The NBA community gathered to express their support after New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis tore his ACL after a sledgehammer dunk against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
Though the play looked to be a run-of-the-mill play — a big-to-big connection, thanks to Porzingis' deft ability to find cutting lanes and throw it down with ease. Though it was his awkward landing that caused the injury, as he clutched his left leg in pain after hitting the floor.
An MRI revealed that Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis tore his ACL in Tuesday night's 103-89 loss to the Bucks. pic.twitter.com/LczJ5muDvz
— ESPN (@espn) February 7, 2018
From teammates to fellow players, many reached out to one of the most promising stars of this league, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Damn!!! Get Well soon @kporzee . Praying on a speedy recovery
— Tim Hardaway Jr (@T_HardJR) February 7, 2018
Tim Hardaway Jr. will be tasked with carrying to load from here on out, as the second-best scoring option for the Knicks. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard has been scuffing as of late, failing to score in double figures in the last four games.
Former teammate Carmelo Anthony expressed his sorrow for what happened to his ex-frontcourt mate.
“It’s sad, man,” said Anthony after a 20-point win against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, according to Fred Katz of The Norman Transcript. “It’s sad…just as a friend, forget basketball, as a friend, as a little brother, it’s just hard to see anyone go through that.”
The likes of DeAndre Jordan, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Rudy Gobert also came forward to wish him a speedy recovery.
Porzingis could likely miss the rest of the season with only a little more than two months before the postseason gets underway.
Was hoping for the best news when I saw the play after the game. 🤦🏾♂️!! Best wishes and have a speedy healthy recovery @kporzee!! #InjuriesSuch👎🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 7, 2018
Smdh at another injury 2 one of our games best players AGAIN—My Prayers are up for @kporzee
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 7, 2018
Damn, hate to see that happen to @kporzee! He’s having an amazing year! Come back stronger and better brother! 🤙🏾
— DeAndre Jordan 🐺 (@DeAndre) February 7, 2018
Damn man… @kporzee come back stronger bro.
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) February 7, 2018