BREAKING: Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. is sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee during a game against the Boston Celtics on November 25, 2023. This injury marks a setback for Jones, who just returned from a similar issue that kept him out for 17 games.
The injury occurred in the second half when Jones collided with Payton Pritchard while chasing a loose ball at midcourt. He immediately limped off the court and was observed struggling to put weight on his injured leg as he made his way to the locker room.
“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,” Jones stated after the game.
Prior to his exit, the 6-foot-6 forward had an impressive performance, scoring 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, along with four rebounds, two assists, and one block in just 25 minutes of action.
Jones had been a key player for the Clippers, starting the first 13 games of the season and averaging a career-high 10.9 points before his initial injury against the Celtics on November 16.
The Clippers now face a crucial period as they navigate the loss of one of their top forwards. They will need to adjust their strategy and rely on other players to fill the void left by Jones. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds in the upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jones’ condition and the Clippers’ next steps as they prepare for their upcoming matchups. The implications of this injury could significantly impact the team’s performance in the weeks to come.
