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Rebecca Allen out against the Lynx with a hand injury

By Jackie Powell

WHITE PLAINS, NY- JUNE 9: Rebecca Allen #9 of the New York Liberty seen prior to the game against the Las Vegas Aces on June 9, 2019 at the Westchester County Center, in White Plains, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WHITE PLAINS, NY- JUNE 9: Rebecca Allen #9 of the New York Liberty seen prior to the game against the Las Vegas Aces on June 9, 2019 at the Westchester County Center, in White Plains, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Liberty Guard/Small Forward Allen will not play Wednesday against Minnesota

Rebecca Allen has been ruled out tomorrow night against the Minnesota Lynx with a metacarpal fracture. Allen finished the Liberty’s first win over the Aces with six points, four boards, and two blocks.

Head Coach Katie Smith has called Allen “long” but she’s also timely. And speaking of “long,” New York will miss Allen’s 6’5″ wingspan, which helps Amanda Zahui B, carry the defensive load in the paint. She’s called the “spider” (spida if we are in Australia) for a reason.

The Liberty will miss plays like the ones Allen delivered Sunday — the combined stop of a Jackie Young layup alongside Tina Charles, her weak side block of a JiSu Park drive. She had three deflections against Washington on Friday, one of which came on Elena Delle Donne. (She’s currently tied with Delle Donne with 1.4 blocks per game, rounding out the top 10 with that number.)

In addition to her contributions on the defensive side of the ball, Allen has thrived when New York has set up the 6’2 native Aussie. Against the Mystics, she scored 13 points, including knocking down three shots outside the arc.

Allen drained a game-tying three-ball during the tight home opener against the Indiana Fever, and fired another one against the Sparks that got her team within one. While Allen scores in spurts, she gets into a rhythm, and scores when the Liberty need it most.

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So what does this injury mean exactly? How long will Allen actually be out? First: it’s painful. There’s a reason why it’s called a “boxer’s fracture.” Also, at the moment there’s a lot we don’t know. Will Allen need surgery or is this one correctable with time? Metacarpal Fractures usually need at least six weeks in a cast or a splint.

But that’s the issue for New York, time. After breaking a four-game losing streak to start the season, the Liberty have none of it to waste. After earning a balanced team victory against the Aces, the Liberty can’t avoid how Allen’s injury will impact the anxiety surrounding the roster and the ensuing Eurobasket Tournament. We already weren’t sure how the defense would remain stable without Zahui B when she leaves to join Sweden next Thursday. Tuesday, Bria Hartley left to join New York rookie guard Marine Johannes in France. Kia Stokes, a four-year veteran and another big, is also missing in action due to the tournament.

At least we know that Eurobasket ends on July 7 with plenty of WNBA to go. But in the meantime, what’s in store in the present?

We have to expect that guard Tiffany Bias will get more minutes against the Lynx.  Also, we might see Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe check in on Wednesday as the Liberty prepare for Zahui B’s departure.

This might play in New York’s favor as Minnesota is turnover-prone, allowing 18.8 per contest. Bias is a defensive specialist and accumulating steals is a specialty of hers. Cheryl Reeve’s Lynx is currently sitting at 75.2 points per game, and if turnovers and personals continue to stabilize for New York, Allen’s loss might not be felt immediately.

But looking past Wednesday to this weekend’s west coast road trip against Los Angeles and Las Vegas, New York will miss Allen’s all-around presence inside and out. While she didn’t clock a considerable amount of minutes versus the Sparks, her impact was integral against the Aces.

On the bright side, however, we can expect Asia Durr to return tomorrow night. She sat on Sunday with an illness during New York’s win against Las Vegas. The Libs need someone to step up. Will it be the rookie?

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