Blake Griffin leaves Game 3 with big right toe injury, does not return

Clippers forward Blake Griffin exited Game 3 of Los Angeles’ first round series with Utah after appearing to roll his right ankle on a drive to the basket in the second quarter. He limped to the sidelines with under four minutes to play in the first half, and promptly went to the locker room.

Griffin reappeared shortly after entering the tunnel, but things did not look encouraging for the former No. 1 overall pick. Griffin’s sneaker was off as he sat on the bench, with his foot and ankle taped. He suffered a bruised big toe and had x-rays at the half. Griffin would not return, despite the x-rays coming back negative. 

The injury to Griffin’s toe marks the second consecutive year in which he’s missed time during the playoffs. He was sidelined in Game 4 of the first round in 2016, aggravating a left quadriceps injury against the Trail Blazers. Portland would go on to win the series in six games.

Griffin will undergo further evaluation prior to Sunday’s matchup in Salt Lake City. His status is uncertain. 

UPDATE 1:09 ET:  Doc Rivers said post game, "we don't know" regarding Blake Griffin's status. Griffin will undergo a CAT scan. The Clippers will provide an update on Saturday.