Mike James sustains Achilles tendon injury in Anadolu Efes defeat against Red Star Belgrade
EuroLeague all-time top scorer Mike James was stretchered off with a suspected Achilles tendon injury during Anadolu Efes' 77-72 defeat against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday.
Non-contact injury in Belgrade
Anadolu Efes guard Mike James suffered an injury in the Achilles tendon area during a EuroLeague regular season game against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday, 1 October 2026. The incident occurred with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter of the contest in the Serbian capital. James moved to secure a rebound during an open phase of play without any contact from opposing defenders. As he planted his foot on the hardwood, he immediately grimaced in pain and grabbed his lower right leg, indicating to the bench that the issue was severe. The 36-year-old American remained on the floor in tears while team doctors and medical staff attended to him, and venue personnel subsequently transported him out of the arena on a stretcher.
- Mike James sustains a non-contact right leg injury while jumping for a rebound
- Red Star Belgrade defeats Anadolu Efes 77-72
- Anadolu Efes announces detailed examinations for an Achilles tendon injury
- Mike James posts a message on social media thanking supporters
Medical evaluations and club reaction
Following the conclusion of the match, Anadolu Efes released an official medical update on social media regarding the condition of their starting guard. The Turkish club confirmed that comprehensive examinations would take place to assess the full extent of the Achilles tendon damage and establish an appropriate recovery protocol. While a complete tendon tear has not yet been formally confirmed by diagnostic imaging, medical staff suspect a severe injury that could result in a season-ending absence for the veteran guard.
Mike James, who is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury, will soon undergo detailed examinations on the basis of which appropriate treatment will be planned. Get well soon, Mike.
Shortly after being removed from the arena, James addressed his followers on social media to share his immediate frustration regarding the injury and acknowledge the support sent by fans.
Well, this sucks... Fucking terrible. Thank you to everyone who reached out.
Match outcome and Jordan Loyd performance
The injury unfolded during a competitive fixture that ultimately ended in a 77-72 victory for Red Star Belgrade. The final score secured the first win of the EuroLeague season for the Serbian team, while Anadolu Efes recorded their first defeat of the continental campaign after falling behind in the closing minutes. Guard Jordan Loyd served as the offensive leader for the Turkish side, spending 23 minutes on the hardwood. The naturalized Polish international recorded 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals for Efes. Loyd was efficient in his shooting, converting three of five attempts from three-point range, two of three on two-point field goals, and all four of his attempts from the free-throw line.
- Points
- 17 count
- Rebounds
- 7 count
- Assists
- 3 count
- Steals
- 2 count
Career background and scoring records
James signed with Anadolu Efes during the summer transfer window after concluding a five-year tenure with French club AS Monaco, an organization that was operating on the verge of bankruptcy. The American guard is the highest scorer in EuroLeague history, having accumulated a record 5,961 career points across his appearances in the continental tournament. French guard Nando De Colo is the only other competitor in the history of the competition to have crossed the 5,000-point threshold. Further clinical evaluations and imaging tests scheduled by the Anadolu Efes medical department will clarify the exact diagnosis and determine the total length of James' recovery period.
