Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in the team's 107-102 win at Orlando on Monday and will miss the rest of the NBA season, the team said Tuesday.
"Billups underwent an MRI today at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, which confirmed the injury," the Clippers said in a statement posted on their website.
"He will return to Los Angeles on Thursday for further evaluation. A date for surgery is yet to be determined."
In 20 games this season, Billups has averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 30.4 minutes per game.
The 35-year-old lent a solid veteran presence to a team on the rise with young stars such as Blake Griffin.
Billups' teammates knew Monday night that he might have suffered a significant injury, and even though they battled to an overtime victory over Orlando, the mood in the locker room after the game was somber.
"It felt like somebody kicked me, man," Billups said as he ambled toward the team bus with the aid of crutches and a walking boot. "I don't know if it's torn, but I know it's not good."
The injury occurred midway through the fourth quarter. Billups fell to the court as he tried to change directions while chasing the ball after missing a three-point attempt. There was no contact with another player.
"Whenever that happens when no one is around, that's all the possibilities of a rupture," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "I'm sick about it."
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