Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams stretchered off after leg injury
Thunder forward Jalen Williams was taken off the court on a stretcher following a leg injury sustained with just over a minute left in a game, prompting concern from teammates and coaches.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams was removed from the arena on a stretcher Sunday night after his left leg twisted awkwardly during a drive to the basket with 1:14 remaining in the game. The play involved a collision with Detroit Pistons forward Derrick Jones Jr. and guard Kris Dunn, who was assessed a foul.
Williams remained on the floor for several minutes before medical staff lifted him onto a stretcher. The arena fell silent as he was escorted out, and some fans briefly chanted his nickname.
"Those are tough, man. We're not doing great," Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said in the postgame interview.
"He just loves playing. He loves the competition. That's who he is. I have no doubt he'll be back better than before," said teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Williams, who appeared in 33 games last season after a hamstring injury, has been averaging 16.5 points per game this season, contributing to the Thunder's status as a title contender.