Hornets' Jefferson left game vs. Bucks with groin strain

As if this season hasn't been frustrating enough for the Charlotte Hornets, they may have to weather the loss of leading scorer and rebounded Al Jefferson, who had to leave Monday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter after aggravating his groin. 

Jefferson had been dealing with a groin strain but played through it for two straight games. It's likely that the wear and tear simply caught up to him, but he appeared to aggravate the injury while attempting to muscle through two Bucks defenders deep in the post. 

After missing a shot and grabbing his own rebound, he was stifled by John Henson at the rim, landed a bit awkwardly, then jogged gingerly back on defense. The Bucks scored on the ensuing possession, and he limped off the court and into the locker room. He left with just six points on 3-of-12 shooting, and did not return. 

The Hornets made a spirited fourth-quarter push without him, erasing an 11-point deficit to force overtime. But they ran out of steam in the extra frame, ultimately falling 104-94. 

Jefferson has a history of injury issues but he's remained mostly healthy over the past three years, missing just 12 games (and none so far this season). He's averaging 18.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.