The Washington Mystics lost their signature player Friday night, when Elena Delle Donne left the game against the Indiana Fever during the first half with an apparent ankle injury.
UPDATE: Elena Delle Donne has a right ankle sprain and will not return. She will be evaluated tomorrow.
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 14, 2017
The injury did not slow down the Mystics, who raced out to a 22-point lead by halftime against the Fever. But it comes at a critical time for Washington, who entered the night tied in the loss column with the New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun for the 4-6 spots in the playoffs.
More from Washington Mystics
- Seattle Comes Back Late, Beats Washington In Game One
- Mystics Overcome Early Struggles, Beat Liberty 78-69
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, November 9: Emma Meesseman tests positive for COVID-19
- Women’s Basketball, September 17: NCAA Hoops to start Nov. 25
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 14: Mystics are going dancing
With the WNBA All Star Game just over a week away, the injury could throw that appearance into question as well. Delle Donne, naturally, was voted a starter in the Eastern Conference.
Even though the Mystics have struggled of late, Delle Donne has been in a groove, posting 28 points, a season high, in July 8’s 96-92 loss to the Suns.
The Mystics have a quick turnaround after Friday night’s game, heading to New York Sunday to face the Liberty at Madison Square Garden.
The important matchup may have to take place without Delle Donne, the team’s leading scorer at 19.8 points per game, requiring more scoring and rebounding from Emma Meesseman, Krystal Thomas and other frontcourt players. The team is situated to weather a loss of a shooter, though, with a roster filled with other perimeter scorers.
The night of injuries didn’t end there. The Mystics also lost Tayler Hill, and in Phoenix, Brittney Griner was helped off the court after suffering an apparent knee injury.