The Western Conference finals turned into a battle of attrition Wednesday night after Game 2 sent two key guards to the locker room. Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams and San Antonio’s Dylan Harper will each undergo an MRI, leaving both clubs uncertain ahead of Friday’s Game 3.
Thunder lose Williams early
Williams exited in the first half with tightness in his left hamstring—the same injury that sidelined him earlier in the postseason. The Thunder ruled him out at halftime. Head coach Mark Daigneault said afterward, “He’s going to get checked out. We’ll see where he’s at.” Williams had scored 26 points in Game 1 and appeared fully recovered before the setback.
If he cannot play Friday, Oklahoma City is expected to lean more heavily on rookies Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell. Mitchell briefly left Game 2 after a blow to the leg but later indicated he should be available.
Spurs’ depth further tested
San Antonio’s backcourt was already thin with De’Aaron Fox nursing a high ankle sprain. The situation worsened when Harper grabbed at his right hamstring and left midway through the third quarter. The rookie, who delivered a standout performance in Game 1 while filling in for Fox, is also scheduled for an MRI.
Should both Fox and Harper remain sidelined, head coach Gregg Popovich may be forced to extend minutes for fellow rookie Stephon Castle and veteran Jordan McLaughlin.
Game 3 is set for Friday night, with both franchises awaiting medical updates that could shape the remainder of the series.
Source: Hoops Wire
