Mark Daigneault takes glass-half-full approach with Jalen Williams' injury

Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) goes up for a basket beside Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Looking like the best team in the 2026 NBA playoffs through the first four days, the Oklahoma City Thunder hit their first rough patch on the road to a hopeful back-to-back NBA championships. Jalen Williams sustained a hamstring strain in their Game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Now, Williams will miss at least one week as he's labeled week-to-week with the Grade 1 diagnosis. Just brutal. The consequential playoff victory took a backseat as the 25-year-old limped into the tunnel after a missed fastbreak layup caused the injury.

It's the latest chapter of an injury-riddled year. Williams was limited to 33 games in the regular season. A couple of wrist surgeries and hamstring strains forced the All-NBA player to be sidelined for most of the year. I guess the good news is it's the left leg this time. The previous two were on the right leg.

Now, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault will have to embark on uncharted territory. This is the first time this group will be without one of their top players in postseason action in their four years together. He's taken a glass-half-full approach, as OKC should be used to playing without Williams.