league's third annual in-season tournament. The Lakers and Raptors are the only two teams to have clinched their groups so far,