National Basketball Association

Heat's Norris Cole leaves with facial injury

Published Dec. 30, 2013 11:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Miami Heat's Norris Cole left Monday night's game at Denver midway through the third quarter after taking a fall at the end of a driving layup attempt and hitting his face on the floor.

Cole had come into the game in place of Dwayne Wade, who didn't return after halftime because of back spasms, the Heat said in a tweet. Wade's return was characterized by the team as questionable.

Cole went up for the basket with Ty Lawson, who was called for a foul, and fell awkwardly face first to the floor. He remained down for several minutes while being tended to by trainers before being helped to his feet and assisted off the floor to the locker room for treatment.

Joel Anthony came in for Cole and made both free throws.