Injuries early in the playoffs might have ruined it all for the basketball fans. In a heated game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns, an unpleasant injury conceded by a 7-foot teammate of Kawhi Leonard made it bitter for the NBA world. This followed the injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyler Herro during Miami Heat’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Though the game went down to the wire, injuries continue to trouble the viewers as the playoffs expectations might take a hit.
Following the injury drama between the Lakers-Grizzlies and Bucks-Heat, the former Charlotte Hornets center suffered an ugly injury, leaving the Clippers nation in denial. However, the 33-year-old went on to show his toughness as he returned to finish the game.?
7-foot teammate of Kawhi Leonard dislocates pinky finger
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As a part of the trade moves in February, the Los Angeles Clippers acquired Mason Plumlee from the Charlotte Hornets to add height to their team. Averaging 10.8 points and 8.9 rebounds, Plumlee has been a crucial two-way player for the Clippers. Moreover, in the absence of Paul George, Plumlee’s injury could have taken a hit on the LA unit’s defense.
Early in the second quarter, the 7-foot center dislocated his pinky finger as he stood clueless courtside. However, Plumlee decided to pull out a Kobe Bryant move to show his commitment. As a Clippers staff popped back his little finger, the 33-year-old returned to play the game, surprising the fans.
Mason Plumlee dislocated the pinky finger on his right hand but he said it was popped back in by a trainer. Clearly he was fine enough to go back in and finish the game.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 17, 2023
Though fans feared Plumlee won’t come back, the center returned to play a crucial role for the Clippers. Coming off the bench, Plumlee recorded 7 points and 11 rebounds with an efficient 100% field goal in just 18 minutes. Adding to Kawhi Leonard’s 38-point masterpiece, Plumlee’s efficient shooting helped the Clippers bag Game 1 by 5 points. Moreover, the 9-year NBA veteran is shooting 68% from the field as he stands second in the league.?
Mason Plumlee dislocated the pinky finger on his right hand but he said it was popped back in by a trainer. Clearly he was fine enough to go back in and finish the game.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 17, 2023
Fans react to Mason Plumlee’s injury
Although Plumlee made a return very soon, an image of his deconstructed finger continues to go viral all over the internet. Sharing their denial for the injuries all day, a fan commented, “Damn what’s up with hands today”. Here are some of the fans’ reactions to Mason Plumlee’s finger dislocation:?
Yikes… pic.twitter.com/A1QgU6qoP8
— AY🇸🇴 (@aykeepitabuck) April 17, 2023
https://twitter.com/nijigasakilove/status/1647768071849771018?s=20
That shit doing a 35 degree arch
— Coach🏟 (@Paytonisafraud) April 17, 2023
I think that’s broken
— Michael (@Mcarlson15_) April 17, 2023
Seems like fans are not able to tolerate the playoffs during injuries as they believe it kills the competition.
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Why everyone getting injured
— 🦅 (@Acidi_) April 17, 2023
https://twitter.com/Jack473836/status/1647768044519784453?s=20
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Do you think the Clippers can upset the Suns without Paul George? Share in the comments below.