Thunder Lose Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell for Game 7 as 17.1-point scorer sits with hamstring injury
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 30
Thunder Lose Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell for Game 7 as 17.1-point scorer sits with hamstring injury
9 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 30
Oklahoma City ruled out Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for Saturday's Western Conference finals Game 7 against San Antonio, leaving the Thunder short-handed in a win-or-go-home matchup.
Williams, who averaged 17.1 points this season, reinjured his hamstring in Game 2, missed Games 3 through 5, then managed only 10 minutes and one point in the 118-91 Game 6 loss.
Mitchell was also sidelined with a right soleus strain after averaging 15.1 points per game in these playoffs, further thinning Oklahoma City's backcourt rotation.
The absences add pressure on MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was held to a season-low 15 points in Game 6 as the Spurs forced the series to a decider.
The Game 7 winner advances to face the New York Knicks, who have reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
With his best teammate out, can a struggling SGA overcome Wembanyama's defense in a legacy-defining Game 7?
Will Wembanyama's dominance end OKC's season, or can the Thunder's home-court advantage overcome their devastating injuries?