Grizzlies’ Jaylen Wells Suffers Broken Wrist After Violent Fall Against Hornets
Memphis Grizzlies rookie guard Jaylen Wells sustained a serious injury during a fast-break play Tuesday night, suffering a broken right wrist after a midair collision in a 124-100 win over the Charlotte Hornets. The incident likely ends his debut season just as the playoffs approach.
The injury occurred when Wells attempted a breakaway dunk and was pursued by Hornets guard KJ Simpson, who made contact from behind. Wells lost his balance midair, fell hard on his arm and head, and remained motionless on the court for roughly eight minutes.
Medical staff stabilized his head and transported him off the floor on a stretcher. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo confirmed that Wells had movement in all limbs and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
“It was a sobering moment. Jaylen has had a terrific rookie season and showed real toughness,” said Iisalo.
Fred Wells, Jaylen’s father, told the Memphis Commercial Appeal that his son was alert enough to ask for the game’s score, though he reported discomfort in his jaw, back, and face. Later, Jaylen shared an Instagram photo with his arm wrapped, along with the message “Go Grizz.”
The play started with a long pass from Ja Morant. As Wells jumped to finish the dunk, Simpson unintentionally clipped him from behind, causing the fall. The arena went silent as Wells was treated. Morant later described the shock of seeing blood when he ran over: “I threw the pass and turned around celebrating. Then I saw the blood. That was hard to watch.”
Officials halted the game for 23 minutes. Following a video review, Simpson received a Flagrant 2 foul for excessive contact and was immediately ejected. He appeared shaken and checked on Wells before exiting.
Wells, a second-round pick out of Washington State, had been a key part of Memphis’ rotation. He had started in 74 of the team’s 79 games and hadn’t missed a single contest until the injury.
Entering Tuesday’s game, the 6-foot-7 guard averaged 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. The victory brought Memphis into a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference, though their position remains fluid heading into the postseason.
