Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, center, goes up for a shot as Oklahoma City Thunder's Jared McCain (3) and Alex Caruso, second from left, defend in the first half of Game 1 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series Tuesday, May 5, 2026 in Oklahoma City. Credit: AP/Kyle Phillips
OKLAHOMA CITY — Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt injured his right pinkie when he attempted to block a dunk by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren during Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup on Tuesday night.
Vanderbilt swiped at Holmgren behind the play and hit his finger on the backboard. Holmgren made the dunk to put the Thunder up 48-39 with 5:57 left in the second quarter.
Vanderbilt bent over while holding his hand and he left the game. Several players on the Thunder bench immediately looked away at the sight of the injury.
The Thunder led 61-53 at halftime.
The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in.
Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months
Terms of service | Subscription terms | Privacy Policy | California Privacy Rights | About Us | Contact Newsday | Reprints & permissions | Advertise with Newsday | Help | AI policy | 
Copyright ©2026 Newsday. All rights reserved.
