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Wesley Matthews thanks fans and teammates for support in wake of injury

Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

The season-ending injury to Wesley Matthews is bringing out all kinds of emotion.

Matthews ruptured his left Achilles tendon Thursday night, an injury that threatens the championship aspirations of the Portland Trail Blazers. More importantly to the team, it seems, is that they've lost their heart and soul.

In the wake of the news of Matthews' injury, the outpouring of support from teammates, other players around the league and fans has been substantial, enough that Matthews took to Instagam on Friday to send a message to his supporters.

CAPTION: I would be lying if I did not admit to having tears fall down my face this morning because I was hoping to just be waking up from a bad dream. I’m sorry this response took this long but none of it felt real, and to be honest, it still doesn’t. My season is over and my will, my heart, my faith and my strength will now be tested, which is a challenge I welcome. Though my season is over, #ripcity’s season is far from over! And I will be there 'till the end! As I read through all the messages via text and Twitter, I was in awe. I was in shock and disbelief not only because of the injury, but because I never could have imagined how many people could be genuinely hurt, sad and upset for me. To my coaches- thank you; to my brothers and teammates- thank you; to my fans and #ripcity- thank you; to my family and friends- thank you! Like most of my life, a challenge has been placed in front of me- a challenge that will be nothing but another chapter in my story. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, SUPPOR T & PRAYERS. See you on the court next season. #arrowlife out. -Ironman

I would be lying if I did not admit to having tears fall down my face this morning because I was hoping to just be waking up from a bad dream. I'm sorry this response took this long but none of it felt real, and to be honest, it still doesn't. My season is over and my will, my heart, my faith and my strength will now be tested, which is a challenge I welcome. Though my season is over, #ripcity's season is far from over! And I will be there 'till the end! As I read through all the messages via text and Twitter, I was in awe. I was in shock and disbelief not only because of the injury, but because I never could have imagined how many people could be genuinely hurt, sad and upset for me. To my coaches- thank you; to my brothers and teammates- thank you; to my fans and #ripcity- thank you; to my family and friends- thank you! Like most of my life, a challenge has been placed in front of me-a challenge that will be nothing but another chapter in my story. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, SUPPOR T & PRAYERS. See you on the court next season. #arrowlife out. -Ironman

That's a nice piece of recognition on the part of Matthews, who would have been wholly forgiven for keeping to himself. He also spoke openly to the media Thursday night, so it's hardly surprising that the fan-, media- and league-favorite was willing to connect so soon.

Matthews has missed just 13 games in his six-year NBA career to this point, earning him the nick name "Iron Man" from the team's fans, game operations crew and broadcasters.

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