Clippers superstar Blake Griffin had to leave Monday night’s game against the Lakers with under five minutes to go, after teammate Austin Rivers landed on Griffin’s left leg, and the superstar’s knee bent awkwardly.
Austin Rivers landed on Blake Griffin's leg, he was able to limp off but left the game pic.twitter.com/8qsh1qnZs6
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) November 28, 2017
Clippers' Blake Griffin heads to locker room, pulling on jersey in frustration. He was shaking his left leg after Austin Rivers rolled on him during a scrum.
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) November 28, 2017
After the game (which the Clippers won 120-115), the Clippers said it’s “too early to tell” how serious the injury is, but admitted they’re concerned.
As for seriousness of left knee injury that Blake Griffin sustained in victory over Lakers tonight, Clippers consider it "too early to tell." https://t.co/nrZ6hZ8WUv
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 28, 2017
Clippers’ Doc Rivers says Blake Griffin (left knee) will undergo further testing on Tuesday. “It didn’t look good obviously. … What can you do?” Said Griffin was “down” post-game and left “hoping he just banged it. … He may be fine, he may not be.”
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) November 28, 2017
I just talked to Steve Ballmer. He doesn't know the status of Blake Griffin's injury but he is concerned. It has been that kind of season already.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) November 28, 2017
Griffin was at least able to walk out of the Staples Center without crutches or a brace.
Clippers’ Blake Griffin (left knee) exited arena walking under his own power, no crutches or brace. Didn’t take questions from media.
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) November 28, 2017
Then again, there are frequently cases of athletes walking off knee injuries and an MRI then determining that it’s a serious injury, so who knows.
But hopefully the injury isn’t serious, and an already-struggling Clippers team (8-11) certainly can’t afford to lose their best player.
UPDATE: Griffin has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and could miss two months. It’s good news he will be able to return this season, but this likely still kills the Clippers’ playoff hopes.
No structural damage in left knee with sprained MCL for Clippers All-Star Blake Griffin, league source tells ESPN. Recovery could take two months, source says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 28, 2017
[NBATV]