What Happened to Jalen Williams? Latest Injury Update as Thunder Star Exits Game in First Quarter (May 20)

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May 18, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts in double overtime against the San Antonio Spurs during game one of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. © Brett Rojo-Imagn Images

OKC Thunder star Jalen Williams exited Wednesday’s Game 2 of the conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter. He played 7:18 minutes, scoring four points on 2 of 4 shots. Williams didn’t return to finish the first half, sparking fresh injury concerns.

The 2025 All-NBA nominee had dealt with a wrist surgery recovery at the beginning of the year, followed by a right hamstring injury. Williams injured his left hamstring in the first round of the playoffs and missed the conference semis against the Lakers before returning.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that Williams was getting treatment on his left hamstring during his absence.

“Jalen Williams was getting treatment on his left hamstring after exiting,” MacMahon wrote. “That’s the hamstring he strained in Game 2 of the first round, causing him to miss six games before coming back for the West finals opener.

It’s a significant long-term concern for the Thunder, especially for this series, as they are down 0-1. Williams was one of their better players in Game 1’s loss after scoring 26 points and grabbing seven rebounds on 44.0% shooting

OKC Thunder survive without Jalen Williams in first half and take commanding lead​

Jalen Williams’ absence didn’t hinder the Thunder’s progress in Game 2. Despite his absence, the Thunder won the second quarter 31-20 after the teams split the first 31-31. OKC took a 62-51 lead into the half. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned to his best after dropping 15 points on 6 of 11 shots.

Meanwhile, Cason Wallace had nine points and Alex Caruso followed his 31-point Game 1 with a seven-point half off the bench.

Mark Daigneault on Jalen Williams’ injury​

Mark Diagneault addressed Jalen Williams’ injury, saying he will be “checked out” on Thursday morning. That’s when the Thunder will provide the next update on the star forward. For now, the Thunder prevailed again in his absence, winning Game 2 122-113. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 30 points and nine assists on 50.0% shooting, while Alex Caruso stepped up with 17 points off the bench.

Five others scored in double-digits, including Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain, who filled in for Williams after his injury exit.

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