Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams was stretchered off the court against the Los Angeles Clippers after a gruesome left leg injury that appears it could end his season
Williams elevated near the hoop with Clippers defenders around him to attempt a shot when he landed in a very awkward position and seemed to fall with his left foot and ankle underneath him.
Williams’ reaction said it all, as his foot was not in the correct position.
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As Williams put his head in his hands out of pure disbelief, his Thunder teammates couldn’t believe what they saw as well. Trainers quickly made a circle around him and assessed the situation following the brutal injury, which below is quite graphic to look at as a fair warning.
Williams was placed on a stretcher and wheeled off the court, where the Thunder faithful were chanting his name. He delivered a thumbs-up to the crowd to acknowledge their support, but everyone including Williams knows this injury isn’t going to be something he comes back from anytime soon.
The injury details still need to be disclosed by Oklahoma City, and yes, not all gruesome injuries lead to a season-ending one, but considering what the video showed, there’s a high likelihood that Williams’ 2026-27 NBA season is done before it really got going.
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Williams entered his fifth NBA season, where he wanted to continue his role as one of the main stars on this loaded Thunder squad.
The former All-Star averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists across 33 games last season.
Unfortunately, Williams dealt with nagging injuries last season as the Thunder were trying to repeat as NBA champions. He dealt with a right wrist injury on his shooting hand, followed by right and left hamstring strains that caused him to be out for much of Oklahoma City’s postseason run to the Western Conference Finals.
While the Thunder won this battle with the Clippers to remain undefeated in the early season, they will need to find answers for the loss of Williams.
What also doesn’t help is guard Cason Wallace suffered a left shoulder injury in the first quarter of this contest before Williams went down. So, that’s two starters dealing with injury woes.
Alex Caruso, the versatile veteran who comes off the bench for the Thunder, and Jared McCain are likely the next men up for Oklahoma City.