OKC Thunder star Jalen Williams suffered a major setback on Sunday in a 108-101 win against the LA Clippers after suffering a severe lower-left leg and ankle injury. Williams will need surgery, and he is expected to miss several months of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Williams went down after he tried to attack the basket against the Clippers. He landed awkwardly on his left leg and had to be put on a stretcher.
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On Monday, general manager Sam Presti held a press conference and provided an update on Williams’ injury. According to the executive, the one-time All-Star “is in great spirits” following a fractured fibula and a dislocated left ankle.
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Presti also told the media that there is no timetable for Williams’ return. The Thunder will have a timeline for his recovery after his surgery.
That was only Jalen Williams’ third game of the 2026-27 season. The Thunder were hoping to have him be more available after playing only 33 games last season. The guard-forward suffered several nagging injuries during the 2025-26 season, limiting his time on the floor.
Aside from Williams, Presti announced Cason Wallace is expected to miss significant time. Wallace suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
“Obviously, tough night last night. There’s no way to paint that differently. We say within our walls all of the time that there’s a difference between being positive and being optimistic. I’m not going to sit up here and say this is exactly where we want to be or this is how we’d like to have it. But at the same time, we’re extremely optimistic about the recovery for both of the players. Most importantly, things could’ve been a lot worse,” said Presti.
The Thunder will deal with the absence of two key players moving forward.
Sam Presti Shares Jalen Williams’ Mindset Following the Severe Injury
Jalen Williams has recovered from several minor injuries. His recent injury is perhaps the worst setback he’s ever had. Despite what happened, Williams remains positive.
Sam Presti revealed Williams’ mindset following the setback.
“He has an elite mindset. It’s what makes him a great player. It’s what keeps him motivated, and it’s why we all love him,” the general manager said.
After their game last night, several Thunder players offered their support for Jalen Williams. Back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed how much he cares for his co-star.
“You’ve got to play the hand you’re dealt in life. It is what it is. It sucks, but it’s part of the game,” SGA said. “But we have a team for a reason. We have a guy who can step in place. Make a difference out there on the floor. Hold the fort down until those guys come back. But also support those guys in their journey.”
The Thunder will face the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
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Edited by Reign Amurao
