Williams, Harper Scheduled for MRIs After Leaving West Finals Game 2
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Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams and San Antonio guard Dylan Harper will undergo MRI examinations after both exited Wednesday’s Game 2 of the Western Conference finals with hamstring injuries.
Williams departed after logging just over seven minutes in the first quarter at Paycom Center. The Thunder later ruled him out with tightness in his left hamstring—the same muscle he strained earlier in the postseason, an injury that sidelined him for the final two games of the first-round series against Phoenix and the entire second round versus the Lakers. Head coach Mark Daigneault told reporters the 25-year-old would be evaluated further and that the club would provide an update when available.
With Williams unavailable, rookie Cason Wallace opened the second half alongside the regular starters. Guard Ajay Mitchell, who made six starts while Williams was injured earlier in the playoffs, appeared to hurt his leg late in the fourth quarter but said afterward he had only taken a hit to the thigh and expected to be fine.
San Antonio’s injury issues in the backcourt continued when Harper left midway through the third quarter with what appeared to be a right hamstring problem. The rookie is scheduled for an MRI on Thursday in San Antonio. Harper had filled in for De’Aaron Fox, who has missed both games of the series with a high ankle sprain.
Harper delivered 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals in 47 minutes during Game 1. He recorded 12 points, three assists and two rebounds in 25 minutes before exiting Game 2.
Fox participated in pre-game warm-ups before each of the first two contests but was ultimately held out. Head coach Mitch Johnson said the guard is trying to “tough it out” but must reach a point where he can compete effectively.
If both Fox and Harper remain sidelined for Game 3 on Friday, the Spurs are expected to rely more heavily on rookie Stephon Castle and veteran Jordan McLaughlin. Castle has committed 20 turnovers across the first two games, while McLaughlin, who averaged 6.4 minutes during the regular season, contributed six points in seven minutes in Game 2.
Source: Hoops Rumors
