Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reacts to Losing Jalen Williams to Injury in WCF vs. Spurs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 21, 2026 2:15 AM ET

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains confident in the Oklahoma City Thunder after Jalen Williams suffered an injury on Wednesday. Williams did not return in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs after he left late in the opening quarter due to left hamstring tightness.

The Thunder has already dealt with his absence in the playoffs. In the first round against the Phoenix Suns, Williams had a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and missed Games 3 and 4. The one-time All-Star returned in Game 1 against the Spurs after missing the second round matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Fortunately, SGA and the Thunder overcame Williams' limited time in the game to even the series at 1-1 with a 122-113 win. There's a chance that the Thunder star could miss the rest of the series, depending on how severe his injury is. During the postgame interview, the two-time MVP was asked about it.

“Obviously, if we don't have him, it hurts,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I still believe in this team though, like you said, we played a bunch of games without him. Won big games without him. But I still think we can get the job done.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the possibility of the Thunder not having Jalen Williams for the rest of this series.

“Yeah, don't know too much right now. Obviously, if we don't have him, it hurts. I still believe in this team though, like you said, we played a bunch of games… pic.twitter.com/r4UXWhBZLX
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) May 21, 2026

Although he remains confident in the Thunder, losing an All-Star is never easy.

“But yeah, losing a guy like that, a caliber of a player like that, no matter how good your team is otherwise, it hurts a little bit.”

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Thunder needs others to step up against the tough San Antonio squad. Thankfully, SGA shook off his poor 7-for-23 shooting night in Game 1 and carried the team on Wednesday. He had 30 points, four rebounds and nine assists on 50.0% shooting.

Thunder's Mark Daigneault Will "Update Accordingly" on Jalen Williams' Injury

Williams' situation has caught everyone's attention, and his availability might have an impact on the series' outcome. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed it after Game 2 and said that he has no update on the 25-year-old star.

“So he'll get checked out in the morning. We'll see where he's at, and we'll update accordingly,” he said.

Mark Daigneault on JDub’s health status.

“I don't deal in my hypotheticals, you know, especially when my doctors are involved. You know, I just let them tell us what s going on. So he'll get checked out in the morning. We'll see where he's at, and we'll update accordingly.” pic.twitter.com/CH1mtaQ6Tz
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) May 21, 2026

While losing Williams due to injury is a significant hurdle, it isn't the first time for the Thunder. They faced the Suns and Lakers with the star forward only playing two games. Even with his absence, they swept the two Pacific Division teams.

However, the Spurs are a different group, and the Thunder's limits could be tested. The defending champions will travel to San Antonio for Games 3 and 4 at the Frost Bank Center on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

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

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