Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin was on the wrong end of a nasty elbow from Golden State Warriors rookie James Wiseman on Tuesday night. The six-time All-Star did not return in the second half of the Pistons' 116-106 loss to the Dubs and was placed in the concussion protocol after catching the brutal elbow from Golden State's 7-foot, 240-pound rookie center, per Rod Beard of The Detroit News.
Here's the play:
Blake Griffin took an elbow from James Wiseman. pic.twitter.com/r32LecNGva
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 30, 2020
Griffin looked to retrieve possession for the Pistons after Wiseman missed a bunny in the lane. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old hit him right smack on the jaw on the way down as he tried to get the offensive rebound. Griffin stayed on the floor for a while with a glazed look in his eyes, and blood was drawn from the mouth.
Pistons head coach Dwane Casey noted no updates on Griffin's status after the game. Rookie Killian Hayes also left the game in the third period after suffering a right ankle sprain.
Griffin exited after playing 17 minutes and finished with eight points, five rebounds, and three assists. The Pistons certainly missed the former No. 1 overall pick's leadership and playmaking ability on the floor as they dropped their fourth straight loss to begin the 2020-21 season.
Griffin missed Detroit's previous contest as the team opted to rest him, along with fellow veteran Derrick Rose. The former Los Angeles Clipper had an injury-plagued 2019-20 campaign in which he played just 18 games.
The Pistons certainly hope Griffin can stay on the floor for them this season as he looks to lead this young squad into a possible playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. They will need to turn things around quick, though, and get in the winning column after losing four straight to start the year. If things continue to so south, perhaps Griffin will find himself on the trade block.
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