Clippers’ fans have to be saying “come on, not again.”
Clippers forward Blake Griffin was forced to leave Game 3 against the Jazz due to a bruised big toe and will not return, the team has announced.
The injury appeared to happen with just under four minutes to go in the second quarter. Griffin made a steal and pushed the ball down the court himself, finishing a layup past Rodney Hood. After Griffin landed, he was instantly limping.
The fact X-rays were negative may be good news considering Griffin reacted like it was something worse.
Griffin had 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting when he had to leave the game.
The Clippers have a history of being unlucky with playoff injuries. Last year, they lost in the first round to Portland when both Griffin and Chris Paul suffered series-ending injuries.
The Jazz have had to play without their anchor in the middle in Rudy Gobert all series after he suffered a bone bruise to his knee :17 seconds into Game 1.