Boston Celtics Shaquille O’Neal sidelined with calf injury: NBA news
Boston Celtics centre Shaquille O’Neal returned to the line-up in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, after missing 27 consecutive games in the 2010-11 season. A jam-packed crowd at the TD Garden gave him a standing ovation on his long-awaited return to the squad. However, their excitement was short-lived, as Shaq left the game early in the second quarter with a calf injury and is expected to be out for the next few weeks.
Boston forward Kevin Garnett said that the team was happy to have Shaq back but it was difficult to lose him again. He said, "It wasn't good to see that. He had been working his behind off to get back to this point. He had some momentum going. If you know Shaq, you know he's always in lively spirits, so to see him go like that was tough."
Shaq looked impressive on his return, as he shot a perfect 3-of-3. Prior to the injury, he scored five points and grabbed six rebounds. Shaq’s injury spoiled Boston’s fun in a comfortable 101-90 win over the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden.
The 15-time All-Star left the game with 49 seconds left in the first half and the signs of severe pain were evident from his facial expressions. A wheel chair was brought in for Shaq but he held off using it. The Celtics trainer, Ed Lacerte, helped him on his way to the locker room.
Shaq's team-mates and fans were expecting him to rejoin the squad in the second half but later on, it was announced that he was out for the night.
The team management was concerned that Shaq may have torn his Achilles’ tendon. However, the team physician, Dr. Brian McKeon diagnosed him with a minor right calf strain and asked him to take rest for a few days.
While answering a question about how long Shaq would be out of the team, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said, “Well, ‘I don’t know,’ is the answer. I do not think very long, honestly. That is what [team Doctor Brian] McKeon and them thought, that it is very minor. Scary more than anything.’’
With the playoff battle around the corner, the absence of Shaq is no doubt a great loss for Boston. However, his return in the playoffs would definitely enhance the productivity of the team, as he is one of the most experienced players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Shaq uses his size and strength well to overpower opponents for points and rebounds.
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