Scans Reveal Extent of Broekhoff Injury

South East Melbourne Phoenix’s big win over the Perth Wildcats in Round 16 of NBL23 came as a bittersweet moment for the franchise. While the win saw them climb back into the top six in the standings and kept their play-in tournament hopes alive, it came at a cost.

Sharpshooter Ryan Broekhoff flew for a rebound mid-way through the final quarter at the State Basketball Centre on Sunday night, landing heavily after the contest. He got to his feet and instantly knew he had hurt himself.

Walking up the court, Broekhoff raised his hand and subbed out of the game to seek treatment for his injury. He did not return to the court play out the final minutes.

Broekhoff was in rare touch during the must-win clash against the Wildcats, hitting 6-10 from the land of plenty, flying for rebounds and making plays around the rim. He finished up on 26 points.

Broekhoff had scans yesterday that revealed a grade 1 groin strain and will spend 2-3 weeks on the sidelines as he recovers from the injury. Owen Foxwell will replace him in the side for the remaining two games for the regular season.

(Broekhoff wil miss 2-3 weeks due to a grade 1 groin strain.)

Broekhoff is an integral piece to the Phoenix line up, by providing leadership, rebounding, team defence and communication skills when he is out on the floor.

“It’s horrible, the guy can’t take a trick, but it’s professional sports. He’s just the perfect teammate, and that’s what we miss when he is not out there. I think last year, when he was out, we really fell into a hole. I think this year, with the addition of Trey Kell into the group, we felt like we could cover for that a little bit more,” head coach Simon Mitchell said post-game on Sunday.

“Our focus is doing the best we can each and every game. We prepare thoroughly, we’ll go through the film, we’ll get on the training track, we’ll do everything we normally do, and our concerns will be with the guys who are in uniform, and if he’s (Broekhoff) not there, so be it; next soldier up,” Mitchell said.

Phoenix takes on the second placed Taipans in their final home game for the regular season at their fourth sold-out home game in a row.

Phoenix Media (24/1/23)