BASKETBALL ⋅ Atlanta secures a ticket to the NBA playoffs in the decisive barrage game in Cleveland. However, Clint Capela suffered a knee injury in the 107:101 away win against the Cavaliers.
Atlanta secures a ticket to the NBA playoffs in the decisive barrage game in Cleveland. However, Clint Capela suffered a knee injury in the 107:101 away win against the Cavaliers.
The Geneva center overextended his right knee just before the end of the second quarter when he fouled opponent Evan Mobley and he fell on his leg. Capela is due to undergo an MRI scan on Saturday to determine the severity of the injury.
The Hawks were without the 27-year-old from Meyrin on Saturday, who recorded seven points and eight rebounds in 13 minutes on the Cleveland court. But the Georgia franchise will have an even tougher time than usual in the playoff round of 16 against the Miami Heat without the 7-foot-1 Capela. The first game of the best-of-7 series against the number 1 of the regular season in the Eastern Conference will take place on Sunday evening Swiss time.
In Cleveland, however, Capela’s injury gave Atlanta an added boost as they were ten points down at halftime (51-61). “We were all the more motivated. We wanted to win for him (Clint Capela – ed.). We know how hard he’s worked all year to get into the playoffs. We hope he can come back quickly,” said Trae Young.
The Hawks playmaker and top scorer was the big man of the game with 38 points, 32 of which he scored in the second half. “I felt like I was letting my team down. But I knew I had to persevere to help my teammates. I know what my job is and how confident I am,” said Young. Thanks to his improved performance, Atlanta took the lead for the first time in the third quarter (77:76). (sda)
