Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder was taken off on a stretcher Sunday night after sustaining a serious lower-left-leg injury during a drive with 1:14 remaining in a 108-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Thunder win over Clippers marred by Williams injury
Medical staff rushed to the scene as Williams went down beneath the basket on the offensive end. Towels were draped over his ankle, and players from both teams acted in immediate dismay and disbelief as the stretcher was brought out. The game was stopped for about five minutes.
“Just feel bad for him,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said in a postgame televised interview, fighting back tears. “Nothing more than that.”
Coach Mark Daigneault said the team would receive an update on Williams’ condition Monday morning. “We’re not doing great,” he added, acknowledging the severity of the situation.
Mayor David Holt posted on social media that the city would keep the guard in thoughts and prayers as he begins his recovery.
Read Also: Archdiocese of New York to Pay $800 Million in Abuse
The shooting guard entered the game averaging 18 points per game over his first 250 NBA contests. He has been an All-Star and an All-NBA player and was a huge part of the Thunder team that won the 2025 NBA title. Last season he missed 49 games due to hamstring issues and recovery from right-wrist surgery.
“He just loves playing, loves the competition,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. It’s unfortunate, his luck so far. But he’s equipped for it.
The Thunder play again Monday night at home against Phoenix. The schedule gives Oklahoma City little choice but to try and move on somewhat quickly, Daigneault said.
“We don’t have a choice,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Williams, seated on the stretcher, saluted the cheering fans with two thumbs-up signals as he was wheeled off the court.
