Mark Daigneault’s encouraging take on Thunder Jalen Williams’ hamstring injury

Head coach Mark Daigneault addressed Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams’ left hamstring injury for the first time since the starting forward’s initial diagnosis. Ahead of Game 3 of their best-of-7, first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, Daigneault revealed he’s encouraged by Williams’ Grade 1 left hamstring diagnosis.

Daigneault is happy that Williams’ diagnosis of a hamstring injury is better than he initially thought.

“I feel for him because he’s worked hard to get back. But that was a relatively positive development, given the fact that he had the injury,” Daigneault said. “That could have been a lot worse. We would have to earn our way to get him back with us. In a vacuum, that was positive news for him.”

Given the many setbacks Williams endured during the regular season, Daigneault is confident the Thunder can compete at a high level without their starting forward.

“There’s a reason we operate the way we do during the season. We’re always trying to think about putting ourselves in the best position to have the most options and be the most rounded team we can be in the biggest game,” Daigneault added. “And that’s where we’re at. We’re in the playoffs, and we want to be the most rounded team we can be.

“And have the most options. The way we’ve operated this season and in previous seasons has put us in the best position to do that.”

For the first time in three years, Mark Daigneault and the Thunder will enter a playoff game without Williams.

Jalen Williams’ injury update amid Thunder series

Thunder forward Jalen Williams will be re-evaluated in a week, which could result in him missing the rest of the defending champions’ first-round best-of-7 series, depending on how the Suns respond in Phoenix. At the risk of facing a 0-3 hole, the Suns will look to earn their first win against the Thunder.

The Thunder announced Williams’ injury after he exited the game in the third quarter of Game 2.

“Jalen Williams has sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis,” the Thunder announced on Thursday.

The Suns will host the Thunder on Saturday.

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