Oklahoma City Thunder wing Jalen Williams, who missed the past six games with a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring, said he is healthy ahead of the Western Conference finals, the report says. Williams told viewers on a video posted to his YouTube channel that he has not rushed his return and has taken extra recovery days before the upcoming series, per the report.
Coach Mark Daigneault described Williams as “progressing” after Friday’s practice but declined to provide further detail, the report says. Williams was suited up for that session, and the Thunder are not required to issue an official status update until the evening before the series opener, according to the report.
Williams’ availability carries context given his injury history this season. The report notes he was a third-team All-NBA pick last season and played an important role in the Thunder’s run despite having offseason surgery on his right wrist. He was limited to 33 regular-season games because of injuries.
The report adds Williams missed the first 19 games while recovering from wrist surgery and then endured two extended absences after a right hamstring strain that flared following his return before the All-Star break. He started the playoffs strongly before sustaining the left hamstring strain in the third quarter of Game 2 against Phoenix, per the report.
Early playoff performance cited in the report included a 22-point, seven-rebound, six-assist outing in the opener and a 19-point, four-assist showing in 23 minutes before exiting Game 2. With Williams sidelined, Ajay Mitchell filled the starting role in the second-round sweep of Los Angeles and averaged 22.5 points and 6.0 assists across the four games, the report says.
Williams also told ESPN that he is not worried about the team and emphasized a desire to be ready to help when available, according to the report. He indicated he expects to enter the next series healthy, per the report.
