Ricky Rubio Leaves Game 6 vs. Thunder After Suffering Hamstring Injury
Utah Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio was forced to leave Friday's Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder after suffering a hamstring injury.
The team announced he would not return after playing just seven minutes. He had zero points and three assists.
Rubio has stayed healthy lately while playing at least 75 games in each of the past three seasons, although the latest injury could be especially damaging for Utah. The guard was averaging 16.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game during the series, including a triple-double in Game 3.
He has been impressive all year in his first season with the Jazz, averaging a career-high 13.1 PPG. He also averaged 5.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game as an offensive catalyst.
Rubio's floor vision can't be replaced by another point guard on Utah's roster. However, Dante Exum can operate as a quality pick-and-roll orchestrator.
Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles should also see an uptick in ball-handling responsibilities.
