Zach LaVine suffers season-ending injury
InsideHoops.com
February 4, 2017
A tough season for the Minnesota Timberwolves just got tougher.
Earlier today, the Timberwolves announced that an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) taken at Mayo Clinic by Team Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Diane Dahm revealed that guard Zach LaVine has a torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in his left knee.
LaVine, who will have surgery at a to-be-determined date, is out for the rest of the season. The injury occurred during last night’s 116-108 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, "the injury most likely occurred in the third quarter, when LaVine drove into the lane and rose up in an attempt to score. He collided with Pistons center Andre Drummond, twisted and landed awkwardly on his right knee before going to the ground and grabbing his left leg."
In 47 games this season, LaVine averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 37.2 minutes per game. In his third NBA season, LaVine holds career averages of 13.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 206 games.
More from the St Paul Pioneer Press: "This season marked a major rise in LaVine’s game from young, talented player with massive potential and the propensity to throw down awe-inspiring dunks to an all-around talent ready to lead the Wolves’ revival."
The Timberwolves are 19-31 this season and have been a disappointment. Loaded with young talent, the pieces haven't added up to success. LaVine has been their third-leading scorer. He's also a player with supreme, all-world athletic ability, so this is an especially tough injury for him to suffer.
