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Grizzlies Jaylen Wells exits game on stretcher after dunk attempt vs. Hornets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 10:28 PM ET

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells was taken off the court on a stretcher after landing hard on his back during a dunk attempt. A flagrant foul was called on the play against Charlotte Hornets guard KJ Simpson.

The play occurred on a breakaway in the second quarter at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Wells pushed the ball up the floor and had a clear path to the basket. He was undercut by Simpson, crashed into his legs and left him landing on his side.

Jaylen Wells falls hard on his front of his head after the And-One dunk. The medical staff rush for his help and then evacuate him.
Upon referee review, the foul by KJ Simpson was upgraded to a flagrant penalty 2 and he was ejected from the game.
Some Hornets players were… pic.twitter.com/egfcqj1cQC
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 9, 2025

Simpson immediately checked on Wells who remained motionless on the floor.

The Spectrum Center crowd fell silent as Wells attended to by the medical staff at the arena. Simpson was assessed a flagrant two foul and ejected from the game. Wells left the court with his head and neck stabilized. He was able to raise his hand while exiting the floor.

Fred Wells, Jalen's father, provided an update during the second half of the game, saying his son was "awake and alert," with a swollen wrist and face, jaw and back pain. He will reportedly undergo X-rays and a CT scan. ESPN's Shams Charania later reported the wrist was broken.

Wells was selected 39th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and was getting time in the rotation for the playoff contender.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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