After the L.A. Clippers ruled star Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely with an ACL injury Wednesday, a large spotlight beamed on the soaring number of injuries in the NBA this season.
Leonard was the latest All-Star to miss a playoff game this season, joining players like Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, James Harden, Kyrie Irving and more who have dealt with injuries in the postseason.
Then LeBron James chimed in on Twitter and blasted the league for how this season was handled, saying he understood the business aspect of the situation as well.
James’ comments prompted the NBA to respond. NBA spokesman Mike Bass provided a statement, via Marc Stein of The New York Times:
NBA spokesman Mike Bass after criticism of the league schedule from LeBron James:
“Injury rates were virtually the same this season as they were during 2019-20 while starter-level and All-Star players missed games due to injury at similar rates as the last three seasons. (1/2)
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2021
More from NBA spokesman Mike Bass to @NYTSports on criticism of this season's schedule registered today by LeBron James:
"While injuries are an unfortunate reality of our game, we recognize the enormous sacrifices NBA players and teams have made to play through this pandemic.”
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2021
The league trimmed the regular season to 72 games instead of the usual 82 in a year where the coronavirus pandemic drastically affected normal business operations.
However, the shortened 70-day offseason also affected the NBA teams that made it far during the Orlando bubble.
The Los Angeles Lakers dealt with injuries to James and Anthony Davis. The Miami Heat suffered various injuries throughout the season and developed no rhythm. The Boston Celtics lost Jaylen Brown before the playoffs because of a season-ending injury. The Denver Nuggets lost breakout star Jamal Murray for the season.
While the Nuggets managed to advance to the second round of the playoffs — though the Phoenix Suns won 4-0 — the Lakers, Celtics and Heat didn’t make it past the first round.
Injuries happen every season, but it’s definitely having an impact on the players’ bodies as the season nears a close.
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