UPDATE: Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. is sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee during Saturday’s game against the Boston Celtics. The injury occurred just as Jones was making a strong return from a previous knee issue, raising concerns for the team as they navigate the season.
In a shocking moment in the third quarter, Jones collided with Celtics guard Payton Pritchard while fighting for a loose ball. Witnesses reported that Jones limped off the court, visibly in pain and unable to place weight on his leg. He later described the incident, stating, “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.”
Before 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 and two assists in just 25 minutes of play. His energy and scoring ability were crucial for the Clippers, who have been looking to build momentum this season.
This latest setback comes after Jones had just returned last week from a previous injury that caused him to miss 17 games. He had been averaging a career-high 10.9 points per game before the initial injury on November 16, 2023, also against the Celtics.
The Clippers now face the challenge of filling the void left by Jones as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Western Conference. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts in the coming weeks without one of their key players.
Authorities from the Clippers are expected to provide further updates on Jones’s recovery timeline as they await the results of his MRI. For now, the team’s depth will be tested as they prepare for their next matchup.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Clippers navigate this critical phase of their season.
