UPDATE: Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. is out again after suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee during a game against the Boston Celtics on November 25, 2023. This latest injury comes just a week after he returned from a similar knee issue, underscoring a troubling trend for the player.
Jones sustained the injury in the second half of the game when he collided with Celtics guard Payton Pritchard while vying for a loose ball at midcourt. He immediately limped off the court, struggling to put weight on his affected leg. Jones expressed uncertainty after the game, stating,
“I don’t know what happened. I don’t know what’s wrong. Like I said, get an MRI tomorrow, and once we figure that out, we will go from there.”
Before his exit, Jones had a standout performance, scoring 19 points on an impressive 8-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, along with four rebounds and two assists in just 25 minutes of play. He was averaging a career-high 10.9 points per game prior to this setback.
This injury marks another significant hurdle for Jones and the Clippers, who have struggled with player availability this season. The team will re-evaluate his condition in six weeks, leaving fans and analysts concerned about his long-term health and the impact on the team’s performance.
The Clippers have been working to build momentum in the competitive Western Conference, but injuries to key players like Jones could hinder their progress. With the season still young, every game counts, and the absence of Jones could be felt significantly in upcoming matchups.
Fans and sports analysts will be closely monitoring updates on Jones’ recovery and rehabilitation timeline, as the Clippers aim to maintain their competitive edge without one of their key contributors. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
