Indiana Pacers Lose ANOTHER Key Trade Piece To "Significant" Injury

 

This trade season just might turn out to be a bust for the Indiana Pacers. After losing Myles Turner for several weeks to a "stress reaction" in his foot, they've now suffered an even more devastating loss, as Domantas Sabonis has gone down with a sprained ankle — one that coach Rick Carlisle says "is probably going to be significant."

Rick Carlisle says Domantas Sabonis has an ankle sprain “that is probably going to be significant."

— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) January 20, 2022

The injury came when he landed on Russell Westbrook's foot with less than 5 minutes to play, rolling his ankle. 

He winced on the floor in pain for a short time, then bounced up, hopped on it a bit, and actually stayed in the game, even hitting a huge 3-pointer that pretty much sealed the win over the Los Angeles Lakers with just over 2 minutes to play.

Sabonis actually finished the game with a triple-double — 20 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists.

Carlisle spoke about Sabonis' will to win, and his gutsy performance in staying the game. "He was not gonna come out of this game. He was determined to help will us to the win ... The 3-point shot that Sabonis hit on the bad ankle was one of the big shots of the year and just a guy that was completely determined to pull us through this thing."

The Pacers beat the Lakers 111-104, but the price of the victory may have been too costly.

 Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports