OKLAHOMA CITY — Veteran guard Alex Caruso reacted to Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams’ devastating left ankle injury in Sunday’s 108-101 win against the LA Clippers. Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander teared up after Williams exited the game on a stretcher in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
After the win, Caruso didn’t hold back about the emotions he and his Thunder teammates feel after Williams’ gruesome injury.
“There’s no getting around feeling bad for Dub, feeling sorry for him; all the emotions that come with somebody getting stretchered off the court. That’s your teammate,” Caruso said. “That’s been through all the things that he’s been through and the adversity he’s been through; to work and get back, and then have something else freak happen to you. It stings. For us, at this point, it’s just about being there for him, and being professional when it comes to playing basketball.
“There’s no way to sugarcoat it, get around it, and act like you’re not affected by it; you are. But the only thing you can do now is regroup tomorrow. Come back and play the games, and kind of compartmentalize those emotions while you have to go and show up for your job.”
Thunder veteran Alex Caruso reminded reporters that Jalen Williams has a strong support system.
“Just being there for each other. It’s one of the blessings of being in this organization is there’s great people around you at all times,” Caruso added. “You don’t get to come in the door if you’re not a great person/great human being. Having that kind of support around each other, around Dub, it goes a long way. It makes it a little easier, as difficult as it is still.”
Jalen Williams’ Thunder teammates’ emotional reaction to his fall instantly revealed the severity of his ankle injury as they stood nearby, waiting for a stretcher to arrive.
Jalen Williams takes an ugly fall and is not getting up.
Leg injury. Stretcher is now on the court as his teammates are close by for support pic.twitter.com/e6bHddi6W6
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) October 26, 2026
While Caruso knows the Thunder will undoubtedly be there for Williams during such a difficult time, he’s confident in Jalen’s resilience, as he’s proven after an injury-riddled 2025-26 season.
“Dub is a resilient human being. He has great parents. He comes from a great family of hard work and love, and putting your best foot forward at all times,” Caruso said. “The couple of years I’ve been here getting to know his mom and dad, I know that they raised their children right. I think those characteristics and qualities are instilled in him as a person.
“At a certain point, you can’t be a victim anymore, and you have to take the adversity head-on and fight back. He’s continued to do that, and I know he’ll continue to do it moving forward.”
There’s no word on Williams’ official diagnosis. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault says there will be an injury update on Monday.
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