Fri Oct 24 01:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:

Summary:

Jalen Williams, star forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will miss the season opener due to ongoing recovery from offseason right wrist surgery. The surgery was to repair a torn scapholunate ligament, an injury he played through (with heavy pain management) during the team’s championship run. Williams says he delayed the surgery to help the team win, and that he’ll return when he feels 100%. Coach Daigneault has been noncommittal about his return date.

News Article:

Thunder’s Jalen Williams Out for Season Opener Due to Wrist Surgery Recovery

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Oklahoma City Thunder fans will have to wait a little longer to see star forward Jalen Williams back on the court. Williams has been ruled out of Tuesday night’s season opener against the Houston Rockets as he continues to recover from offseason surgery on his right wrist.

The surgery addressed a torn scapholunate ligament, an injury sustained on April 9, but the All-NBA and All-Defensive team selection played through the pain during the Thunder’s successful championship run. Reports indicate Williams relied on numerous pain-killing injections to compete.

“Just whenever I feel like I can be a hundred percent, then I’ll rock out,” Williams said during the preseason. The forward signed a maximum contract extension over the summer.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has remained tight-lipped regarding Williams’ return timeline, only stating that the forward is “progressing” and “on schedule.” Williams himself has declined to provide a specific return date, emphasizing the importance of regaining full strength and shooting form. He did not begin shooting with his right hand until this month.

Williams averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists during the Thunder’s championship run, playing through what he described as a “necessary evil” in pursuit of a championship.

The Thunder will face the Rockets at home as they start their title defense.

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