Knicks' Porzingis strains neck on scary play
NEW YORK — Rookie Kristaps Porzingis suffered a strained neck on a scary play in the fourth quarter of the New York Knicks‘ 94-84 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
His status for Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers is unclear at this point. The Knicks said he will be re-evaluated Tuesday.
“I had some stiffness in my neck. It doesn’t feel too good,” Porzingis said after recording his first double-double in the NBA (13 points, 14 rebounds). “It’s nothing serious. I think it’ll be fine soon.”
Carmelo Anthony fell on the back of Porzingis’ head while battling for a rebound with less than three minutes to play in the fourth quarter. Porzingis’ head bent forward unnaturally. He lay on the court for several minutes after the collision, and the team doctor and trainers tended to him.
“I was just laying on the floor in a lot of pain,” he said. “I couldn’t really move my neck at that point. With time it got a little better.”
He added that he felt pain on the left side of his neck and spine. The Knicks have ruled out a concussion for the 20-year-old.
“Now I’ve just got to try to relax my neck as much as possible … because they’re so stiff,” Porzingis said. “Just get some rest and take some pills for the muscles to relax and recover quicker.”
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