Jalen Suggs sprains ankle stepping on actor courtside at the Wells Fargo Center: ‘I couldn’t be mad’

Jalen Suggs had himself a night during the Magic’s 106-102 win over the Sixers, but not without spraining his ankle after tripping over actor/comedian Michael Blackson, who was sitting courtside at the Wells Fargo Center.

Early in the game, Suggs sprained his right ankle—not from a poorly set screen or a clumsy landing, but by stepping on Blackson’s foot. The actor and comedian who’s practically a courtside regular at NBA games across the league managed to add “accidental injury causer” to his résumé.

Jalen Suggs sprains ankle stepping on Michael Blackson courtside at the Wells Fargo Center:

(2/2) Suggs remained in the game and played 37 minutes in the Magic's 106-102 win over the Sixers in Philly. He finished with 17 points, six assists and three steals.

— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) December 5, 2024

Blackson’s been a fixture at NBA games, and while his comedic timing is usually on point, his courtside positioning needs some work. I guess he was back in town for the Orlando Magic? I highly doubt that even Blackson is sick enough to come watch the current 76ers play basketball.

Finally, the Injury Bug Hits the Other Team

Honestly, I’m surprised that it wasn’t someone on the 76ers’ roster that was injured. Given how this season has shaken out with Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey all missing extended time, I would think that Jared McCain was next in line for a freak injury, ya know?

No offense to Suggs, but we’ve had enough bad luck on our own court so seeing the other side deal with a little misstep (literally) feels like karmic balance.

Jalen Suggs handled it like a champ:

Despite the ankle tweak, Jalen Suggs played through the pain and finished with 17 points, six assists, and three steals in 37 minutes. A rolled ankle courtesy of Blackson’s designer kicks wasn’t enough to slow him down, which says a lot about the Magic guard’s toughness—and maybe a little about the Sixers’ inability to capitalize.

Jalen Suggs had a run-in with comedian Michael Blackson, who was seated courtside at Wells Fargo Center during the Magic's win over the Sixers. 🤭 https://t.co/dpRwX8fL9a pic.twitter.com/RtTzKHssND

— theScore (@theScore) December 5, 2024

“I was mad, and then I saw it was him, and I couldn’t be mad anymore. He’s brought me too many laughs to be angry.”

Shorthanded Sixers stumble again, fall to 5-15 after home loss to Magic

For the Magic, this was just another step forward in what’s shaping up to be a another strong season. For Suggs, it’s another game where he proved his grit, shaking off the kind of distraction that only happens in Philly. For Sixers fans, at least someone left the game limping, and it wasn’t another one of our starters. Small wins, people. Small wins.

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