Sonics lose another point guard to injury – this time Watson

 

SEATTLE (AP) -The Seattle SuperSonics saw another point guard go down with injury in the first quarter against Houston on Monday night when Earl Watson sprained his left ankle.
With 1:51 left in the quarter, Watson forced up a 3-pointer over Rafer Alston and Dikembe Mutombo as the shot clock expired. Watson’s left foot landed on the Mutombo’s foot and turned inward. Watson rolled on the floor, grabbing at his ankle, before being helped off the court by trainer Mike Shimensky and rookie center Mouhamed Sene.
X-rays on Watson’s ankle were negative. The team said he would not return.
Watson was in the starting lineup on Monday despite spraining his right pinky finger against Utah on Saturday. Watson told coach Bob Hill the finger dislocated but popped back in place.
Seattle lost starting point guard Luke Ridnour to a left ankle sprain in the first quarter last Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Ridnour was injured driving to the basket and forcing up a shot late in the shot clock as well.
Mike Wilks, the last point guard on Seattle’s roster, took Watson’s spot in the lineup.