Oklahoma City Thunder’s Bismack Biyombo Collapses, Coach Provides Reassuring Update

Oklahoma City Thunder‘s center Bismack Biyombo experienced a concerning moment during Wednesday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, collapsing near the team’s bench. Head coach Mark Daigneault quickly offered reassurance on Biyombo’s condition, stating that the veteran player had simply ‘fainted, basically’.

According to ESPN reports, Biyombo was assisted off the floor and taken to the locker room, although he did not require the wheelchair that was brought out for him. The incident occurred as the team was heading towards a timeout, causing a brief scare among players and fans alike.

Biyombo, who recently joined the Thunder after being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, has primarily served as a secondary depth piece for the team. Despite his limited minutes on the court, his experience and defensive presence have been valuable for Oklahoma City.

The Congolese big man, with over a decade of NBA experience, has played for multiple franchises including the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Grizzlies, and now the Thunder. Biyombo’s career averages of 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game showcase his contributions as a rim protector and rebounder.

In a positive turn, the Thunder secured a 128-120 victory over the Trail Blazers, improving their season record to 43-19. Standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 37 points, and strong showings by Jalen Williams (31 points) and Chet Holmgren (21 points, 14 rebounds) propelled Oklahoma City to success.

With this win, the Thunder find themselves tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the top seed in the competitive Western Conference, setting the stage for an intriguing playoff race in the coming weeks.