All-Star’s gruesome injury silences NBA arena, swings title race
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NBA All-Star Jalen Williams suffered a serious and gruesome leg injury on Monday (AEDT) that may derail Oklahoma City Thunder’s title aspirations.
Williams was eventually stretchered off the court after taking a nasty fall while driving to the basket against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jalen Williams suffered a horror injury. X
Trainers immediately surrounded the Thunder wing and covered his left leg with a towel.
Players from both teams covered their faces in horror and comforted each other as the Oklahoma City arena fell near-silent.
Williams, an All-Star in 2015, has endured a long list of injuries that have stalled his highly promising career.
The 25-year-old is the Thunder’s second-best player behind two-time league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He received a standing ovation and managed a thumbs-up while being stretchered off.
Oklahoma City were the title favourites before the freak injury.
“I just feel bad for him. Nothing more than that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said while fighting back tears.
“It’s obviously going to be tough without a player like that. But he’s not gone forever. He’ll be back better than ever, and we know it. We’ve just got to hold the fort down until he comes back.”
Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr was called for a foul on the play.
Williams tried to get up but teammate Chet Holmgren motioned for him to remain down.
The Thunder won 108-101 after a five-minute delay.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams. AP Photo/Kyle Phillips
The team has not yet confirmed the nature or severity of the injury, though it was obvious that it was severe.
“Those are tough, man. We’re not doing great. That’s tough on the guys,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.
“Not doing great.“
Daigneault said the team would be briefed on Tuesday (AEDT) with the latest updates on Williams’ condition.
Williams was a key member of their historic 2025 championship team but missed most of last season with various injuries.
