UPDATE: Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. suffered an apparent knee injury during a critical moment in the game against the Boston Celtics on November 12, 2023. Jones was helped off the court after a painful collision with Jaylen Brown in the second quarter of the match, which ended in a narrow 121-118 loss for the Clippers.
In the second quarter, Jones went for a loose ball and collided with Brown, who was diving for the play. The impact caused Jones to fall to the court, clutching his right knee in visible distress. He rolled in pain before slowly rising and was escorted to the locker room, barely able to put weight on his leg. Brown was penalized with a foul for the incident.
“We won’t know until he gets reevaluated; we’re not quite sure right now,” said Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue regarding Jones’ condition.
The injury is a significant blow for the Clippers, who are already dealing with multiple player setbacks. James Harden scored 32 of his 37 points in the second half, highlighting the team’s struggle amidst growing injury concerns. Kawhi Leonard missed his seventh consecutive game due to an ankle and foot sprain, while Bradley Beal is out for the season following a hip fracture sustained on November 8.
“It’s tough. It’s like one after the next,” Harden expressed. “You just try to keep your head on straight, focus on what you can control, and just go out there and come away with wins. Hopefully, guys will start coming back sooner than later.”
Jones, aged 28, has been a crucial player for the Clippers, starting all 13 games this season and averaging 10.9 points per game. His potential absence could further strain an already challenged roster as the team navigates the early part of the season.
The Clippers and their fans are anxiously awaiting further updates on Jones’ injury. With the next game approaching, all eyes will be on the team’s health and recovery efforts. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.