OKC's Roberson ruptures patellar tendon in awkward fall

Oklahoma City swingman AndreRoberson was carried off the court Saturday in Detroit after suffering what was reported to be a ruptured patellar tendon in his left leg.

The Thunder confirmed the report Sunday, announcing that Roberson is out for the season.

Roberson was leaping for a lob pass late in the third quarter of the Thunder's 121-108 victory over the Pistons and he landed hard on his back. Standing in the right corner, teammate RussellWestbrook lofted an alley-up pass to him. Roberson's left leg bent in an awkward direction as he crumpled to the floor. He immediately dragged himself off the court. Thunder teammates, obviously concerned, surrounded Roberson as he was being examined by team trainers. His leg was put in an air cast and he was put on a stretcher, sitting up. Roberson missed eight games earlier this season because of tendinitis in the same knee.

"That's a tough moment, to see that, to be around that," Thunder teammate CarmeloAnthony said. "It was like it happened in slow motion.

"My prayers are with Dre."

Regarded as one of the NBA's best defensive players, Roberson is averaging 5.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in 26.7 minutes per game this season for OKC (29-20).