Atlanta Hawks’ guard Joe Johnson out of game against Cleveland Cavaliers with sprained thumb
Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson sprained his right (shooting) thumb in Atlanta’s 98-87 victory over the visiting New Jersey Nets at the Philips Arena on Saturday night.
Johnson did not accompany the squad to Cleveland for their next match. Therefore, it is obvious that Johnson will miss the Sunday’s clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Johnson said that although it is a minor injury, he is taking no risks so that he can assist the team in the play-offs. He said, "It is just sore. I can't really do much with it as far as catch the basketball. We have to look at the bigger picture. We have
got to be as healthy as possible going into the playoffs."
The Atlanta All-Star hurt his thumb early in the third quarter as he collided with New Jersey guard Anthony Morrow while going for a loose ball. Johnson’s thumb bent backward in the collision and he was then taken to the locker room for medical treatment.
Johnson did not return to the court for rest of the period and watched the game with an ice pack on his hand. X-rays were on Johnson’s thumb after the game revealed nothing serious and he is under day-to-day observation.
Prior to the injury, Johnson scored 12 points, four assists and grabbed three rebounds in the victory. He scored eight of his 12 points in the first quarter to give the Hawks an insurmountable 32-15 lead after 12 minutes.
On Saturday, the Hawks warmed up for their game against Cleveland with a heavy heart, as they had to practice without Johnson. It was difficult to have a Johnson-less practice as he is averaging 12.8 points, 4.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals in the
last five games. In addition to that, he is netting 18.6 points per game this season.
The absence of Johnson is no doubt a great loss to the team, as the up-coming matches are crucial for Atlanta to maintain their fifth position in the Eastern Conference to get to the play-offs.
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