The Cleveland Cavaliers are stumbling down the final stretch of the season, walking wounded with a roster full of NBDL players and ten-day contracts. Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varejao, and Anthony Parker have all missed time recently, and on Wednesday night against the Pacers, back-up center Semih Erden had to be helped off the court after severely spraining his ankle. He did not return.
↵But, more notable than Erden's injury was the pre-game pain inflicted on Cavs' mascot Moondog. It seems the pup was involved in a little contretemps with Indiana forward David West, who engaged the mascot in a playful mock tussle. Unfortunately, West caught him solid with a slap which sent Moondog, or that man who inhabits his insentient suit, to the hospital with an apparent eye injury. West reportedly felt bad about injuring Moondog, via Tom Reed of the Plain Dealer:
↵↵↵"I feel terrible about that, I really do," West said. "We were just having fun right before the game. We were just messing around. I really hope he's OK. Make sure he knows I'm sorry."
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Reed also reports that Moondog was seen running through the hallways, head removed with a towel pressed against his eye. This never would have happened to Whammer.
↵For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Cavaliers, visit Fear The Sword, SB Nation's Cavs blog. For all your NBA news and notes as the season winds down, check out SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.