Thunder see off Clippers, but Jalen Williams' stretcher exit overshadows the win
Oklahoma City beat the Clippers 108–101 on Sunday 25 October to make it three wins from three games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points and Ajay Mitchell added 18 off the bench. The Thunder's night was nonetheless clouded by Jalen Williams leaving the court on a stretcher after a fall late in the game. No immediate medical diagnosis was announced at the final whistle.
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Oklahoma City beat the Clippers 108–101 on Sunday 25 October to make it three wins from three games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points and Ajay Mitchell added 18 off the bench. The Thunder's night was nonetheless clouded by Jalen Williams leaving the court on a stretcher after a fall late in the game. No immediate medical diagnosis was announced at the final whistle.
Tight contest until the final quarter
The Thunder took the first quarter 23–20, but the Clippers won the second quarter 26–20. At the break, Los Angeles therefore led 46–43. The visitors had enough offensive variety to keep pace with Gilgeous-Alexander without letting Oklahoma City pull clear.
The third quarter put the Thunder back in front: 34–30 in the quarter, for a 77–76 lead at the end of it. Only one possession separated the sides. Oklahoma City won the last quarter 31–25, staying more efficient when both teams needed a bucket.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell and Hartenstein decisive
With 34 points, six rebounds and five assists, Gilgeous-Alexander was the Thunder's focal point. Mitchell contributed 18 points, six rebounds and four assists off the bench, a valuable boost to the team's playmaking. Isaiah Hartenstein finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Alex Caruso added 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Clippers got 16 points and 11 assists from Darius Garland. Kris Dunn and Brook Lopez each scored 15 points. Los Angeles even hit 15 three-pointers, to Oklahoma City's eight. That shooting still did not make up for the visitors' 26 turnovers, a heavy cost in a game that stayed so close for so long.
Williams' exit marks the end of the night
With 1 minute 14 seconds left, Williams fell on a drive to the basket before leaving the court on a stretcher. His exit shifted the focus to his condition. The exact nature of his injury and how long he will be out remain to be confirmed by his team; no medical conclusion can be drawn from the fall alone.
The result gives Oklahoma City a record of 3–0, against 1–2 for the Clippers. On the court, the Thunder found their answers in the output of their lead guard and in the support of Mitchell and Hartenstein. The next updates on Williams will now be awaited to gauge how the night affects the rest of his early season.
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