Washington Wizards rookie Carlton “Bub” Carrington experienced a concerning incident during Monday night’s game against the New York Knicks. The 19-year-old guard was taken off the court in a wheelchair after suffering a head injury during the third quarter of the match.
The situation unfolded while Carrington was defending against the Knicks’ OG Anunoby in the paint. As he was attempting to maintain his position, he fell backward and collided with the Wizards’ center, Jonas Valanciunas. The impact caused Carrington’s head to hit the court forcefully. As the play continued, Carrington could be seen reaching for the back of his head and covering up, clearly indicating that something was wrong.
Medical staff quickly attended to him on the court, and he was then lifted into a wheelchair while a towel was draped over his head for privacy. At the time of his exit, Carrington had recorded six points, five assists, and five rebounds. The team later reported that he was ruled out for the remainder of the game due to what they termed a “post-traumatic headache”. Although further details about his condition are not available, it is expected that he will undergo the league’s concussion protocol following this incident.
Carrington, who was selected 14th overall in the recent draft, has been making a name for himself this season. Prior to the injury, he was averaging 9.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Notably, he is one of only two Wizards players to appear in every game this season and currently leads all NBA rookies in both minutes played and assists.
Meanwhile, the game itself was quite competitive until the fourth quarter. The Knicks managed to pull ahead significantly in the final moments, ultimately winning the matchup by a score of 126-106. Josh Hart delivered an impressive performance, recording a triple-double with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, contributing greatly to the Knicks’ victory. Karl-Anthony Towns also shone, scoring 32 points along with 13 rebounds, while Anunoby chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds. This win improved the Knicks’ record to 23-10 for the season.
In contrast, the Wizards continue to struggle, now holding a record of 5-25, the worst in the Eastern Conference. Valanciunas was the standout for the Wizards in this game, scoring 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds from the bench. Alexandre Sarr and Malcolm Brogdon provided support, each contributing 18 points, with Brogdon also securing seven rebounds.
As Carrington’s health remains the primary concern, the Wizards will be keeping a close watch on his recovery process. While the team has had a tough season so far, the hope is that Carrington’s promising start and potential as a player can contribute to better days ahead for the franchise.
In sports, injuries can change the course of a season, and Carrington’s incident highlights the physical demands of the game. Fans and teammates alike will be rooting for his swift return to the court as he continues to develop his skills in the NBA.
