Mark Daigneault's Jalen Williams Message After Leaving Suns Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 1:44 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder remain one of the best teams in the NBA, entering the stretch run as the frontrunners to win the Finals once again.

The roster features elite depth around point guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, and that depth is headlined by one of the league’s most efficient and versatile playmakers, Jalen Williams.

Williams has spent four seasons in Oklahoma City since being drafted in 2022 and has thrived as a one‑time All‑Star and All‑NBA selection because of his ability to score at all three levels, defend multiple positions and operate as a secondary creator who eases the offensive burden on Gilgeous‑Alexander.

This season, the 24-year-old has appeared in 25 games and averaged 17.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 46.5% from the field and 29.0% from beyond the arc.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8)Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Williams got off to an electric start on Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns. Through his first 20 minutes, he poured in 28 points on an efficient 11‑for‑12 shooting performance. He added four rebounds and five assists with only one turnover, and as the fourth quarter approached, the Thunder were once again in control.

However, during a timeout in the third quarter, Williams was subbed out and headed to the locker room while grabbing at his hamstring. He had just returned on Monday against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing 10 games with a right hamstring injury. Williams did not return to the contest.

After the game, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault spoke with reporters and praised Williams’ performance.

“He was cooking. That was impressive. He was in a great flow. It was an unbelievable complete game. It completes a really memorable trip for him with the high school jersey retirement last night and then for him to play in his hometown the way he did in front of his people. It’s pretty special,” he said, according to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. Unfortunately, Daigneault did not have an update on Williams’ status.

Asked Mark Daigneault about Jalen Williams’ strong play before he exited the game:

“He was cooking. That was impressive. He was in a great flow. … It was an unbelievable complete game. It completes a really memorable trip for him with the high school jersey retirement last… pic.twitter.com/3qxzysgJOB
— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) February 12, 2026

This is another setback in a season that has already been disrupted by injuries, including offseason surgery on his right wrist. As frustrating as it is, the Thunder are built for a deep playoff run, and protecting Williams’ health remains essential to their hopes of repeating as NBA champions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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