Thunder C Bismack Biyombo cites dehydration after collapsing on sideline: ‘There’s nothing to worry about’

Oklahoma City Thunder center Bismack Biyombo is easing fans’ concerns after collapsing near the team’s bench Wednesday during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

In the first half of the Thunder’s 128-120 victory, Biyombo suddenly took a few steps back and appeared to pass out at the Moda Center in Portland. His teammates and others around the bench immediately called for help.

On Thursday, the 31-year-old took to social media to provide an update. He said he fainted from dehydration resulting from 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’s nothing to worry about,” he said. “I’m good. I’m about to play tomorrow, which is fun.”

The good news of Biyombo’s status echoes what the team said shortly after the incident, he was quickly cleared of any serious medical issues by Trail Blazers staff. The Thunder still chose to keep him out of the game as a precaution. He hadn’t yet entered the game when he collapsed, and he got up and left the field on his own after a moment on the ground.

Biyombo, who was first selected 7th overall in 2011, started the season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He appeared in 30 games with the team, but was ultimately waived before the trade deadline. The Thunder then signed him late last month. He’s averaging 4.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in 34 total games this season, his 13th in the league. Oklahoma City is the sixth team he has played for in his career.

Despite the incident, the Thunder held on to earn an eight-point victory in Portland behind a 37-point night 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 Simons led Portland with 29 points and five assists in the loss. Jerami Grant added 20 points and Duop Reath finished with 16 points and five rebounds. The Trail Blazers have now lost two games in a row and only hold a 17-44 record this season.

The Thunder have now won two of their last four games, and they are a half-game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in the Western Conference. Their game Friday marks the start of a four-game homestand.

Biyombo’s participation in the competition will be a relief after Wednesday’s frightening scene.