PROTECT THE PAINT

Shaquille O’Neal of the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a severely sprained thumb during the first half against the Boston Celtics, and did not return.

This is a huge blow for the front court of the Cleveland Cavaliers, leaving them depleted in the middle.

Shaq has been a force for Cleveland of late. (Credit: picapp.com)

The injury occurred after O’Neal pump faked Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who then jumped into the air, slapped at the ball, connecting with Shaq’s hand and forcefully bending his thumb backwards.

Shaq immediately made his way to the locker room, and did not return. Here is a clip from TNT showing the injury:

It is unknown how much time Shaq might miss, but the initial prognosis by teams Doctors reported that although x rays were negative for any fractures, they did reveal a severe sprain.

Expect O’Neal to miss some time as his thumb recovers. At least now he has a legitimate excuse for his horrible free throw shooting. Who knows, maybe he starts making more if he is luckily “injured” into being a better shooter.

Cleveland has already been against the ropes since the All Star weekend, having gone 1-3 since returning to the court.

With Zydrunas Ilguaskas gone because of the Antawn Jamison trade, and unable to rejoin the Cavs for 30 days, Cleveland has just encountered a devastating loss.

Shaq had been playing rather well for Cleveland this month, and the Cavs are now left searching within themselves to step it up without a big in the middle.

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