WALTHAM, Mass. -- Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger sported a glove during Thursday's practice, but said it's simply a precautionary measure aimed at protecting a lingering injury sustained last month.
Sullinger said the injury occurred against the Charlotte Bobcats on Nov. 25. He initially taped his hand and wrist in the aftermath, but quickly shed that wrap. The issue hasn't been as quick to disappear.
"It’s been bothering me since the Charlotte game, so I just decided to finally wear something because there’s a deep bone bruise and a couple sprained ligaments in my left hand," said Sullinger. "But I’ll be all right."
Coach Brad Stevens likewise downplayed the presence of the glove, noting it's "nothing new. I think they just tried some contraption to try something new."
Sullinger said the injury isn't a big issue.
"It’s just when you hit it in the right spot," said Sullinger. "Other than that, I’m fine."
Sullinger is averaging 14.1 points and 7.1 rebounds over 26.7 minutes per game in his sophomore season. He has been Boston's most consistent two-way player, reflected by being a team-best plus-75 in plus/minus (even more staggering considering Kris Humphries is next closest at plus-37, while starting frontcourt mate Brandon Bass is minus-100 for the year).
