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Jalen Williams leaves on stretcher after leg injury in Thunder win

Devon Jackson
Devon Jackson
NBA Editor
3:17 AM
NBA
Jalen Williams leaves on stretcher after leg injury in Thunder win
Jalen Williams suffered a lower-leg injury late in Oklahoma City’s 108-101 win over the Clippers. The Thunder had not immediately announced a diagnosis.

Jalen Williams was taken from the court on a stretcher after suffering a lower-leg injury during Oklahoma City's 108-101 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, October 25. USA TODAY reported that the Thunder player landed awkwardly beneath the basket with 1:14 remaining in the fourth quarter, bringing medical staff onto the court.

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An athletic trainer attended to Williams while a team official covered his leg with a towel, according to USA TODAY's account. Players from both teams reacted with distress. Supporters chanted his nickname, JDub, as he was helped onto the stretcher, and Williams raised both thumbs towards the crowd before being wheeled away from the playing area.

Williams had contributed across several categories before the injury ended his night. Sportsnet's initial report listed eight points, two rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. USA TODAY's subsequent statistical summary recorded 31 minutes and 41 seconds on the floor, with three successful field-goal attempts from eight shots and both of his free throws converted.

The injury drew an emotional response from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after the game. USA TODAY reported that the Thunder guard fought back tears while discussing his teammate and the team's need to continue in his absence. Coach Mark Daigneault also thanked supporters for their reaction and for chanting Williams' name during the stoppage.

The setback follows an interrupted season for the 25-year-old. Sportsnet reported that Williams appeared in only 33 regular-season games last year and made five playoff appearances before Oklahoma City's elimination in the Western Conference Finals. Those limited appearances preceded his return to the lineup for the opening games of the new campaign.

Before Sunday's contest, Williams had averaged 16.5 points, six rebounds and 2.5 assists across Oklahoma City's first two games, according to Sportsnet. His average playing time in those outings was 31.5 minutes. Sunday's injury cut short his third appearance of the season.

The Associated Press reported no immediate diagnosis. Daigneault said the team would receive an update on Williams' condition on Monday morning.

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