UPDATE: Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. is sidelined for at least six weeks following a serious injury during Saturday’s game against the Boston Celtics. The 26-year-old suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee, marking a significant setback after recently returning from a prior knee issue.
The injury occurred in the second half when Jones collided with Boston’s Payton Pritchard while battling for a loose ball. Witnesses saw Jones limp off the court, unable to put weight on his injured leg. “I don’t know what happened. I don’t know what’s wrong,” he stated post-game. “Get an MRI tomorrow, and once we figure that out, we will go from there.”
In a stellar performance prior to his exit, Jones scored 19 points on an impressive 8-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot in just 25 minutes of play. Before this latest injury, he had started all 13 games this season and was averaging a career-high 10.9 points.
This injury is particularly concerning as it follows just a week after Jones returned from missing 17 games due to a similar right knee injury sustained on November 16, 2023. The Clippers are now faced with a critical challenge as they navigate the season without one of their key players.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team will adjust in Jones’s absence. The Clippers are expected to rely on their bench depth while hoping for a swift recovery for Jones. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and more information becomes available regarding his rehabilitation process.
