A fan attending the Atlanta Hawks’ matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night had to be stretchered off the court after suffering a severe knee injury during an in-game challenge at State Farm Arena.
The incident occurred during a break in play when the fan was selected to participate in a basketball-themed Tic-Tac-Toe challenge. As part of the contest, he was required to make a series of layups while placing markers on a giant game board.
However, his knee appeared to give out as he attempted his first basket, sending him crashing to the floor in visible pain. The game was momentarily halted as medical personnel rushed to his aid. Players and spectators looked on in concern as the injured fan was eventually carried off the court on a stretcher.
Some NBA players on the floor appeared stunned by the incident, underscoring the unexpected severity of the injury. There has been no official update on the fan’s condition.