Photo Credit: Andrew Burk
Jalen Williams, the 24-year-old guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, celebrated his team’s first NBA championship by doing something he had never done before—drinking alcohol. Known for his preference for Shirley Temples, Williams opened up about the experience in an interview with ESPN’s SportsCenter host Christine Williamson on Monday, June 23.
“Yesterday was my first time drinking ever. I’ve never had a drink until that point,” Williams said. At the beginning of the season, he made a promise to his teammates that if they won the championship, he would join them in drinking. “I told them, win a championship and I’ll drink. I’ll do whatever you guys want,” he recalled.
Following the Thunder’s victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, Williams stuck to his word. He shared that he had a few shots, some champagne, and even tried beer. His verdict? “It was all disgusting,” he admitted.
Williams’ honest take came just as fans were learning about another funny moment from the young OKC squad. According to the Associated Press, veteran guard Alex Caruso, 31, had to teach his teammates how to open a bottle of champagne. Caruso, who previously won a title with the
Lakers in 2020, was the only one with experience. Center Isaiah Hartenstein revealed that the team had no idea how to do it and ended up watching YouTube videos for guidance.
That lack of experience is understandable, given that the Thunder is one of the youngest championship teams in NBA history. With a median age of 25.6, they rank as the second-youngest team to win an NBA title.
However, it seems Williams may have softened his stance on alcohol slightly. On Tuesday, ahead of the team’s championship parade, a video showed the Santa Clara alum preparing for the celebration. In the clip, he is seen carrying a box of Don Julio tequila and a bottle of champagne.
When asked how he was feeling just under 48 hours after the big win, Williams appeared relaxed. “I’m feeling good. Feeling loose,” he said, smiling.
Jalen Williams’ first encounter with alcohol may not have impressed his taste buds, but it certainly marked a memorable moment in his young career.
Following the Thunder’s victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, Williams stuck to his word. He shared that he had a few shots, some champagne, and even tried beer. His verdict? “It was all disgusting,” he admitted.
Williams’ honest take came just as fans were learning about another funny moment from the young OKC squad. According to the Associated Press, veteran guard Alex Caruso, 31, had to teach his teammates how to open a bottle of champagne. Caruso, who previously won a title with the
Lakers in 2020, was the only one with experience. Center Isaiah Hartenstein revealed that the team had no idea how to do it and ended up watching YouTube videos for guidance.
That lack of experience is understandable, given that the Thunder is one of the youngest championship teams in NBA history. With a median age of 25.6, they rank as the second-youngest team to win an NBA title.
However, it seems Williams may have softened his stance on alcohol slightly. On Tuesday, ahead of the team’s championship parade, a video showed the Santa Clara alum preparing for the celebration. In the clip, he is seen carrying a box of Don Julio tequila and a bottle of champagne.
When asked how he was feeling just under 48 hours after the big win, Williams appeared relaxed. “I’m feeling good. Feeling loose,” he said, smiling.
Jalen Williams’ first encounter with alcohol may not have impressed his taste buds, but it certainly marked a memorable moment in his young career.