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The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to do what hasn’t been done in nearly a decade in the NBA: win back-to-back titles.
Although their path to the NBA Finals will be difficult, as they are almost guaranteed to have to face two of the Lakers, Rockets, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Spurs in the next two rounds, they have proven themselves a capable team very much worthy of creating the next NBA dynasty.
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However, their road to the championship was just made a whole lot tougher.
Star guard-forward Jalen Williams was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain following the team’s Game 2 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, April 22.
Williams exited during the third quarter after grabbing his left hamstring following a layup attempt and did not return. The 2025 NBA All-Star had scored 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting in 23 minutes when he exited the game.
Williams has proven himself an invaluable asset to this Thunder squad and an extended absence could be devastating to the Thunder’s championship hopes.
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Jalen Williams evaluation
Williams will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. According to The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network, a Grade 1 hamstring strain is a mild strain with very little torn muscle. The injury usually has a recovery timeline of 1-2 weeks, which would keep Williams sidelined for at least Games 3-5 of the first round.
This injury is rather concerning for Williams considering that Williams already missed 49 games this season due to a hamstring strain in his right leg.
Williams has also suffered other injuries since last year’s NBA Finals victory, undergoing wrist surgery soon after the championship, which forced him to miss the start of the regular season.
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jalen-williams-injury-thunder-star-235525993.html
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Publish date : 2026-04-23 23:55:00
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