The LA Clippers’ will most likely be without Blake Griffin tonight as he doesn’t expect to clear concussion protocol in time.
Blake Griffin is set to miss at least tonight’s game against the Golden State Warriors due to standard NBA concussion protocol. According to Blake and reported by Marc Spears, he does not expect to clear the protocol in time, but is making progress.
This doesn’t bode well for the LA Clippers as they face the best team in the league and look to regain ground on the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
Griffin’s injury was sustained during the Clippers’ January 6th match against the Golden State Warriors. JaVale McGee caught him in the head with an elbow while attempting to contest a shot, sending Griffin to the ground. Scarily, in the video below, Griffin could be seen shaking moments after hitting the floor.
#Clippers star Blake Griffin went down after catching an elbow to the head. His hand was trembling as he laid on the floor... pic.twitter.com/7cQnSdw0h4
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) January 6, 2018
When the deed went down, several analysts pointed out Griffin’s shaking hand, recognized the symptom, and linked it to a concussion. He did not return to the game after being escorted to the locker room.
Later, Clippers doctors confirmed this sustained injury. Griffin’s fall marks the 15th player concussion in the NBA since the start of the preseason. Some of the LA Clippers’ passionate fans took to Twitter to bash McGee for the elbow, but it was clearly an accident.
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Stephen Curry made the responsible move to walk across the court and check on the fallen Blake Griffin, in an action that gained him the respect of so many Clips fans.
Griffin’s latest injury is unfortunate, but the Clippers fandom is not surprised. At this point, fans are used to the mishaps that have resulted in LA’s players being hurt. “Not again,” and “great, just what we needed,” come to mind whenever something like this happens, however, the team has made the most of the time spent without starters.
For instance, C.J. Williams’ presence in the first game without Blake Griffin allowed him to can a clutch three for the win, and numerous other players have enjoyed starting for the squad during the starter-shortage.
It looks like Wesley Johnson will be replacing Griffin in the starting 4-position in the meantime, as we wish our team-captain a healthy recovery from his concussion. He has already passed a few tests, but more remain on the protocol.