TORONTO, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) — Toronto Raptors rookie-centre Jonas Valanciunas broke his right ring finger in the team’s 93-90 victory over Orlando Magic on Friday night in NBA action.
During the fourth minute of the first quarter, Valanciunas injured his right hand as he battled for a loose ball under the Orlando basket. On the ensuing possession, he was slow to get back to defence and was removed from the game at the 7:31 mark of the opening frame.
X-rays taken during the game revealed a fractured metacarpal on ring finger of Valanciunas’ right hand.
According to Jim LaBumbard, Raptors Director of Media Relations, an appointment with a hand specialist is needed to determine to extent of the injury.
Raptors head coach Dwane Casey believes the injury is a setback for the development of Valanciunas.
”Very unfortunate,” said Casey during the post-game press conference. “He’s a young kid growing every time he walks on the floor.”
The 2.13 metre Valanciunas was drafted fifth overall in the 2011 draft and played last season in native Lithuania before joining the Raptors.
He started in all 28 games for Toronto, averaging 8.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 23 minutes.
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