UConn star Paige Bueckers reacts to Nika Mühl's heartbreaking injury news

Nika Mühl's rookie season with the Seattle Storm ended when the team lost to the Aces in the first round of the playoffs. Like many other WNBA players, Mühl traveled overseas to play during the offseason.

Her first game with Besiktas was on Thursday against Fenerbahce. Mühl went up for a rebound in the third quarter and landed awkwardly on her way down. It was clear that something was seriously wrong, as she remained on the floor in pain. Mühl was taken off the court on a stretcher.

Besiktas CEO Ozkan Arseven confirmed on X that Mühl tore her ACL.

Like other WNBA rookies, Mühl's life has been a whirlwind since the draft. Shortly after UConn's season ended, the Storm selected Mühl with the No. 14 overall pick. The guard averaged only 3.6 minutes per game in 16 contests as a rookie, but she never complained about her lack of playing time. Instead, she repeatedly talked about how grateful she was to be in Seattle.

Even with the WNBA's ongoing rise in popularity, many players have to go overseas during the offseason for financial reasons. Mühl was no exception. She'll likely miss most of the 2025 WNBA season recovering from the injury.

Paige Bueckers reacts to news of Nika Mühl's torn ACL

Mühl luckily has a strong support system to help guide her through this low point in her professional career. On Thursday, Paige Bueckers said she spoke to Mühl:

"I talked to Nika before practice, before she got the news," UConn All-American Paige Bueckers said after the Huskies' workout at the Werth Champions Center. "Just talking to her and being there for her, I know that she has a great support system here. I know the journey ahead of her is not going to be easy, but if there's anything I know about Nika it's that she'll crush it. She'll just want to destroy the entire rehab and the coming back process, whatever that looks like.

Bueckers also shared a picture of her and Mühl on her Instagram story with the caption, "My strong strong twin. Nothing you can't handle. Let's do it... God speed!"

Mühl posted a few pictures on Instagram with a lengthy caption thanking people for their love and support. She added that it's a chance to compete against herself on her recovery journey.

Injuries are by far one of the worst parts of the game. Hopefully, Mühl's recovery will go as smoothly as possible. When she returns, Bueckers will be in the league. It will be a treat to see them play against each other for the first time.