CLEVELAND — Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs was able to return to Monday night’s Game 2 at Cleveland after being carried off the court in the first quarter with a left knee strain.
Suggs was injured with 4:02 remaining in the opening period of Orlando’s 96-86 loss, when his left knee made contact with Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell’s left leg as Suggs attempted to steal the ball.
Suggs immediately fell to the ground, and the Magic called timeout to check on him.
As his teammates stood around him, Suggs continuously shook his head. After being checked by team trainers, Suggs needed help getting off the court, unable to put any weight on his left leg and walk off on his own power.
The Magic initially said Suggs’ return was questionable, but he was back on the floor to start the second half with a sleeve on his leg.
He finished with 9 points and sparked a rally in the fourth quarter as the Magic scored 13 straight to pull within 87-78. Mitchell, though, checked back in and scored two quick baskets to restore order for the Cavs, who lead the Magic 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
“It takes the wind out of your team when our head of the snake on defense goes down,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “He was in quite a bit of pain when he returned, so we’ll evaluate him when we get back home.”
Suggs did not seem to be in any pain following the game, and was confident he’d be good to go in Game 3.
“I’m good,” he said. “I was able to finish. It will be cool to get back home and get treatment for a couple of days. We play Thursday at 7 p.m. and I’ll be ready.”
Suggs is Orlando’s third-leading scorer, averaging 12.6 points on 47.1% field goal shooting during the regular season. He’s also the team’s best 3-point shooter and top defensive guard.
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.
