Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic leaves game with left knee injury, will undergo MRI Tuesday
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MIAMI — Denver center Nikola Jokic exited Monday night’s 147-123 loss to the Miami Heat after injuring his left knee with roughly three seconds remaining in the second quarter.
The three-time MVP limped to the locker room at halftime and did not return. An MRI is scheduled for Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Immediately, he knew something was wrong,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said. “It’s gut-wrenching when anyone gets hurt, especially someone as special as he is.”
The play unfolded with Jokic alone under the basket as Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. drove toward the rim. While retreating, Denver teammate Spencer Jones stepped on Jokic’s left foot, and the center’s knee appeared to buckle. Jokic fell to the floor clutching his knee but eventually walked off under his own power.
Denver’s medical staff evaluated the injury as the organization arranged travel logistics for Tuesday’s flight to Toronto, where the Nuggets face the Raptors on Wednesday. Adelman said the team will “go through the process properly” before providing further updates.
The injury comes as Denver is already without three projected starters: Christian Braun (left ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain) and Cameron Johnson (right knee injury management).
Before leaving, Jokic logged 21 points, eight assists and five rebounds in 18 first-half minutes. He entered the night averaging 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists, positioning him for a second straight season with a triple-double average.
“The things he’s doing this year are really remarkable,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said prior to tipoff.
Adelman acknowledged he will spend the night contemplating adjustments if Jokic misses extended time. “Tonight my mind will wander about what we have to do going forward,” he said.
Source: ESPN
