The Thunder’s worst fears around Jalen Williams’ damage were realized.
The All-Star wing dislocated his left ankle and has a fractured fibula after taking a nasty fall on a drive to the basket late in the fourth quarter Sunday night time, Oklahoma City basic supervisor Sam Presti announced during his media availability Monday.
Fourth-year guard Cason Wallace, an All-Defensive Second Team choice a 12 months in the past, also has a torn left labrum.
Both will bear surgical procedure and will miss most of and probably the total common season, according to ESPN. Presti did not provide up a return timetable.
“He’s as tough as they come. He’s an elite competitor,” Presti said of Williams. “Even last night, just miraculous in terms of his outlook in the way he’s looking forward to attacking this. And, you know, we’re going to be with him the entire way.”
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) lies on the ground after getting injured on a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of an NBA basketball recreation at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s a tough blow for a Thunder staff wanting to win a second NBA championship in three years after shedding to the Spurs in last season’s Western Conference finals.
Williams, who was averaging 13.7 factors, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in three video games, injured himself when he was sandwiched between two Clippers gamers on a drive.
He landed with his left leg getting caught beneath him as he fell exhausting to the court docket. Williams, 25, was taken off on a stretcher after being instantly attended to by medical personnel.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was emotional when requested during his on-court postgame interview what was going through his thoughts watching Williams’ damage during the 108-101 win that moved the staff to 3-0 on he season.
“I don’t even know,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I just feel bad for him. Nothing more than that.”
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) falls to the ground holding his shoulder during a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball recreation at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He knows the staff has a much taller process forward of it now with out his co-star, but he is assured the staff can work through it. Williams also missed time last season after wrist surgical procedures and dealt with a number of hamstring strains.
“It’s obviously going to be tough without a player like that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “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.”
Wallace tried to battle through a display screen early in the recreation against the Clippers and instantly grabbed close to his shoulder.
The 22-year-old, who is averaging 6.3 factors and 2.3 rebounds this 12 months, signed a five-year, $135 million contract with the staff before the season began.
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