Oklahoma City Thunder center Bismack Biyombo collapsed near the team's bench during Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, allaying fears among fans.
During the first half of the Thunder's 128-120 win at Moda Center in Portland, Biyombo suddenly took several steps back and appeared to pass out. His teammates and those surrounding the bench immediately called for help.
On Thursday, the 31-year-old posted an update on social media. He said he passed out from dehydration as a result of regular religious fasting. Biyombo added that he has cleared all his medical tests and is scheduled to play when the Thunder host the Miami Heat on Friday.
“There's nothing to worry about,” he said. “It's okay. I'm planning to play tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it.”
I feel blessed and grateful for your love and concern. I would like to thank my teammates for their understanding. 🙏🏾 I'm fine here, just a little dehydrated, but I'm ready for tomorrow's game! Fasting has been my spiritual journey for over 15 years and I am grateful for all the lessons. #God🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kNvauf2Uve
— Bismack Biyombo (@bismackbiyombo) March 8, 2024
Good news about Biyombo's status reflects team opinion Said Immediately following the incident, any serious medical issues were quickly resolved by Trail Blazers staff. The Thunder chose to keep him out of the game anyway as a precaution. He was not yet in the game when he fell, but after falling briefly on the ground, he got up and walked off the court on his own.
Biyombo was first drafted with the seventh overall pick in 2011 and started the season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He appeared in 30 games with the team but was ultimately released before the trade deadline. The Thunder then signed him late last month. He played in a total of 34 games this season, averaging 4.6 points and 5.7 rebounds, which ranked 13th in the league. Oklahoma City will be the sixth team he has played for in his career.
Despite the incident, the Thunder held off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 37 points for an eight-point victory at Portland. Jaylen Williams added 31 points while making 9 of 17 from the field, and Chet Holmgren had 21 points and 14 rebounds. As a team, the Thunder shot over 58% from the field.
Portland suffered the loss as Anfernee Simons scored 29 points and provided 5 assists. Jerami Grant scored 20 points and Duop Reese had 16 points and five rebounds. The Trail Blazers are currently on a two-game losing streak, with a season record of 17 wins and 44 losses.
The Thunder have won two of their last four games and are a half-game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in the Western Conference. Friday's matchup begins a four-game homestand.
Biyombo's participation in the contest will come as a relief following Wednesday's horrifying scenes.
“My heart is overwhelmed by so many people and the care you all have shown,” Biyombo said in his video. “Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to reach out to me. See you tomorrow on the court.”
