2 min read • February 11, 2022
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Pat Connaughton, the Milwaukee Bucks backup small forward, suffered a broken bone in his right hand in Thursday's loss to the Suns.
He is out likely until the playoffs, according to the ProBasketballDocs, leaving the Bucks thin at the wing position for the remainder of the season.
Milwaukee traded guard Donte DiVincenzo and small forward Rodney Hood for Serge Ibaka at the trade deadline, meaning Grayson Allen and Wesley Matthews are likely in line for increased minutes.
Connaughton suffered the injury in the third quarter while defending Chris Paul on a drive. By video, Connaughton got the fourth finger on his right hand caught and twisted by Paul's right wrist/forearm.
This injury mechanism typically leads to a spiral fracture of the fourth metacarpal, according to the ProBasketballDocs.
Typically, these are treated with a splint/cast, but surgery is a definite option to get firm fixation and allow quicker healing. Surgery would also held avoid stiffness and allow early range of motion, meaning less rehab time on the back end.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters Thursday, "We're trying to figure out who will see him next, what the next step is … unfortunate, but I think we're hopeful that he'll be able to return. When that is, not exactly sure. But we'll see."
Budenholzer's words sound ominous, but the nebulous return timeline is likely because team physicians don't travel on road trips and Connaughton had not been examined by the head physician before Budenholzer's press conference.
In 53 games this season, Connaughton averaged 10.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 27.2 minutes per game. He was second on the team with 2.3 threes per game and was shooting 40.7% from deep, both career highs.
At 35-22, the Bucks sit in fourth place in the East, 1.5 games ahead of the 76ers and 1.5 games behind the East-leading Heat.
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