The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics squared off on Nov. 17 in Toronto for another edition of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament. The Celtics walked away with a 108-105 victory over the Raptors, but could have suffered a loss in the form of All-Star Jaylen Brown and a potential groin injury.
Brown slipped on the Raptors’ In-Season Tournament court and walked away with what he believes may be a groin injury. It would be a huge blow to the Celtics, who are off to an incredible 10-2 start to their 2023-24 campaign.
Following the game, Brown immediately turned his attention to the court that he slipped on, saying that the league needs to take a serious look at some of the In-Season Tournament courts for safety, via Jay King of The Athletic:
Jaylen Brown said he slipped and might have strained his groin. He said the In-Season Tournament court was slippery all game. He called it “unacceptable” and said the NBA needs to make sure safety is an emphasis before somebody gets seriously hurt.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) November 18, 2023
But it wasn’t just the Celtics who had an issue with the court on Friday night. It was also Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa. He felt that, given his recent injury, the court absolutely could have played a factor in suffering another injury, via Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports:
Precious Achiuwa echoed Jaylen Brown’s concerns re: the court. “It was slippery. I slipped a few times… I’m not trying to get hurt, especially for a guy that missed (time with a groin injury). Coming back, I’m extra cautious.”
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 18, 2023
With both teams making some form of commentary about the court, the Raptors and the NBA will almost certainly take a look as to how injuries can be avoided the next time a game is played on it.
The Raptors host the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 24 for another In-Season Tournament game.
Gradey Dick becomes third teenager to start for Raptors
By making a start against the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week, Dick — 19 years old — became the third teenager in franchise history to start a game. The other two were Tracy McGrady and Chris Bosh, putting Dick in historic company.
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