Tim Hardaway Jr., guard for the Detroit Pistons, suffered a series of hard hits to the head during Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat, leading to him being escorted off the court in a wheelchair.
The incident occurred with just under nine minutes left in the third quarter. Bam Adebayo of the Heat inadvertently elbowed Hardaway in the head while attempting a Euro step. Although Hardaway crumpled to the floor, he got back up when no foul was called.
Steph Curry nails insane shot leaving fans in awe
How Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered multiple head hits
Moments later, while attempting to take a charge, Hardaway again fell after colliding with Tyler Herro, who was driving to the basket. During the fall, Hardaway was also kneed in the back of the head by his teammate Jalen Duren, who was jumping up to make a block.
The blow caused Hardaway’s head to snap back violently, bouncing off the floor. He immediately grabbed his head and writhed in pain as the training staff rushed to his aid.
FanDuel Sports Network cameras then focused on his father, former NBA legend Tim Hardaway, who looked on with concern from the stands while his son was being attended to.
After several agonizing moments on the floor, Hardaway was helped off the court in a wheelchair, with a towel draped over his head for protection.
Fans’ concern for Hardaway Jr.’s condition
The incident prompted an outpouring of concern from fans on social media, with many expressing their worry over the seriousness of a head injury.
“Tim Hardaway Jr. took a beating this possession. Hope he’s okay,” one user wrote.
Another added, “That Tim Hardaway Jr. injury is scary. Never want to see any kind of head injury.”
A third said, “Prayers for Tim Hardaway Jr. He gets knocked down with an elbow to the face, gets back up to sacrifice his body for the charge. That’s tough.”
Before exiting the game one the Pistons won 123-121 in overtime, thanks to a crucial mistake by Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, Hardaway had recorded 11 points, one rebound, and one assist in 18 minutes.
Hardaway had been traded to the Pistons from the Dallas Mavericks in July in exchange for Quentin Grimes. Reflecting on his time in Dallas, Hardaway posted on Instagram, thanking the city, his teammates, and the organization for helping him grow both as a player and as a person.
