UPDATE: Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. is sidelined for the next six weeks due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee, confirmed following Saturday’s loss to the Boston Celtics. This injury comes just one week after Jones returned from a similar issue that kept him out for 17 games.
The injury occurred during the game when Jones collided with Boston’s Payton Pritchard while scrambling for a loose ball at midcourt. Witnesses saw Jones limp off the court, visibly struggling to put weight on his leg. “I don’t know what happened. I don’t know what’s wrong,” Jones stated post-game, adding that he would undergo an MRI on Sunday.
Before his exit, Jones was having an impressive performance, scoring 19 points on 8-of-9 field goals and hitting 3-of-4 three-pointers in just 25 minutes of play. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot, showcasing his significant impact on the team’s performance.
Jones had previously started the first 13 games of the season, averaging a career-high 10.9 points before suffering the initial injury on November 16, 2023, against the same Celtics team. His absence will be felt as the Clippers navigate a challenging schedule ahead.
The Clippers are now left to adjust without one of their key players, and fans are left wondering how this will affect the team’s momentum as they strive for success in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on updates regarding Jones’s recovery and the Clippers’ performance in his absence.
