Overview
- Vanderbilt sustained a full dislocation of his right pinky on Tuesday after his hand hit the backboard while contesting a Chet Holmgren dunk, and he was ruled out for the rest of Game 1.
- ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the bone broke the skin and required stitches, and broadcast cameras showed Thunder players recoiling as trainers covered the finger with a towel.
- Head coach JJ Redick called it a freak injury and said Vanderbilt was in good spirits, while LeBron James noted the forward’s pain signaled the severity.
- Los Angeles awaits imaging and a return timeline, and several outlets report he is expected to miss Game 2, though the team has not confirmed his status.
- The Lakers, already without Luka Dončić due to a hamstring strain, fell 108-90 as Vanderbilt logged six minutes with two points and one rebound, and potential stopgaps such as Maxi Kleber or rookie Adou Thiero were mentioned for spot duty.