Oklahoma City Thunder center Nerlens Noel was whisked off the court Tuesday night after taking a scary hit from Andrew Wiggins in the 119-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Noel was hospitalized at the OU Medical Center and was diagnosed with a concussion the following morning.
Noel got hit as he attempted to block a dunk from Wiggins in the third quarter. Wiggins accidently hit him on the face, snapping his head back and forcing him to fall. Medics dashed toward him, placed a brace around his neck and whisked him away in a stretcher.
The 24-year-old was kept overnight at the OU Medical Center and details about his injury weren’t released until early Wednesday morning. Shams Charania of the Athletic confirmed Noel’s diagnosis on twitter.
“After a scary fall last night, Oklahoma City Thunder center Nerlens Noel has been diagnosed with a concussion—and tests showed he avoided factures,” @Shams Charania said.
Wiggins tweeted his well wishes to the center and said to the press he didn’t mean to hit him.
“I just tried to make an aggressive move and dunk,” he said. “He tried to contest it. I think he fell wrong. I really didn’t see it until I saw him on the ground. Hopefully, he’s good. I hope nothing but the best for him. I hope he gets well soon and comes back stronger.”
