Jalen Williams shared a positive update on his recovery from a left hamstring strain, explaining that the Oklahoma City Thunder’ second-round sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers allowed him additional time to heal before the Western Conference Finals.
Williams suffered the injury during Oklahoma City’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns and has not played since Game 2 on April 22.
“I haven’t had to rush back from my hamstring stuff at all,” Williams said on his YouTube channel.
“I’m actually taking extra days now then what was even originally planned because we were up 3-0 (on the Lakers), so there was no point in going into this series and possibly hurting myself before we have to play the Timberwolves or the Spurs. I’m about to go into another series healthy.”
The 25-year-old wing dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season, including offseason wrist surgery and two separate right hamstring strains, limiting him to a career-low 33 regular-season games.
Despite the injuries, Williams averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game this season.
He also played extremely well in the opening two games against Phoenix before suffering the latest injury.
With Williams sidelined, Ajay Mitchell stepped into a larger role as a secondary ball-handler for Oklahoma City and could still remain part of the rotation once Williams returns.
Jalen Williams Says He’s ‘Healthy’ Ahead Of Western Finals https://t.co/CpI1TuMHQ2
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 16, 2026
