In a concerning incident during a game against the New York Knicks, Washington Wizards rookie Carlton Carrington suffered a severe head injury that resulted in him being taken off the court in a wheelchair. The injury occurred in the third quarter of the game, which ended with the Wizards losing 126-106. As Carrington attempted to guard OG Anunoby, he fell backward, colliding with Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas. The impact caused Carrington to hit the back of his head on the hardwood, prompting immediate concern from teammates and medical staff.
After the fall, Carrington instinctively reached for the back of his head and covered it as the game continued. He was eventually assisted off the court and transported via wheelchair, with a towel draped over his head. At the time of his exit, Carrington had contributed six points, five assists, and five rebounds. The Wizards later reported that he was ruled out for the remainder of the game due to a post-traumatic headache, and he is expected to enter the league's concussion protocol for further evaluation.
This season, the 19-year-old rookie has been a standout player for the Wizards, averaging 9.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Selected as the No. 14 overall pick from Pittsburgh, Carrington has been a consistent presence on the team, being one of only two players to participate in every game so far. His performance has made him the leading rookie in the league for both minutes played and assists.
Despite Carrington's efforts, the Wizards faced a tough challenge from the Knicks, who were able to secure a commanding victory. The Knicks' Josh Hart delivered a stellar performance, achieving a triple-double with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added significant contributions with 32 points and 13 rebounds, while Anunoby also had a solid outing with 18 points and eight rebounds. This defeat marked a continuation of the Wizards' struggles this season, as they now hold a dismal 5-25 record, the worst in the Eastern Conference.
