Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams was transported off the court on a stretcher after experiencing a severe leg injury as the game against the Los Angeles Clippers was nearing its conclusion.
Williams was fouled while attempting a dunk and landed awkwardly, with his left leg seemingly collapsing beneath him. His left foot was positioned in an unnatural way, leading a Thunder staff member to quickly cover it with a towel.
Some of Williams’ teammates, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, appeared visibly emotional and knelt beside him while Oklahoma City’s medical team provided assistance.
As he was placed on the stretcher, Williams managed to give a thumbs-up to the crowd. Fans expressed their support with a standing ovation and chanted, “J-Dub,” as he was wheeled away.
The Thunder did not offer any immediate information regarding Williams’ condition or details concerning his injury.
Kris Dunn, who made contact with Williams as he descended from the dunk, was assessed a flagrant 1 foul by the referees. Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up to take the two free throws awarded due to the flagrant foul on behalf of Williams.
Following OKC’s 108-101 win, Gilgeous-Alexander became emotional during his postgame interview on the court.
“I just feel bad for him,” Gilgeous-Alexander expressed in reference to his longtime teammate in Oklahoma City. “Nothing more than that.”
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault mirrored those feelings during his press conference after the game, noting that he had no updates on Williams at that time.
“Those are tough, man. We’re not doing great,” Daigneault stated, as quoted by Daily Thunder’s Brandon Rahbar. “That’s tough on the guys.”
Williams had struggled with injuries throughout the previous season, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him for several games during the Western Conference finals. He participated in only 33 games last season.
“I have no doubt he will return and will come back stronger than before, just like he handled previous injuries,” Gilgeous-Alexander told The Oklahoman’s Justin Martinez. “It’s unfortunate how luck has dealt with him, but he is prepared for it. He’s a warrior.”
The Thunder also faced injuries to Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams during Sunday’s matchup. Daigneault mentioned that the team will provide updates on their situations on Monday.
