Story perspectives

Vanderbilt Out After Pinkie Dislocation; Thunder Beat Lakers 108-90

5/6/2026

Summary

Vanderbilt Out

Jarred Vanderbilt dislocated his right pinkie in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 5.
He injured his hand while trying to block Chet Holmgren’s dunk, hit the backboard and needed stitches.
Vanderbilt left at halftime after six minutes, recorded two points and one rebound, and will miss Game 2 and likely the rest of the playoffs.
The Thunder beat the Lakers 108-90, gaining a 1-0 series lead.

Summary

Redick Boosts LaRavia

Lakers coach JJ Redick will boost Jake LaRavia’s minutes to offset Vanderbilt’s loss after his right-hand injury left left-handed shooting intact.
Vanderbilt logged 66 minutes, 18 points, 22 rebounds and two assists versus the Rockets.
The Lakers entered Game 1 without Luka Doncic, depleting front-court depth against Oklahoma City.
Redick may assign LaRavia to guard Chet Holmgren, shifting strategy toward perimeter defense because Vanderbilt’s injury reduces the Lakers’ size advantage.

History

Historical Context

In the 2015 NBA playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks lost forward Paul Millsap to a broken wrist in Game 2, a setback that altered their series. Millsap, a two-time All-Star, missed the next three games, and the Hawks fell 4-2 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who averaged 112.3 points per game. Similarly, Jarred Vanderbilt's dislocated pinkie on May 5 forced the Lakers to reshuffle rotations, echoing the Hawks' reliance on bench players Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver. These injuries show how sudden hand setbacks compel coaches like JJ Redick to prioritize depth and defensive schemes, influencing future roster decisions.

1 of 3

Vanderbilt Out

Jarred Vanderbilt dislocated his right pinkie in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 5.
He injured his hand while trying to block Chet Holmgren’s dunk, hit the backboard and needed stitches.
Vanderbilt left at halftime after six minutes, recorded two points and one rebound, and will miss Game 2 and likely the rest of the playoffs.
The Thunder beat the Lakers 108-90, gaining a 1-0 series lead.

1 / 3