OKC Thunder react to Jalen Williams' hamstring injury in Game 2 win over Suns

Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) screams after dunking against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Even though the Oklahoma City Thunder inched closer to their back-to-back ambitions, there was more of a funeral vibe to their 120-107 Game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns. While they cruised to a victory, most people had their minds elsewhere in worry.

Injuries just won't leave Jalen Williams alone. For the third time in four months, he sustained a hamstring injury. This time, on his left leg — the good side that remained trouble-free. Going for a fastbreak layup, the 25-year-old immediately grabbed the back of his leg. He played a couple of possessions before committing a foul to check out.

Moments later, Williams walked off to the tunnel. He wasn't seen again in the second half. Uh oh. He gutted through an injury-riddled regular season with just 33 games played. He had two wrist surgeries and two hamstring strains to thank for his missed time.

Now, Williams' woes have leaked over to the NBA playoffs. The place where your margin for error hovers around zero for two months — if you're lucky. We'll see how much, if any, time he misses. Fair to say being sidelined will completely shake up OKC's title odds.

Williams had been the Thunder's best playoff player through the first six quarters. Just brutal. No way around it. You need as much luck as talent to win an NBA championship. And for the first time in four years with this group, it looks like they sustained a major injury in the postseason.