The Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 on Wednesday night to even the Western Conference Finals at one game apiece.
However, despite the victory, a season that has already been defined by injury for Thunder star Jalen Williams took another concerning turn.
Williams left the game and did not return after re-aggravating his hamstring — an injury that kept him out for 49 games during the regular season and the bulk of the postseason thus far, including the entire second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
He had been coming off a strong Game 1 performance against the Spurs, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Now, his status moving forward is in serious doubt, and according to longtime sports doctor David J. Chao, Williams could be sidelined for at least the remainder of the Western Conference Finals.
“Williams is expected to miss at least the remainder of the Western Conference Finals after aggravating the injury,” Chao’s report stated. “Hamstring injuries are particularly difficult to manage during the playoffs because explosiveness, lateral movement, and fatigue can all increase the risk of reinjury. Returning after missing only six games likely left Williams vulnerable to aggravation, especially while playing heavy minutes immediately upon return.
“If Oklahoma City advances to the NBA Finals, Williams’ availability would remain in question depending on the severity of the setback.”