Oklahoma City Thunder player Jalen Williams received numerous injections to manage his wrist injury
**Thunder's Jalen Williams Overcomes Severe Wrist Injury to Secure NBA Championship**
In the thrilling 2024-25 NBA season, Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams demonstrated extraordinary resilience and dedication as he played through a torn scapholunate ligament and a wrist sprain in his right hand.
The injury, sustained during a game against the Phoenix Suns on April 9, was a significant setback for Williams. He recalls hearing a "paper ripping noise" and feeling intense pain, with his "whole top of [his] wrist on fire"[1][2]. Despite the agony, Williams' determination to help his team secure the championship never wavered.
### A Battle Against Pain
To manage the pain, Williams received 28 or 29 pain-killing injections in his hand throughout the postseason[1][3]. This included lidocaine injections during practice sessions, which enabled him to continue playing through the pain. His mental toughness was unwavering, with Williams choosing not to disclose his injury details during the season.
### The Road to Recovery
After the Thunder clinched the championship, Williams underwent surgery on his right wrist to address the injury properly[2][4]. This was a crucial step towards ensuring his long-term health and recovery.
### A Testament to Resilience
Williams' ability to perform through such a severe injury is a testament to his resilience and commitment to his team. His performance during the championship run, where the Thunder conquered four-straight series, was remarkable. The championship victory was achieved despite the challenges posed by Williams' injury and the criticism about his readiness for the moment due to his injury[5].
In a video posted on his own YouTube account on Tuesday, Williams revealed the extent of his injury and the pain he endured during the championship run. He was inspired by Kobe Bryant's example of playing through similar injuries during his career[6].
The Thunder's championship run spanned over the course of 11 weeks, with Williams' performance being a key factor in their success. His decision not to reveal his injury was due to human nature wanting to scream about being hurt, but he was able to lock in and not use it as an excuse[7].
The Oklahoma City medical staff used various techniques to manage Williams' injury during the championship run, enabling him to give his best performance on the court. Williams' story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and the power of determination in achieving success.
[1] ESPN. (2025). Jalen Williams' Injury Details Emerge After Thunder's Championship Win. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35390552/jalen-williams-injury-details-emerge-oklahoma-city-thunder-championship-win
[2] SI. (2025). Jalen Williams Opens Up About His Injury and Road to Recovery. [online] Available at: https://www.si.com/nba/2025/07/06/jalen-williams-injury-recovery-thunder-championship
[3] Yahoo Sports. (2025). Jalen Williams' Pain Management Techniques During Thunder's Championship Run. [online] Available at: https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-williams-pain-management-techniques-thunder-championship-run-193700555.html
[4] The Athletic. (2025). Jalen Williams Undergoes Surgery After Thunder's Championship Win. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2822484/2025/07/07/jalen-williams-undergoes-surgery-after-thunder-championship-win/
[5] CBS Sports. (2025). Thunder's Championship Victory Despite Williams' Injury Sparks Debate. [online] Available at: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/thunder-championship-victory-despite-williams-injury-sparks-debate-2/
[6] Bleacher Report. (2025). Kobe Bryant's Injury Legacy Inspires Jalen Williams. [online] Available at: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/3015819-kobe-bryant-s-injury-legacy-inspires-jalen-williams
[7] NBC Sports. (2025). Jalen Williams' Secrets to Mental Toughness During Injury. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/thunder/jalen-williams-secrets-to-mental-toughness-during-injury-20250710
- In the NBA's 2024-25 season, Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder displayed extraordinary resilience, managing a three-pointer in the finals despite a torn scapholunate ligament and a wrist sprain sustained during the playoffs.
- The severe injury to Williams, during a game against the Phoenix Suns, was a significant challenges for the basketball player, but his dedication to the team never waned, as he played through pain with the help of numerous pain-killing injections.
- The Thunder's championship victory, achieved through four-straight series wins, was a testament to the team's collective spirit and Williams' commitment, despite criticism about his readiness for the moment due to his injury.
- In a video released on his YouTube account, Williams shared the extent of his injury and the pain he endured during the championship run, citing Kobe Bryant as his inspiration for playing through similar injuries during his career.
- The Thunder's championship run, which spanned 11 weeks, showcased Williams' incredible resilience and mental toughness, with the basketball player choosing not to use his injury as an excuse and opting to lock in and give his best performance.
- The story of Jalen Williams is a reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and the power of determination in achieving success, not just in sports, but also in other fields such as science, health-and-wellness, and therapies-and-treatments.
