Sports
Thunder hold off Clippers as Jalen Williams leaves on stretcher
Oklahoma City beat Los Angeles 108-101 Sunday, but the win came with a major concern: Jalen Williams was carried off after an awkward fall late in the fourth quarter. The Thunder were already without guard Cason Wallace, who left earlier with left shoulder soreness.
The Oklahoma City Thunder improved to 3-0 with a 108-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, but the victory was overshadowed by injuries to two players, including star forward Jalen Williams.
Williams went up for a dunk with 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter at Paycom Center and was fouled by Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. He landed awkwardly on his left leg and needed help from the Thunder medical staff before being taken from the court on a stretcher. The team had not announced a diagnosis in the available update.
Williams gave two thumbs up as he was carried off. Fans in the arena chanted “J Dub,” his nickname.
“I just feel bad for him,” Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game, fighting back tears. “... We just got to hold the fort down until he comes back.”
The 25-year-old Williams had played in all three games to open the season, totaling 41 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. He missed much of last season, appearing in 33 games while dealing with a right wrist injury and hamstring strains, then returned to full health over the summer.
Starting guard Cason Wallace also left Sunday’s game. Oklahoma City ruled him out at halftime with left shoulder soreness.
The Thunder were scheduled to host the Phoenix Suns at 7 p.m. Monday. No further information about Williams’ injury was available in the team update following Sunday’s game.