Sports
Mass Injuries Continue to Mar Otherwise Spectacular NBA Playoffs
Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll lies on the court as Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap speaks after Carroll was injured against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs, Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
ATLANTA (USA Today) —This 2014-15 NBA season has been defined by so much greatness: Steph Curry’s wonderful, joyful MVP season. James Harden’s marked improvement. Anthony Davis’ scary-good emergence. Jimmy Butler’s unforeseen growth. Russell Westbrook’s triple-double spree. John Wall, Klay Thompson, Blake Griffin, Draymond Green, Kawhi Leonard. The list is longer, too, as a new generation of stars finds its place in the league.
But as much as that has been the case, injuries all season long – and now in particular during the playoffs – have dimmed the tone of fantastic performances.
The latest: Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll who sustained a sprained left knee with 4:59 remaining left in the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s 97-89 victory over Atlanta Wednesday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Game 2 is Friday in Atlanta, and Carroll, who left Philips Arena on crutches, is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the extent of his injury.
