Blake Griffin forced from Game 3 with toe injury

The Los Angeles Clippers took a 2-1 series lead over the Utah Jazz on Friday, but the team won't exactly be resting easy as they await word on their star power forward.

Blake Griffin left the game due to a right big toe injury sustained in the second quarter and never returned. X-rays came back negative, and the Clippers labeled the injury a bruise, but head coach Doc Rivers said after the Game 3 victory that the team would have more news after evaluating the results of a Friday night CAT scan.

"We don't know is the answer," Rivers responded when asked how Griffin was doing.

If serious, it would mark the second major injury for Griffin in his last two postseasons, as the 28-year-old was ruled out of last year's playoffs after aggravating his left quad.

The 6-foot-10 big man put together another strong season for Los Angeles this season, averaging 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and a steal on 49.3 percent shooting. Griffin's postseason numbers were even better, averaging 25 points on 47.6 percent shooting entering Friday's contest.

Should Griffin miss extended time, it would be a major blow to the Clippers, who are without another forward who could replace the five-time All-Star's productivity in the starting unit.