Skip to main content

Washington Wizards Center Daniel Gafford Returns After Suffering Apparent Ankle Injury

During the Washington Wizards contest against the Memphis Grizzlies center Daniel Gafford went down with an apparent ankle injury and had to leave the game.

UPDATE: Gafford returned to the court at the start of the second half.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Washington Wizards are in the process of trying to secure their first win of the NBA season against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Leading in the second quarter Wizards guard Jordan Poole went up for a three-point shot to try and extend the lead but was unable to drain the shot. 

READ MORE: Wizards Looking for 'Complete Game'

In an effort to secure the offensive rebound, Washington center Daniel Gafford went up against two Grizzlies defenders.

Unfortunately, when he came down it appears he may have landed on one of the Memphis players or at least awkwardly on his own and fell to the court in obvious pain while the  play advanced toward the Wizards' goal.

During a break in play, Gafford was able to limp to the sideline and was not on the court as Washington closed out the first half.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) shoots the ball as Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) defends in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena.

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) left Saturday night's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies with a possible ankle injury.

When he left the court the Wizards held a 48-39 lead over the visiting Grizzlies.

If Gafford's night is over he'll finish 11:48 played and two points both coming at the free throw line. 

Gafford also contributed four rebounds, two offensive, and had two blocked shots as well.

READ MORE: The Captain and the Co-Pilot

After falling into early foul trouble in the team's first game of the season Gafford was able to limit himself to just one personal foul up to the moment of his injury, helping him stay on the court for more than half of the game played at the time.

With Gafford out Washington will likely look to a combination of Mike Muscala and Danillo Galinari to help fill the gap left by its big man.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82

Follow Inside The Wizards on Facebook

Follow Inside The Wizards on Twitter

Keep up with all Washington Wizards news on the SI.com Washington Wizards team page