Heartbreak in Brooklyn: Maxwell Lewis Injures Knee Just 1 Minute Into Nets Debut

Maxwell Lewis’s debut with the Brooklyn Nets took a heartbreaking turn when he sustained an injury just one minute into his first game with the team. The young forward, recently acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade on December 29, entered the game late in the fourth quarter as the Nets trailed the Toronto Raptors 119-101. Head coach Jordi Fernandez brought in substitutes, including Lewis, to finish out the contest.

Taking the floor with confidence, Lewis quickly found himself open for a three-pointer. Despite a closeout by Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, Lewis sank the shot, showcasing his potential as a reliable shooter. However, tragedy struck on the same play. Poeltl inadvertently stepped on Lewis’s foot, causing the forward to slip and injure his left knee. The incident occurred just 1:05 into Lewis’s time on the court.

Lewis fell to the ground in visible pain, clutching his knee as medical staff rushed to his aid. The severity of the injury became evident when Lewis was unable to stand or put any weight on his leg, prompting Nets personnel to carry him off the court. The somber atmosphere in the arena reflected the concern shared by fans and players alike for the promising young talent.

Following the game, Coach Fernandez expressed his heartfelt support for Lewis during a post-game press conference. “The toughest part of today is seeing one of your guys go down,” Fernandez said. “Max came in ready to play, made a great shot, and then this happens. We’re all thinking about him and hoping for the best. The game itself doesn’t matter right now—what matters is Max and his recovery.”

The Nets organization awaits further updates pending an MRI, with hopes that Lewis’s injury is not as severe as initially feared.