Life moves on in the NBA. The grueling every-other-night regular season schedule has left the Oklahoma City Thunder very little time to emotionally process one of the darkest nights in franchise history. Before Halloween even arrived, they've gone from co-title favorite to just another team.
The Thunder will be without Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace for the foreseeable future. And in all likelihood, the remainder of the 2026-27 season. Both sustained serious injuries in OKC's win over the LA Clippers this past Sunday.
With a minute to go in regulation, Williams drove to the basket. Kris Dunn recklessly collided with him mid-air. He landed badly on his left leg as it snapped backward. After being stretchered out, the entire NBA world knew it was
a career-altering injury. He was eventually diagnosed with a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle.
While Thunder GM Sam Presti refused to disclose a timeline for Williams, expect a longggg road to recovery. More so than last year's constant hamstring problems. Alas, all the All-NBA talent can do is attack his rehab and stay patient. The first step of that happened Tuesday night.
With his brother Cody Williams by his side, Williams posted a social media photo. It's the first time the public has gotten a look at him since his gruesome-looking injury. In it, he posed with his younger brother as his leg was understandably in a cast. I'm assuming he's already had surgery to address both injuries. If not, soon.
The Thunder are left picking up the pieces of an apocalyptic night. They go from title or bust to... who knows? They have three months to figure out their next move by the 2027 NBA trade deadline. It'll be another year where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren will be depended on to carry them most nights.
Jalen Williams with his brother Cody pic.twitter.com/XGcSAI2BEn
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 28, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Look: Jalen Williams posts 1st update since gruesome-looking leg injury
