VIDEO: Wesley Matthews Ruptures Achilles Tendon, Out For Season

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Friday, March 06, 2015

Andrew R Tonry, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Early in the third quarter against the Mavericks, Thursday, the Trail Blazers' Wesley Matthews suffered a non-contact injury, rupturing his left achilles tendon. He will be out the remainder of the season.

Matthews, after planting his left foot to push off and drive towards the basket, collapsed to the ground. He was helped from the court while putting no weight on the leg. He went immediately to the trainer's room. A TNT sideline reporter stationed at the door said the sound of a frustrated punch echoed from the room and out into the hall. Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen left his courtside seat to check on Matthews. He emerged shaking his head in disappointment, the reporter added.

After the game the Trail Blazers announced the news:

Known as the "Ironman" for his toughness and durability, Matthews had appeared in the previous 142 games for the Blazers. LaMarcus Aldrige called Matthews the "heart and soul" of the team.

Afterwards, Matthews met with the media--a rarity for an injured player.

In his comments, Matthews explained that the achilles had been bothering him prior to Thursday's game. As described in the follow video, created after Kobe Bryant experienced a very similar event, a "micro-tear" can be the culprit that leads to the full-blown rupture:

Rehab can take from eight months to a year, and NBA players often experience a significant drop-off after the injury. With a smile, Matthews told reporters he would "try to be back in five."

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