Shai Gilgeous-Alexander believes Jalen Williams will return stronger after the Oklahoma City Thunder star suffered a serious-looking injury during Sunday’s 108-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Williams went down hard on a drive to the basket with 1:14 remaining and was taken off the court on a stretcher, with towels covering his left leg. The Thunder have not provided an update on his condition.
Gilgeous-Alexander said he had not yet seen his teammate after the game but expressed confidence in Williams’ ability to overcome the setback.
“I have no doubt in my mind he’ll be back and he’ll be better than he was before,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Just like how he handled the last couple injuries. It’s unfortunate his luck so far, but he’s equipped for it. He’s a warrior. He’ll be all right.”
Williams’ injury came during a night in which Oklahoma City also lost Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams. Wallace exited in the first quarter with left shoulder soreness, while Jaylin Williams left with right wrist soreness. Both players were ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with multiple injuries but said the Thunder would rely on their depth while supporting their sidelined teammates.
“You got to play the hand you’re dealt in life. It is what it is. It sucks, but it’s part of the game,” he said. “We have a team for a reason. We have guys that are ready to step in place and make a difference out there on the floor, hold the fort down till those guys come back.”
The reigning NBA champions have dealt with significant injuries before, and Gilgeous-Alexander pointed to the team’s unity as a strength that should help them navigate another difficult stretch.
“One of our biggest strengths is us as a unit and us as a team,” he said. “It helps us when we’re fully whole and it helps us when we’re not fully whole. It’ll be no different than it’s been in the past.”
Gilgeous-Alexander also praised Williams’ competitive nature, saying his love for basketball would help him through the recovery process.
“He just loves playing. He loves the competition. It’s who he is,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
The Thunder improved to 3-0 with the victory, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points. Ajay Mitchell added 18 points off the bench, while Isaiah Hartenstein recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Oklahoma City hosts the Phoenix Suns on Monday, with the team expected to regroup before the game and assess the injured players.
