OKC Thunder All-Star Exits Matchup With Denver Nuggets Early

The Oklahoma City Thunder will miss All-Star Jalen Williams for the second half of its matchup with the Denver Nuggets after the forward suffered an injury before intermission.

Mar 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) shoots and scores a three point basket as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) comes in to defend during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Denver Nuggets on the second night of a back-to-back. Both ends of this set saw the Nuggets waltz into the Paycom Center for a Nationally Televised showdown of two of the best squads in the Western Conference and the two candidates for the 2024-25 NBA MVP award.

In the midst of the first half on Monday, the OKC Thunder suffered a tough loss. For the past two games, the Thunder rolled out a fully healthy rotation and gave a glimpse of what they could look like come playoff time. Even seeing Chet Holmgren play on both sides of this back-to-back to make it happen - marking the first time that has happened since he returned from a hip fracture in November.

Though, at the 5:10 mark of the second quarter, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams exited the game with what the Thunder have labeled a hip strain. The team has ruled him out for the remainder of this contest.

At intermission, the Oklahoma City Thunder own a 73-67 lead over the Denver Nuggets. Williams' night ends with 12 points, six assists and two rebounds on 50% shooting from the floor in 14 minutes of action.

It is yet to be seen how long the Santa Clara product will be out. Up next, the Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Boston to take on the defending champion Celtics.

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