Kenneth Faried says he’s doing ‘much better,’ starts against Blazers

Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried left on a stretcher after suffering a neck injury against the Golden State Warriors. He said he’s doing much better Sunday.

Kenneth Faried gave an update via Instagram on Sunday regarding his condition after a scary injury during Denver’s 111–108 overtime loss to Golden State on Saturday night. Faried was taken off the court on a stretcher after suffering an apparent neck injury in overtime.

Faried posted that he’s doing ‘much better’ and is ‘a little sore.’ He started for the Nuggets against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Faried finished with 13 points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes, but Denver fell to Portland, 112–106.

Via @kennethfaried35

​The fact he was on the court let alone starting was surprising given how Faried went down the night before.With less than 20 seconds remaining in overtime and the score tied at 108, Klay Thompson drove through the paint to toss in the go-ahead runner. Faried and Marreese Speights jostled in the paint away from the play, with Faried coming across the key after the ball went through the hoop.

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Nuggets guard Will Barton appeared to come down on the back of Faried’s head and neck as he attempted to challenge the shot, stunning Faried, who departed the game immediately at the dead ball. Faried, looking dazed, was helped slowly to a sitting position on the baseline near Denver’s bench as Golden State finished off its victory. Medical personnel actually came over to attend to Faried before the final buzzer sounded, and he was taken off the court on a stretcher after the final buzzer.

Yahoo! Sports and USA Today Sports reported that Faried was transported to a hospital for precautionary X-rays. Faried flashed a “thumbs up” on his way out of the arena.

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Faried finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds and four assists on Saturday. Danilo Gallinari led the Nuggets with 24 points and six rebounds.