OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's eyes filled up with tears talking about Jalen Williams' leg injury at the end of a 108-101 win against the LA Clippers. As the Thunder were putting the finishing touches on their third victory of the young regular season, Williams suffered a gruesome left ankle injury. He was carted off the court in a stretcher before giving fans in Oklahoma City two thumbs up.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who was emotional during his walk-off interview, composed himself before speaking to reporters on how the Thunder plan to move forward after losing Williams in a devastating fashion.

“It sucks but it’s part of the game. We have a team for a reason. We got guys that are ready to step in place and make a difference out there on the floor,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Hold the fort down until those guys come back and also support those guys in their journey. Super unfortunate. All three of them, I guess, tonight. But yeah, we’ll be OK.”

“It sucks but it’s part of the game. We have a team for a reason. We got guys that are ready to step in place; make a difference out there on the floor.

Hold the fort until those guys come back and also support those guys in their journey. Super unfortunate… but yeah, we’ll be… pic.twitter.com/GUXnzRLfCb

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) October 26, 2026

In a game where the Thunder also lost Cason Wallace (left shoulder) and Jaylin Williams (right wrist soreness) to injuries in the first half, Jalen Williams' devastating leg injury could cost him the rest of the regular season. After wrist surguries and two hamstring injuries plagued 2025-26, Williams was positioned to have a bounce-back year for the Thunder, who entered the season with the best odds of winning the Finals.

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However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is focused on keeping a positive mindset while looking ahead to the Thunder's immediate future.

“One of our biggest strengths is us as a unit. It helps us when we're fully whole, and it helps us when we're not fully whole, and it'll be no different than it's been in the past,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “We have guys with big injuries. We'll figure out a way to keep getting better.”

Gilgeous-Alexander led with 34 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the Thunder's win against the Clippers. Ajay Mitchell led the bench with 18 points, and Williams left the game with eight points, five assists, two steals, and one block.