Duke star Cooper Flagg left the game early due to a sprained ankle. While landing from a rebound attempt, Flagg landed on an opponent’s shoe, causing his left foot to invert while plantarflexed. He was able to immediately walk off the court, indicating a reassuring sign, he avoided fracture, for the Blue Devils. Athletic Trainers could be seen on the sideline completing the Ottawa ankle rules testing where they palpate the lateral and medial malleolus for tenderness moving up 6 cm. Next, palpating the navicular and 5th metatarsal. A positive test of pain indicates a fracture and need for imaging. It is likely Flagg will undergo an MRI to find out the severity of his injury with the tournament approaching. The severity of the injury, Duke medical team’s decision, and Flagg’s ability to play through pain will determine his return and effectiveness this postseason.
