Massive Loss for OKC in Game 7: Jalen Williams Out with Hamstring Strain, Ajay Mitchell Also Off the List

The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder shared a shocking news before Game 7, the last of the NBA Western Conference Finals. Star player Jalen Williams will not be able to take the court in the decisive match at Paycom Center against the San Antonio Spurs at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, due to "injury management" stemming from his left hamstring strain — meaning a decision by the team not to risk his long-term health.

Williams's injury had been causing the team difficulty throughout this playoff journey. The hamstring strain that started in Game 2 of the first-round elimination series against the Phoenix Suns kept the player out for six matches. Williams returned in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals and delivered a brilliant 26 points + 7 rebounds performance in 37 minutes, but unfortunately, he could only stay on court for seven minutes in Game 2 and the same area was strained again. Williams entered Game 6 from the bench for 10 minutes and managed to score just 1 point, but this performance was a warning sign. Whereas Thunder normally prefers a same-day announcement an hour before tip-off, this time they clarified the decision a day in advance — showing that the alarm bells are ringing louder.

Additionally, there is another loss: Ajay Mitchell, who strained the soleus muscle of his right calf in Game 3, is also out for Game 7. Mitchell, regarded as the team's best player in the second-round series where OKC swept the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0, is a critical loss.

These injuries come at a critical moment for the Thunder seeking back-to-back titles. In the practice on the court, Jared McCain is taking the starting spot — the young player who came to OKC via trade from the Philadelphia 76ers averaged 12.6 points over the last two rounds. Backup big man Jaylin Williams is also getting increased time off the bench; he was the main actor of the victory in Game 3 with 18 points + 5 rebounds. Still, Jalen Williams's absence leaves a big hole in terms of playmaking, wing scoring, and perimeter defense.

Interesting statistic: OKC has an 8-1 record without Williams in this playoff — proving the depth advantage. However, in this decisive battle, which is the first Game 7 between two MVP top-3 finalists since 1982, the absence of the team's second-best playmaker places a colossal burden on the shoulders of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.