Oklahoma City Thunder center Bismack Biyombo eased fans' fears after he collapsed near the team's bench on Wednesday during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
In the first half of the Thunder's 128-120 win, Biyombo suddenly took a few steps back and appeared to faint at the Moda Center in Portland. His teammates and others around the benches immediately called for help.
On Thursday, the 31-year-old took to social media to provide an update. He said he fainted due to dehydration as a result of routine religious fasting. Biyombo added that he has passed all medical tests and will play when the Thunder host the Miami Heat on Friday.
“There is nothing to worry about,” he said. “I'm fine. I'm about to play tomorrow, which is fun.”
Feeling blessed and grateful for everyone's love and care. Many thanks to my teammates for their understanding. 🙏🏾Everything is good here, just a little dry, but ready for tomorrow's match! Fasting has been my spiritual journey for over 15 years, grateful for every lesson. #Machine🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kNvauf2Uve
– Bismack Biyombo (@BismackByombo) March 8, 2024
The good news about Biyombo's situation echoes what the team said He said Shortly after the accident, he was quickly cleared of any serious medical issues by the Trail Blazers crew. The Thunder elected to keep him out of the game anyway as a precaution. He had not yet entered the game when he collapsed, stood up and walked off the field on his own after falling slightly to the ground.
Biyombo, who was first selected with the No. 7 overall pick in 2011, began the season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He appeared in 30 games with the team, but was ultimately waived before the trade deadline. Then the Thunder caught up with him late last month. He's averaged 4.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in 34 total games this season, his 13th-best in the league. Oklahoma City marks the sixth team he has played for in his career.
Despite the incident, the Thunder held on for an eight-point win in Portland behind 37 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jalen Williams added 31 points while shooting 9 of 17 from the field, and Chet Holmgren finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds. The Thunder shot better than 58% from the field as a team.
Anfernee Simmons led Portland with 29 points and five assists in the loss. Jerami Grant added 20 points and Dube Reith added 16 points and five rebounds. The Trail Blazers have now dropped two in a row, and hold a record of just 17-44 this season.
The Thunder have now won two of their past four games, and are a half-game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in the Western Conference. Friday's game marks the start of a four-game homestand.
Biyombo's participation in the competition will come as a relief after the terrifying scene that happened on Wednesday.
“My heart is overwhelmed by the number of people and the amount of care you guys have shown,” Biyombo said in his video. “I am very grateful to those who took the time to reach out to us, and we will see you tomorrow on the field.”
