The price of victory can sometimes be excruciatingly high, and for the Atlanta Hawks, their hard-fought win against the Boston Celtics came with a shocking personal cost for big man Onyeka Okongwu.
Key Points:
- Onyeka Okongwu suffered a severe dental fracture after being elbowed by Jaylen Brown.
- The incident occurred during the fourth quarter of the Hawks' 117-106 victory over the Celtics.
- Okongwu will miss the upcoming game against the Houston Rockets and is out indefinitely.
- Jaylen Brown expressed regret, citing his own history with facial injuries.
A Gruesome Moment Overshadows Hawks' Triumph
The basketball world watched in collective wincing as Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu took a brutal blow during the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's clash with the Boston Celtics. In a pivotal moment, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown inadvertently delivered a sharp elbow to Okongwu's mouth while driving with the ball. The immediate aftermath saw Okongwu visibly bloodied and in agony, ultimately diagnosed with a severe dental fracture that includes at least one missing tooth.
Brown's Contrition and a Shared Pain
Jaylen Brown was immediately whistled for a flagrant foul, a clear indication of the contact's severity. Following the game, a somber Brown conveyed his remorse, emphasizing the unintentional nature of the contact. "Just being aggressive like I always am. Just a basketball play, it's unfortunate," Brown stated. His empathy was particularly poignant, stemming from his own experience with a maxillary facial fracture just two seasons prior, an injury that forced him to wear a protective mask.
Okongwu's Grit: A Warrior's Exit
Despite the shocking injury, Okongwu's warrior spirit shone through. He incredibly returned to the court to sink a free throw before finally exiting the contest. This display of toughness underscored his critical impact, having already contributed 17 points and 6 rebounds to the Hawks' winning effort, shooting an efficient 6-of-12 from the field.
Atlanta's Big Man Down: What It Means for the Rockets Game
The immediate consequence of this harrowing incident is Okongwu's forced absence from the Hawks' upcoming game against the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. Hawks coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the severity of the situation, remarking, "He's tough. It's a good thing that dentistry is a profession... he's going to need some work." This injury casts a shadow over the Hawks' impressive four-game win streak, posing a challenge to their momentum as they navigate the playoff race.
Will the Hawks Continue to Soar?
Losing a key contributor like Okongwu, especially one who can fill up the stat sheet and bring defensive energy, is a significant blow. His recent form, including his strong outing against the Celtics, highlights his growing importance to the team. The Atlanta Hawks will need to dig deep into their roster to maintain their winning ways and keep their playoff aspirations alive without their injured center. His post-game celebration, despite the pain, showed the team's unified spirit in victory.
