Thunder Beat Clippers for Third Straight Win, but Jalen Williams Is Carried Off on a Stretcher

The Oklahoma City Thunder stayed undefeated with a third straight win to start the season, beating the Los Angeles Clippers 108-101 in Oklahoma City on Sunday night. But the victory was overshadowed by All-Star guard Jalen Williams leaving the court on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious leg injury.

With only 1 minute 14 seconds left, Williams drove to the basket and his left leg gave way as he landed, his foot bending at an unnatural angle. The 25-year-old guard left on a stretcher with towels covering his injured leg. He covered his mouth with his hands when he looked down at the injury, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and players on both teams appeared to be in shock.

Williams had elevated near the hoop with Clippers defenders around him to attempt a shot when he landed in a very awkward position, his left foot and ankle underneath him. Trainers quickly made a circle around him. As he was wheeled off, Thunder fans chanted his name and he delivered a thumbs-up to acknowledge their support.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said after the game, 'We're not doing great.' He added that the team would be updated on the injury on Monday. Oklahoma City has not yet disclosed the details of the injury.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points in the game. He was in tears as he spoke about Williams afterwards. 'I just feel bad for him,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'It's obviously going to be tough without a player like that. But he's not gone for ever. He'll be back better than ever, and we know it. We've just got to hold the fort down until he comes back.'

The Thunder lost two more players to injury in the same game. Guard Cason Wallace (left shoulder soreness) and forward Jaylin Williams (right wrist soreness) left the game in the first quarter and did not return.

Williams is in his fifth NBA season. Last season he averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists across 33 games. He missed 49 games last season due to a variety of injuries but was a key part of the Thunder's title campaign in 2025. Last season a right wrist injury on his shooting hand, followed by right and left hamstring strains, kept him out for much of Oklahoma City's postseason run to the Western Conference Finals.

In Williams's absence, the versatile veteran Alex Caruso, who comes off the bench for the Thunder, and Jared McCain are likely the next men up for Oklahoma City, according to the match report.