The Oklahoma City Thunder players’ terrified reactions to Jarred Vanderbilt‘s dislocated right pinkie injury were captured on camera in real time.
In the midst of the second quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers player was trying to stop Thunder big man Chet Holmgren’s dunk when his palm struck the backboard and knocked his finger backwards.
Look at the Thunders reaction to Vando’s injury. pic.twitter.com/KknAV1Yg2e
— Showtime Luka (@showtimeluka) May 6, 2026
Vanderbilt screamed in anguish as he bent over and covered his hand, but the sensation was instantaneous. Jared McCain and Jalen Williams of OKC, who did not play, were unable to contain their shocked looks as he left the court. As it turned out, Vanderbilt’s condition required stitches because the bone in his finger broke skin.
LeBron James noted that his teammate’s response indicated he was truly going through it since he is “tough as nails.” Lakers coach JJ Redick said he recognized the seriousness of the event because of Vanderbilt’s shouts.
James stated:
“If Vando was in pain, then something actually really happened,” “So, it sucks.”
Game One of the semifinal game was later won by the Thunder, 108-90.
