At this point, one can only wonder whether the good fortune that the Golden State Warriors enjoyed during their five consecutive trips to the NBA Finals has caught up to them. Perhaps the universe, in an attempt to balance itself, is paying them back for it.
D’Angelo Russell may be the latest casualty.
Russell, at least for now, joins Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney on the shelf, as the young guard’s night ended prematurely when the Warriors hosted the Boston Celtics on Friday.
During the third quarter of the matchup, Russell was diagnosed with a sprained right thumb. Although it was unclear as to when exactly Russell sustained the injury, he was escorted to the locker room with 5:33 remaining in the game’s third period.
Although the injury doesn’t sound too serious at this point, Russell will have an x-ray. The team will likely update his status on Saturday.
D'Angelo Russell (right thumb sprain) will not return to tonight’s game.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) November 16, 2019
In the absence of Curry, Russell was emerged as one of the few bright spots for Golden State. Aside from his doing a fairly credible job of running Steve Kerr’s offense, on an individual basis, he’s been enjoying one of the more productive stretches of his career.
On the season, he is averaging 25.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game including 34 points per game in each of his last four.
Warriors calling it a right thumb sprain for D'Angelo Russell. Won't return tonight. But not a break/fracture.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 16, 2019
Golden State entered Friday night’s contest with a league-worst 2-10 record. With a tough road trip set to begin after their showdown with the Celtics, unfortunately, things could be getting even worse if Russell is forced to miss any extended time.
UPDATE, 10:20 p.m. PT: The x-rays on Russell’s thumb were negative, meaning there is no broken bone. He will have an MRI on Saturday to see if there is any significant damage, however.