Nerlens Noel enters concussion protocol after violent fall
Nerlens Noel has been diagnosed with a concussion after crashing to the hardwood in Oklahoma City Thunder's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday, the team announced.
Noel was kept in hospital overnight for observation before being released Wednesday.
Stepping up to contest a dunk attempt by Andrew Wiggins, the Thunder's center was struck in the face.
Nerlens Noel takes a hard elbow from Wiggins, lands head-first on the floor. Looked like he was knocked out cold. #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/p38D8MnTVM
— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) January 9, 2019
After regaining consciousness, Noel was taken away from the floor on a stretcher.
"I just tried to make an aggressive move and dunk," Wiggins explained after the game, according to ESPN's Royce Young. "He tried to contest it. I think he fell wrong. I didn't really see it until I saw him on the ground. Hopefully, he's good. I hope nothing but the best for him. I hope he gets healthy soon and comes back stronger."