Thunder’s James Harden Suffered Concussion After Elbowing From Metta World Peace

Oklahoma City Thunder bench star James Harden had to leave today’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers after taking an elbow to the head from Metta World Peace — and now the news out of L.A. isn’t good, according to ESPN. Harden has a concussion.

Reports: James Harden diagnosed with concussion after taking elbow to head from Metta World Peace

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  (@SportsCenter) April 23, 2012

Late in the second quarter of the Lakers’ eventual double-overtime win, World Peace broke away in transition and finished with emphatic dunk; celebrating seconds later, he pounded his chest and swung both arms behind him to push Harden out of the way. His left elbow hit Harden square in the head.

Harden fell to the floor and was down for a minute; Thunder teammate Serge Ibaka threatened a confrontation with World Peace but was restrained.

World Peace faces a likely suspension for the elbow — and with only one game left in the regular season for L.A. (Thursday against the Sacramento Kings), it’s looking quite possible that the Lakers’ forward sits out at least some of the team’s first playoff series.