Thunder's Nerlens Noel has concussion after scary fall against Timberwolves

Oklahoma City Thunder center/power forward Nerlens Noel was taken off the court on a stretcher Tuesday night with a concussion after suffering two blows to the head.

Noel was trying to block a dunk from the Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins in the third quarter when his head was snapped back as Wiggins' forearm hit him in the face.

That blow knocked out Noel, according to the Thunder. He fell hard, and his head bounced off the court. 

The Thunder staff came out immediately to check on the former first-round pick and called for a stretcher after about 20 seconds.

His neck was in a brace and his arms and legs were immobilized as he was wheeled off the court to quiet applause from the concerned Oklahoma City crowd and Thunder and Timberwolves players.

The Thunder released a statement saying that Noel spent the night at OU Medical Center for tests and was released from the hospital on Wednesday.

He is entering the league's concussion protocol and there is no timetable for his return.

Wiggins said he didn't mean to hurt Noel.

"I just tried to make an aggressive move and dunk," Wiggins said. "He tried to contest it. I think he fell wrong. I didn't really see it until I saw him on the ground. Hopefully, he's good. I hope nothing but the best for him. I hope he gets healthy soon and comes back stronger."

REACTION: Players and fans tweet prayers to Noel

The Thunder were ahead at the time, but lost 119-117.

Noel, who signed a two-year deal with the Thunder in July, is averaging 5.1 points a game this season in 39 games.

Contributing: The Associated Press.

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