NBA players across the league couldn’t do anything but watch and pray after Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams suffered a gnarly lower-leg injury during Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Clippers defenders Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. collided with Williams midair as he soared toward the rim during the final minutes of the game. Oklahoma City’s star guard fell to the ground with no way to steady himself.
His left leg folded up underneath him and then bent to the side at an unnatural angle. The 25-year-old, affectionately known to fans and fellow players as “J-Dub,” began writhing in obvious pain. Medical staff quickly covered the injured leg with a towel before carting him off the court on a stretcher.
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Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams’ backcourt partner, watched with his jersey over his face.
“I just feel bad for him,” Gilgeous-Alexander told the TV broadcasters after the game. “Nothing more than that.”
The injury led to an immediate outpouring of support from players like Draymond Green and Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors, who posted identical “Prayers up for JDub” messages on social media.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, Orlando Magic forward Paulo Banchero and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton issued similar prayer-filled posts online.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said the team would provide an update on Williams’ injury on Monday.
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