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It was as bad a start to 2020 as you could have imagined for the Orlando Magic.
Just two minutes into their game against the Wizards on Wednesday, Jonathan Isaac suffered a knee injury and had to be removed from the court on a stretcher.
After forcing a turnover, Isaac drove down the lane, where he was met by Bradley Beal. Isaac’s leg seemed to get tangled with Beal’s while attempting a Euro step in the paint and his foot planted awkwardly. Isaac immediately fell to the court in pain and remained there for several minutes.
Jonathan Isaac was taken off the floor on a stretcher after injuring his left knee.
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) January 1, 2020
Hope he's alright. pic.twitter.com/krRC56tj9H
The Magic announced that Isaac suffered a hyperextended left knee and will undergo an MRI in Orlando.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac suffered a hyperextended left knee during the first quarter tonight at Washington and will not return.
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) January 1, 2020
Isaac will undergo an MRI tomorrow upon the team’s return to Orlando and will then be re-evaluated.
.@OrlandoMagic F Jonathan Isaac was taken off the floor on a stretcher after injuring his left knee. Isaac was down for several minutes and had his hands on his head in obvious pain. pic.twitter.com/wKuUBVC58a
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) January 1, 2020
The 22-year-old was in the midst of his best season, averaging career-highs of 12.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 2.5 blocks, which is second best in the league. It’s a crushing blow for the Magic, who already are without Aaron Gordon (Achilles) and Al Farouq-Aminu (knee). More importantly, for a great player and all-around good guy like Isaac, you hope it’s not as serious as it looked.