Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs had to be helped back to his team’s locker room after going down with an apparent leg injury during Game 2 of their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The incident occurred near the four-minute mark in the first quarter as Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell was taking a mid-range jumper. Suggs collided with Mitchell and wound up on the court, grabbing at his knee before being tended to by the team’s medical staff.
Suggs was unable to put any weight on his leg as he was assisted off the court. He appeared to be crying as he was taken for treatment and further evaluation.
The Magic had no immediate word on his condition, but Suggs’ injury looked to be severe.
Suggs, 22, has been a big part of the Magic’s defence-first identity this year, as the guard averaged 2.0 steals + blocks per game in the regular season. He averaged 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists as well.
He struggled offensively in Game 1 of the series against the Cavaliers, shooting 4-for-16 from the field and 1-for-7 from 3-point range for 13 points in the 97-83 loss.
Suggs also had an injury scare in the first game, hitting the floor with an arm injury in the second half, but managed to recover and close out the game.
Markelle Fultz replaced Suggs, who is Orlando’s top defensive guard.
Suggs was the No. 5 overall pick in 2021 after starring at Gonzaga.
— With files from the Associated Press
