By JAMES COHEN, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 11:07 EST, 29 January 2026 | Updated: 11:08 EST, 29 January 2026
NBA star Onyeka Okongwu was left bloodied, battered and missing teeth after being on the receiving end of an elbow from Jaylen Brown.
Atlanta Hawks forward Okongwu suffered the gruesome injury during the third quarter of their 117-106 victory over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday.
Celtics star Brown had attempted to clear space from Okongwu as he span towards the basket but, inadvertently, struck the Hawks forward with his elbow.
Okongwu was immediately floored following the connection and was seen with blood pouring out of his mouth as he, somehow, remained on the court.
The Hawks star stepped up to shoot the ensuing free throws before later being taken out of the game and assessed by the team's medical staff.
After the game, the 25-year-old shared an update by posting a gruesome selfie.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Onyeka Okongwu
Jaylen Brown
Okongwu later took to Instagram Stories to share an update on the gruesome injury
The picture showed Okongwu, who was sat in a medical room, with a bloodied mouth and a number of missing teeth as he grimaced at the camera.
Speaking after the game, Brown insisted that the flagrant foul was not intentional and wished the Hawks star a speedy recovery.
According to ClutchPoints, he said: 'I know from my own experiences with a fractured face and chipped teeth that s*** is a hassle. So, it wasn't intentional.
'I know it's gonna be a long day at the dentist. Hopefully, he has a good recovery.'
Despite the chaotic moment, Brown still finished as the Celtics' leading scorer on the night with 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists in just 29 minutes of action.