MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves faced additional challenges in their lineup when guard Jaylen Clark exited during their matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder due to neck discomfort sustained from a fall in the third quarter on Sunday night.
Clark had just executed a steal and was driving towards the basket for a difficult layup against Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein when he landed awkwardly, hitting his head on the court and causing his neck to snap back. After lying on the floor for an extended period, he was finally assisted off and taken to the locker room. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves later declared that he would not return to the game, which concluded with a 130-123 defeat for Minnesota.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Clark, a second-round pick from UCLA in the 2023 draft, had just secured his second career start in a small-ball configuration for his team, having previously missed his rookie season due to a torn Achilles tendon. In his time on the court, he managed to score 14 points within 18 minutes.
At the moment Clark left the game, Minnesota was ahead 85-78 but struggled afterward, being outscored 25-11 in the latter part of the third quarter. Coach Chris Finch did not provide any updates on Clark’s condition post-game. The Timberwolves are scheduled to compete again against the Thunder on Monday night.
In addition to Clark’s absence, Minnesota was already dealing with the loss of their starting frontcourt players: Rudy Gobert (back injury) and Julius Randle (groin strain), along with key bench player Donte DiVincenzo, who is sidelined due to a toe injury.
