Kemba Walker stretchered off court with possible neck injury
Monday 25 November 2019 06:44, UK
Boston guard Kemba Walker was taken off the court on a stretcher with a possible neck injury during the second quarter of the Celtics' Friday night road game against the Denver Nuggets.
The Celtics later announced that Walker was diagnosed with "concussion-like symptoms" and was en route to a local hospital for further evaluation.
After the Nuggets emerged with a 96-92 win, Boston coach Brad Stevens said scans run on Walker at half-time found no significant damage.
Stevens said: "I saw him in the ambulance at half-time that took him to the hospital, and he was - he had his wherewithal, and in pretty decent spirits, which was good, obviously. It was good to get at least early reports of good news."
The Celtics were on defense when Walker attempted to steal the ball. He had his head down and slammed head first into the stomach of team-mate Semi Ojeleye. The contact jolted Walker's neck with 3:13 left in the half.
Walker lay motionless for a few minutes and paramedics put a neck brace on him before he eventually was removed from the floor.
The 29-year-old veteran is in his first season with the Celtics, averaging 22.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 14 games before Friday.
He spent his prior eight seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, earning three All-Star selections.
