The Houston Rockets might not be among the top contending teams this season, but they sure did prove to be a strong opponent for the Los Angeles Lakers. With no more than 16 wins in contrast to the Lakers’ 34-35 record heading into the game, the Rockets managed to defeat the LA team in their latest face-off held at the former’s home court. However, it was not the Rockets’ victory that became the highlight of the night, but rather the bloodied face of their star guard.
The Lakers played the Wednesday night game at the Toyota Center without two of their best players on the court. LeBron James has remained on the sidelines since February 26 due to a right foot injury during the game against the Dallas Mavericks. Whereas, Anthony Davis sat out of the Rockets game due to issues with his previous right foot injury.
Rockets’ star guard ends up needing medical help
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The Houston Rockets had a great start from the first quarter itself, gaining a 31-19 lead against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Porter Jr. ended up becoming the star of the night after previously missing 20 games due to a toe injury. However, Porter Jr. ended up with an ugly cut above his left eye after inadvertently getting caught by Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell.
With just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter of the game, the Rockets took an 18-point lead against the gold and purple team. The incident occurred when Porter Jr. attempted to block Russell’s failed three-point shot and got hit by his hand as a result.
Team doctors tell me Kevin Porter Jr received two stitches. KPJ told me he’s feeling good! #Rockets pic.twitter.com/9jUPII8JaR
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) March 16, 2023
The Rockets star was immediately escorted through the tunnel to get treated after fans witnessed him bleeding profusely. According to Vanessa Richardson of ATT Sports Net, Porter received two stitches and was reportedly feeling better following the treatment.
Porter’s injury drew mixed reactions from NBA fans who expressed their thoughts in the comments.
The NBA world was taken aback by Porter’s deep gash against the Lakers
Shortly after the clip of a bleeding Kevin Porter Jr. started making the rounds on the internet, fans began pouring their thoughts on the incident. A social media user found it hard to believe the severity of the injury and wrote, “ANOTHER NBA DRAMA IT’S SURELY ONLY A KETCHUP !!”
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Whereas, another fan wrote, “they busting blood bags and sh*t i aint never seen accidental elbows cause so much damage lol.” Below are a few more of the comments.
“Those have to be some long and sharp fingernails on Rusell.”
“just nba turning into wwe”
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“No BS I thought that thumbnail was photoshop click bait wow”
“The nba needs to make sure that every game each players nails are cut before playing”
“that gotta gurt hella bad”
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“Looks painful”
Porter returned to the court after halftime and finished the game with 27 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Teammate Jabari Smith Jr. added 18 points, six rebounds, and one assist in an upset over the surging Lakers.