John Collins’ much-anticipated return for the Los Angeles Clippers was tragically cut short, sending a wave of concern through the team during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Just one game back from a scary injury, the Clippers forward found himself heading back to the locker room with another ailment, derailing what was meant to be a triumphant return. Collins, known for his explosive above-the-rim play, had to exit after suffering an apparent arm injury, leaving both teammates and fans anxious about his status.

The incident took place in the fourth quarter of the Clippers-Pelicans game. Collins ran into NOLA’s Derik Queen and instantly went down, holding his right arm. The pain was evident. The former Jazz high flyer couldn’t use his right hand to get up from the floor. Clippers teammate Derrick Jones Jr. helped him up.

John Collins couldn’t move his arm either. A Clippers staff member checked up on the dynamic forward before taking him back to the locker room. So far, there’s no clear update on the severity of the injury. Collins did not return after picking up the injury late in the fourth.

The 28-year-old had a productive return for the Clippers. In his first game back, John Collins scored 15 points while also grabbing two steals for the Clippers. He also made an impact on the boards, finishing the game with seven total rebounds.

Collins has become an integral starter for the Los Angeles Clippers. Aside from being an explosive athlete, his game has evolved significantly this season. Collins is averaging nearly 14 points per game while shooting over 42% from beyond the arc. Tonight was his 16 consecutive game scoring in double-digits for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Hopefully, his injury won’t keep him sidelined for long. The Clippers are making a push for the Play-In, currently holding the tenth seed. Since they are at the borderline, every game going forward counts.

The Clippers aren’t interested in tanking

The Clippers’ season began with a nightmare. Bradley Beal was ruled out for the season. After a calamitous start, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard led them into relevance again. And then by the deadline, the Beard was gone. In exchange, the Clippers got a young guard in Darius Garland, who is yet to make his debut.

For a team not slated to finish top six, grabbing a good draft pick makes sense. The Clippers could have chosen to do something the Utah Jazz are trying to do. But Ty Lue doesn’t believe in finding positives off the floor. As long as he’s the head coach, the Clippers are going to chase everything.

Although Lue doesn’t promise a championship, the veteran head coach wants to see how far this team can go.

“Why wouldn’t you want to play to win? That’s our mindset. That’s my mindset every single night. As tough as it may be, or you start 6 and 21, or whatever it may be, you’re playing to win. So if we make the playoffs, then anything can happen. Our goal is to make the playoffs,” he said last week.

The Clippers may lack a star-studded roster or a dominant record, but when healthy, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Kawhi Leonard has been exceptional, more aggressive than ever.

Coach Lue also believes Garland, as a traditional point guard, can help unify the team. They’ve got athletic wings in Collins and Derrick Jones Jr., and that pressure has already led to wins over playoff-caliber teams.

But health is everything. Collins’ extended absence could seriously test their resilience this season, and Clipper fans would hope it’s nothing serious.

For the first time in years, the Clippers seem to be in sync. Kawhi has conquered his injury woes and is elevating his teammates’ play. Despite their record, this isn’t a team you want to face early in the postseason.