Mike James Suffers Severe Achilles Injury in Anadolu Efes Defeat
Anadolu Efes and the EuroLeague face major concern as star guard Mike James suffered a severe lower leg injury during a 77-72 loss to Crvena Zvezda.
Great concern surrounds Anadolu Efes and the entire EuroLeague following Mike James' injury on Thursday during a 77-72 defeat to Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. The American guard collapsed without contact near the end of the third quarter and was carried off the court on a stretcher.
The American guard tried to launch an attack after battling for a rebound, but suddenly dropped to the floor, clutching his lower leg and Achilles tendon in severe pain. Teammates and opponents looked on anxiously as he received treatment before being taken off the floor.
Initial fears in Europe point to a significant Achilles tendon injury, though Anadolu Efes is still awaiting medical tests and a final diagnosis. "I will keep the information brief. I am only the coach, not a doctor, so I cannot say much. It does not look good, but we trust our medical staff. We will perform additional tests when we return tomorrow to Istanbul," said coach Pablo Laso.
Laso added that the injury also affected the team during the match: "Of course it was a bad moment for the team. When you see a player leave like that, it affects you. But I think we showed character and stayed in the game."
James' injury comes at a particularly problematic time for Efes, which built its new summer project around the 36-year-old guard. The all-time leading scorer in the EuroLeague started the season in excellent form, averaging 17 points and 4.5 assists in his first two EuroLeague games, scoring 22 points against Barcelona and 12 against Real Madrid.
