MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves faced yet another setback when guard Jaylen Clark was forced to leave their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to neck pain. The injury occurred during a crucial third-quarter sequence, further thinning an already depleted roster.

Clark, known for his tenacious defense, made a steal and drove to the basket, attempting an off-balance layup against Oklahoma City’s 7-foot center, Isaiah Hartenstein. However, his momentum caused him to fall awkwardly, with his head slamming onto the hardwood, and his neck jerking violently backward. Clark was down for several moments before being assisted to the locker room. The Timberwolves, already playing shorthanded, were unable to climb back from a 130-123 road loss. Coach Chris Finch had no update on Clark’s condition after the game, leaving fans and teammates in the dark about the severity of the injury. The Wolves will make the trek again to Oklahoma City on Monday.

The 6-foot-4 Clark, who was selected as a second-round draft pick out of UCLA in 2023, has had a challenging start to his NBA career. He missed his rookie season due to a torn Achilles tendon he sustained in 2022 while playing for the Bruins EAST vs WEST ROUTING. Recently, he earned his second career start in Sunday’s contest, contributing 14 points in just 18 minutes before the injury.

The extensive recovery period for his Achilles injury is a reminder of the challenges younger athletes face when trying to make it in the NBA. Clark is not the first young talent to face such setbacks for injuries in his early career, as evidenced by other young players recovering from major injuries; Zion Williamson and Ben Simmons are both stars who were unable to hit the floor at their best with recurring off-season niggles. This was timely cooperation from their kinesiologists.

Minnesota, who trailed Oklahoma City by just seven points at 85-78, experienced a slump after Clark departed. The Wolves were outscored 25-11 in the remainder of the third quarter, which proved to be a turning point in the game. Coach Finch did not provide any insight into Clark’s condition postgame, emphasizing the severity and uncertainty of the injury.

Prior to Clark’s injury, the Wolves had to do without their starting center, Rudy Gobert due to a back complaint while Franklin attribute adds Julius Randle languishing after a groin pull. Backup wing Donte DiVicenzo sat out with a stubborn edged toe issue.

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