Nikola Ivanovic out at least a month with a broken rib / News - Basketnews.com

Nikola Ivanovic awkwardly landed on Zach LeDay's knee and had to leave the game, which forced a severe reaction from Crvena Zvezda fans. According to head coach Dusko Ivanovic, the player is expected to be sidelined at least a month, pending further tests.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic

The first derby of the season between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade was forced to stop for more than half an hour after the home team's guard Nikola Ivanovic was injured during a play.

Nikola Ivanovic

MIN:19.07PTS:6.3 (49.28%)REB:1.6As:2.3ST:1.2BL:0TO:1GM:10ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

With just over half a minute left in the first quarter, Ivanovichad the ball in his hands. After overcomingVladimir Brodziansky's defense, he drove to the basket where he metZach LeDay. Even though Ivanovic made the floater, he was called for an offensive foul against the Partizan forward.

After releasing the shot, Ivanovic awkwardly landed on top of LeDay's knee, twisting his back. The guard was immediately seen grimacing in pain. Ivanovic was later helped to the locker room by the medical staff.

The episode sparked an immediate reaction from Crvena Zvezda fans who started throwing various objects onto the court,ultimately forcing referees to leave the game, which led to the game being interrupted.

Talking after the game about his player, Crvena Zvezda's head coach Dusko Ivanovic did not have good news to share.

"Nikola fell awkwardly, we think one of his ribs is broken. I believe he won't be here for a month, a month and a half. I'm very sorry, he played well," the coach said.

The exact timeline is currently not known, pending further tests.

The episode of Nikola Ivanovic's injury:

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