Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bulls player wheeled off court following wild sequence

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 4/10/24

A bizarre sequence during Tuesday's game between the Bulls and Knicks proved that too much innovation isn't always a good thing.

Bulls forward Torrey Craig thought it would be wise to throw a lob to himself off the backboard for a highlight reel slam (probably after watching Anthony Edwards do the same). But his decision led to one of his teammates getting hurt.

The play in question took place at the start of the second quarter when Bulls center Andre Drummond stole the ball from Bojan Bogdanovic, leading to Craig starting a fast break.

Instead of making a simple dunk, Craig decided to go for the self-alley-oop. Unfortunately, the trailing Drummond didn't get the memo and thought the lob was meant for him. As seen below, Drummond and Craig collided after the latter failed to finish the dunk.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! @shaqtin pic.twitter.com/Jx9Uk7tYQ0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 10, 2024

Although they avoided injury during their collision, the subsequent play wasn't kind to Drummond.

As Craig laid on the floor following the failed dunk attempt, the Knicks went on five on four fast break, forcing Drummond to sprint back to the other end.

After the Knicks' Miles McBride missed a three, Drummond — obviously spent from running back on defense — tried to complete a rebound but ended up hurting his ankle.

Here's the play Drummond got hurt on

Appears to step on Hartenstein's foot and roll his ankle bad. Hopefully not a long term thing but obviously does not look good https://t.co/f4i5daktS5 pic.twitter.com/9E3gZD1Ymx
— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) April 10, 2024

Drummond was carted off in a wheelchair as he grimaced in pain.

Bulls center Andre Drummond has exited tonight’s game in a wheelchair early in the second quarter. pic.twitter.com/0BOXzWEWN3
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) April 10, 2024

Technically, Craig's very ambitious dunk attempt wasn't the reason for Drummond's injury. But one wonders if the big man exerted too much energy due to the bizarre sequence.

In fairness to Craig, he owned up to his blunder after the game.

"It was a miscommunication or misinterpretation," Craig said of the play. "I take the blame for that. I just tried to create some excitement for us. Obviously didn't turn out that way."

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