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OKLAHOMA CITY — Tears welled in the eyes of Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as he discussed the leg injury sustained by teammate Jalen Williams at the conclusion of a 108-101 win against the LA Clippers.
As the Thunder were securing their third victory of the young regular season, Williams went down with a gruesome left ankle injury. He was stretchered off the court, but managed to give fans in Oklahoma City a two-thumbs-up gesture before leaving.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who was visibly emotional during his walk-off interview, gathered himself before addressing reporters about how the Thunder plan to move forward after losing Williams in such a devastating manner.
"It sucks, but it's part of the game," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "We have a team for a reason. We got guys that are ready to step in place and make a difference out there on the floor. Hold the fort down until those guys come back and also support those guys in their journey. Super unfortunate. All three of them, I guess, tonight. But yeah, we'll be OK."
In a game where the Thunder also lost Cason Wallace (left shoulder) and Jaylin Williams (right wrist soreness) to injuries in the first half, Jalen Williams' devastating leg injury could cost him the rest of the regular season.
After wrist surgeries and two hamstring injuries plagued his 2025-26 campaign, Williams was positioned to have a bounce-back year for the Thunder, who entered the season with the best odds of winning the Finals.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander is focused on keeping a positive mindset while looking ahead to the Thunder's immediate future.
"One of our biggest strengths is us as a unit," Gilgeous-Alexander added. "It helps us when we're fully whole, and it helps us when we're not fully whole, and it'll be no different than it's been in the past. We have guys with big injuries. We'll figure out a way to keep getting better."
Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the Thunder's win against the Clippers. Ajay Mitchell paced the bench with 18 points, while Williams exited the game with eight points, five assists, two steals, and one block.
Key Analysis
The Thunder's depth will be tested as they navigate the absence of multiple key players. Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and the team's collective resilience will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the Western Conference.
Originally reported by yahoo.