During the Atlanta Hawks’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, an in-game competition took an unexpected and unfortunate turn… of the knee.
A fan, identified only as James, suffered a severe injury just seconds into the contest.
The event, a Tic-Tac-Toe challenge during a timeout, required James and another participant, Dez, to race down the court, attempt a layup, and return to place an “X” or “O” on a board.
Sadly, as James dashed toward the basket, he slipped—possibly on a wet spot—crashed to the hardwood, and immediately clutched his left knee in agony.
It looked awful, like your classic ACL-shredding wipe-out.
The game was halted for a few moments as medical staff rushed to his aid. James had to be taken off the court on a stretcher.
From Fun To Fractured
The scene quickly shifted from lighthearted entertainment to a sobering moment as the Atlanta Hawks fan was taken off the court to a round of supportive applause from Hawks players and fans alike.
In-arena host Shamea Morton, a familiar face from Real Housewives of Atlanta, was left navigating an awkward situation. She eventually declared Dez the winner while urging him to check on his fallen opponent.
Why did she have to urge him to do that? Because Dez kept playing while the man was down.
“Can you just wait? Can you just be kind and come over here with me and check on James,” Morton said. “We know you won, but OK.”
Bruh, what the heck is the prize for a timeout competition that this guy is basically, ‘You blew out your knee? Sorry, I’ve got a week’s worth of Fritos to win.’
Regardless, I’m guessing James will end up the big winner after all once he files a lawsuit.
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More Bad News For The Atlanta Hawks Fan
For James, whatever reward awaited the winner pales compared to the potential medical bills and recovery time ahead. And worse, the Atlanta Hawks fan didn’t get to watch the rest of the game.
Which may have been just as well.
The Hawks, within three points at the half, went on to lose to the Trail Blazers going away, 127-113. The loss dropped them three games below .500.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this timeout contest won’t soon be forgotten in Atlanta. In fact, stories of it will last well beyond the team’s dreadful season.
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