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Oklahoma City Thunder big man Nerlens Noel took a scary fall during Tuesday night's home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As he went up to block a shot, he collided with Andrew Wiggins, taking an elbow to the face. As the two players met in mid-air, Noel went to the floor.
On his descent, Noel's head actually bounced off the hardwood in what proved to be a frightful scene. The game was immediately stopped and Oklahom City's medical staff rushed onto the floor. Ultimately, Noel was sent to the locker room on a stretcher:
After further evaluation at the OU Medical Center, it was determined that Noel did not suffer any fractures. However, he was diagnosed with a concussion, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic:
After scary fall last night, Oklahoma City Thunder center Nerlens Noel has been diagnosed with a concussion — and tests showed he avoided any fractures, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2019
Wiggins sent his best wishes to Noel during his postgame interviews:
“I just tried to make an aggressive move and dunk,” Wiggins told ESPN after Tuesday's game. “He tried to contest it. I think he fell wrong. I didn't really see it until I saw him on the ground. Hopefully he's good. I hope nothing but the best for him. I hope he gets healthy soon and comes back stronger.”
Noel, who will likely be placed in the league's concussion protocol program, logged six minutes in Tuesday night's 119-117 loss, scoring six points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field and one rebound.
The Thunder will be back in action on Thursday night, when they'll travel to San Antonio for a matchup against the Spurs. Tip-off inside the AT&T Center is set for 9:30 p.m. ET with TNT having live broadcast coverage.
Stay tuned for additional updates on Noel's status.
