How Jalen Williams has kept positive mindset despite latest hamstring strain

Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Parking himself at the end of the bench, Jalen Williams has unfortunately grown accustomed to that spot. After helping bring home a Larry O'Brien trophy, the All-NBA talent has stomached an injury-riddled season filled with two wrist surgeries and three hamstring strains.

This latest injury has now affected the NBA playoffs. Williams sustained a hamstring strain in OKC's Game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns. He remains week-to-week. Depending on when Round 2 starts, he could miss additional time beyond just the last two games the Thunder played in their Round 1 sweep.

Given every reason to act like Eeyore, Williams has taken a glass-half-full approach every time he returned from a setback. Expect that to stick when he eventually rejoins the Thunder in their NBA playoff journey. This is the first time in four years of postseason basketball that OKC has dealt with a notable absence like this.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has discovered a winning formula without Williams. Forced to be without him in 49 of OKC's 82 regular-season games, they've found a new identity to play at a high level on both ends of the floor. Ajay Mitchell has stepped up as their second go-to scorer. The defense remains indestructible — albeit with fewer turnovers forced.

"I think his personality, he has such a dynamic personality that it can overshadow the fact that he’s a ruthless competitor. He’s a great competitor. There’s never a game that he’s not competing," Daigneault said. "He plays with a motor every single night. He’s a seven o’clock player. When it’s seven, he’s ready to go. And when he’s out, it obviously hurts. But I think that’s probably hard for him to turn off, and it helps the team."