In the loss that broke apart six straight wins, Derrick Jones Jr. had the Boston Celtics’ number. There are not many occasions where he deserved more attention from Joe Mazzulla than Kawhi Leonard, yet last night, Jones Jr. did, as he recorded 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists, shooting 8-9 from the field before encountering a brutal level of pain that may have felt coincidentally similar.
Derrick Jones Jr. gingerly walks off the floor after looking to hurt the same knee he just came back from.
— Grant "Money" Mona (@Gmona48) January 4, 2026
Mechanisms on replays looked like the same MCL or high ankle sprain.
Against the Celtics both times. Just brutal. pic.twitter.com/PH3PwwObb1
For reference, Jones Jr. sprained his MCL in a mid-November loss to the Celtics. Realizing this is when the pieces will start to fall into place about why the veteran wing may be forever traumatized by the green and white.
Thus, Jones Jr.’s wince of pain was loud. He was fatigued, trying to catch his breath, and continued taking slow steps off the court after Payton Pritchard dove into the same leg Jaylen Brown had over a month ago.
His MRI is planned for today, which will reveal any unknown information.
Derrick Jones Jr. will need patience from the Clippers as he works back from an injury
Nineteen points was Derrick Jones Jr.’s season-high for the LA Clippers, and he was easily on pace for over 20. The Clippers were down by 18 when he left, but a comeback was possible with the Clippers’ best role player dominating in all of his specialties.
Furthermore, Jones Jr.’s hustle stood out like a sore thumb. His motor was clearly noticeable; he had no issue in getting his hands dirty with extra-effort plays, and he was eager to put his body on the line if it meant taking a six-game win streak to seven.
However, because Jones Jr. could have suffered the same injury at the exact location, the Clippers will have to be patient. He will need all of the support, assistance, and care from the training staff, and before he is cleared, all of his physical examinations must be passed with flying colors.
Even then, LA should offer him additional games on the sidelines for rest. Until he is 110% confident, Jones Jr. does not need to play; it would be a senseless roll of dice, especially for him, as his legs are crucial to his athleticism.
That said, the unfortunate coincidence Jones Jr. came across against the Celtics was unexplainable. It is hard to describe and understand the unlikeliness of the trauma Boston has inflicted in both of their matchups with the Clippers this season.