Although the Washington Wizards lost to the Clippers on Saturday, backup center Ian Mahinmi put up his best game this season with 14 points. It’s now being reported that Mahinmi, dealing with knee issues once again, is considered “day-to-day”.
Although the Washington Wizards lost to the Clippers on Saturday, backup center Ian Mahinmi put up his best game this season, with 14 points. It’s now being reported by Candace Buckner of the Washington Post, that Mahinmi, dealing with knee issues once again, is considered “day-to-day”.
Against the Clippers, when the rest of the Wizards struggled from the free throw line, Mahinmi was perfect, going 6-for-6. Head coach Scott Brooks also elected to keep Mahinmi in over Marcin Gortat to close out the game.
Last week against the Suns, Mahinmi had 10 points and 8 rebounds. He finally appeared to put together two consistent games, where he was a contributing member off the bench. Now comes this report.
Ian Mahinmi (sore knee) did not practice today and is considered “day to day.”
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) December 11, 2017
The Wizards don’t seem to be able to catch a break lately. Just when John Wall is slated to return this week, Mahinmi goes down. The only bright spot is that Jason Smith, who has been collecting DNP-CDs, should see some floor action.
On December 3, Mahinmi told Ms. Buckner:
"“It’s a whole lot going on in my body,” Mahinmi said. “It’s just I’m living it, I’m going through it. It’s hard. Whatever you think it is, it’s still not the way your body reacts.”"
It’s very unfortunate that Washington has been plagued with injuries, but it’s part of the game. Hopefully, Mahinmi returns to the lineup soon, but the Wizards will have to play next man up. Most importantly Gortat, who has seen his performance dip lately—borrowing a phrase from Coach Brooks—must “come ready to play”.
The Wizards close out their road trip against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.