Jaylen Williams leaves Heat clash with apparent hamstring injury
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered their game against the Miami Heat on Saturday looking to add to their current five-game winning streak, but their attention now turns to a potential injury problem. Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams was forced to leave the team’s game against the Heat due to an apparent injury, and he eventually turned off for the rest of the game.
Jaylen Williams’ 2025-26 debut has been delayed like he was recovering from a wrist injury and now the Thunder potentially have this new issue to deal with. He emerged as an important part of the Thunder’s championship core, and was selected to his first All-Star appearance last season.
The injury occurred in the second quarter when Williams drove to the basket and was met at the rim by Heat defenders. He tossed it over Chet Holmgren’s shoulder before landing somewhat awkwardly. An update on Williams will likely come some time after the game.
The No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams is in his fourth season in the NBA. It was his emergence as a legitimate star that helped turn the Thunder into a perennial championship contender.
Williams missed the first 19 games of the season while recovering from a wrist injury, but entering Saturday’s game, he had appeared in 23 games and logged just over 30 minutes per game. He averaged 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 46.8 percent from the field, 27.6 percent from the 3-point line and 83.3 percent from the free throw line.
During last season’s title run, Williams averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 44.9 percent from the field, 30.4 percent from the 3-point line and 78.9 percent from the free throw line.
2026-01-18 02:17:00
