Thunder claims 2-0 series lead over Suns, as Jalen Williams exits game with injury

Thunder claims 2-0 series lead over Suns, as Jalen Williams exits game with injuryThe final buzzer sounded, and the Thunder's players spilled onto the court to dap each other up.OKC had just secured a 120-107 home win over Phoenix to claim a 2-0 lead in the first-round NBA playoff series. And yet one player was nowhere to be seen amid the celebrations.AdvertisementIt was Jalen Williams, who went up for a layup midway through the third quarter Wednesday and immediately grabbed at his left hamstring area. He then asked to be subbed out and went into the locker room, where he remained for the rest of the contest.An official injury description has not yet been announced by OKC, although Williams has dealt with hamstring issues throughout this season. He missed an extended period of time on two separate occasions due to a right hamstring strain.It's another unfortunate setback for Williams, who looked to be in postseason form before his departure. He racked up 19 points, four assists and one steal in 23 minutes.The best-of-seven series continues with Game 3 at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Phoenix (NBC and Peacock).AdvertisementHere are three takeaways from the win:Order our book on Thunder's run to 2025 NBA titleJalen Williams injury update: OKC Thunder star exits vs Suns in NBA Playoffs1 / 8Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 2Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander arrives before Game 2 of the first round NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 22, 2026.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shook off early injury scareShai Gilgeous-Alexander clutched his left hand as he hunched over early in the first quarter.When he did stand up straight, a look of agony could be seen on the superstar guard's face. He was clearly hurting after hitting the deck on a layup and landing on his left hand, folding his fingers forward in the process.But Gilgeous-Alexander didn't make a motion toward the bench to call for a sub. He made one to call for the ball just a few seconds later instead.AdvertisementIsaiah Hartenstein snagged a defensive board and fed Gilgeous-Alexander, who took it all the way to the rim before sinking a left-handed layup. That marked two of the 11 points he scored during the first quarter, which he played every second of despite the injury scare.Gilgeous-Alexander continued to hold the game in the palm of his shaken-up hand. He poured in 35 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals in 38 minutes.More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 'unfinished product' mindset fuels OKC Thunder powerhousePhoenix still struggled to take care of the basketballDevin Booker got to his spot in the midrange late in the third quarter, but there was only one problem.AdvertisementCason Wallace had already beaten him to it.The Thunder guard intercepted a pass from Collin Gillespie that was intended for Booker. And that sparked a fastbreak, which resulted in a layup on the other end by Alex Caruso.After committing 19 turnovers that led to 34 Thunder points during Game 1, the Suns added another ball handler in Gillespie to its starting lineup. But even that wasn't enough to prevent history from repeating itself.OKC still dominated the turnover battle on Wednesday, 21-10. And it scored 22 points off turnovers compared to Phoenix's nine points.More: Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praises mentor Billy Donovan as a coaching 'machine'Thunder handles Suns' punch to take 2-0 series leadLower-seeded teams have been bringing the fight to their opponents through the first two games of each opening-round series.AdvertisementNo. 8 Orlando is tied with No. 1 Detroit. No. 7 Philadelphia is tied with No. 2 Boston. No. 7 Portland is tied with No. 2 San Antonio. No. 6 Minnesota is tied with No. 3 Denver. And No. 6 Atlanta is tied with No. 3 New York.Phoenix tried to follow suit Wednesday by throwing a better punch at OKC. One where its lead trio of Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks combined for 73 points. One where it won the offensive rebounding battle, 15-12, despite being undersized. One where it trimmed the deficit to 10 points with 3:46 remaining.And yet OKC still took it on the chin to claim a 2-0 series lead.More: Dillon Brooks is a menace, but Thunder defense is one getting under Suns star's skinAdvertisementTip-ins∎ OKC was without Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery). Phoenix was without Jordan Goodwin (left calf soreness) and Mark Williams (left foot soreness).Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.TIPOFF: 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix (NBC and Peacock)This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder claims 2-0 series lead over Suns, as Jalen Williams exits game with injury