A cloud hung over the Oklahoma City Thunder in their 120-107 Game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns. Even though they opened up their 2026 NBA playoffs Round 1 series with a 2-0 lead, an injury development has caused most folks to hover their hand above the panic button.
Being OKC’s best player through six quarters of the NBA playoffs, Williams’ worst nightmare materialized. He sustained a hamstring injury in the third quarter. He eventually left the Thunder bench and exited the game. Uh oh. Not good.
It is Williams’ third hamstring injury. He had two right hamstring strains. The first happened on Jan. 17. The second happened on Feb. 11. This third one is on his left leg. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed it after the game.
“We think he aggravated his left hamstring,” Daigneault said. “We’ll take a look at it in the next couple of days, and we’ll update you guys when appropriate.”
Just brutal. Williams had 19 points and four assists before he sustained the injury. He did so on a fastbreak layup that he missed. Afterward, he played a couple of possessions before he fouled Devin Booker to check out. After being checked by the OKC staff on the bench, he eventually walked through a tunnel.
We’ll see how much time Williams has to miss — if any. Think it’s fair to say any extended absence will affect OKC’s odds to win back-to-back titles. He only played in 33 games in the regular season as he dealt with an injury-plagued year with his wrist and hamstring.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Jalen Williams sustains hamstring injury in OKC’s Game 2 win over Suns