The Phoenix Mercury faced a significant setback in their 95-86 loss to the Indiana Fever on Friday night, as star center Brittney Griner exited the game early due to a right hip injury. The injury compounds the challenges for a Mercury team already grappling with a series of absences among key players.
The Injury and Immediate Impact
Brittney Griner, a crucial player for both the Phoenix Mercury and the U.S. Olympic team, sustained her injury with 6:38 remaining in the second quarter after a collision with teammate Kahleah Copper. Griner, who had four points and one assist in her 11 minutes on the court, limped off and was sidelined for the rest of the game. Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts provided an update post-game, stating, “What I’ve been told is a strained groin, so we will see. The medical staff decided to hold her out.”
Griner’s absence was a significant blow to the Mercury, who were already playing without several key players. The team had to navigate the rest of the game with a depleted roster, ultimately falling short despite a valiant effort to stage a comeback in the fourth quarter.
Phoenix Mercury’s Injury Struggles
The Mercury were already facing a challenging situation even before Griner’s injury. Olympian Diana Taurasi was out with a lower left leg injury, and Natasha Cloud (left knee), Sug Sutton (right hamstring), and Charisma Osborne (lower left leg) were also sidelined. Bec Allen, another key player, was on a time restriction due to her injury but managed to contribute 25 minutes.
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner’s first bucket since her return from injury.
Score is tied 9-9 with 5:39 left in the first. #WNBA #WNBATwitter #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/sirzQnlXmz
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Phoenix had signed guard Celeste Taylor to a seven-day contract to fill in gaps, and she played 24 minutes against the Fever, a team that had drafted and then waived her earlier in the season. By the end of the game, the Mercury had only five players available due to Griner’s injury and Allen’s limitations.
Tibbetts Calls for Roster Expansion
Coach Tibbetts highlighted the need for larger rosters in the WNBA, citing his experience in the D League where teams often had to play with fewer players. “I’m thankful for my time in the D League, to be honest,” Tibbetts said. “Our roster size [there] was small, and there were some nights we had to play with eight. But not a lot of nights where you saw seven being rolled out there like we did tonight.”
Tibbetts expressed hope that the upcoming collective bargaining agreement would address this issue, allowing for expanded roster sizes to prevent situations like the one the Mercury faced. “It shouldn’t get to this point,” he emphasized.
A Strong Effort Despite Adversity
Despite their limited roster, the Mercury put up a strong fight. They managed to cut Indiana’s 31-point lead to just four points late in the fourth quarter, with Kahleah Copper scoring 36 points and Sophie Cunningham adding 21. The Mercury outscored the Fever 28-13 in the fourth quarter, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Fever’s Performance and Playoff Implications
The Indiana Fever, led by Kelsey Mitchell with 28 points, Aliyah Boston with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, Caitlin Clark with 20 points, 13 assists, and 6 rebounds, and NaLyssa Smith with 14 points and 10 rebounds, managed to hold off the Mercury’s late-game surge. The win placed Indiana in seventh position with two games remaining before the All-Star/Olympic break. The top eight teams will make the playoffs, and the Fever are aiming to secure their first playoff berth since 2016.
Fever coach Christie Sides reflected on the game, noting, “They went zone and we didn’t take wide-open shots [or] didn’t finish them. And then we didn’t get back guarding. We just couldn’t get matched up with who we were supposed to. Kahleah Copper is an unbelievable player.”
U.S. Olympic Team Concerns
Griner’s injury is not only a setback for the Mercury but also a concern for the U.S. Olympic team as the Paris Games approach. The U.S. team, aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal, is already dealing with injuries to key players. Diana Taurasi’s status remains uncertain, and Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier (left foot) and Atlanta guard Rhyne Howard (left ankle) are also dealing with injuries.
The U.S. 5×5 and 3×3 teams are closely monitoring the health of their players, with the Paris Games set to begin on July 26. The medical staff’s decision to hold Griner out was likely influenced by the broader goal of ensuring she is fit for the Olympics, where her presence will be crucial.
The Phoenix Mercury’s loss to the Indiana Fever, compounded by Brittney Griner’s injury, highlights the challenges faced by WNBA teams dealing with limited rosters and key player absences. As the league moves towards potential changes in roster sizes, the resilience and determination displayed by the Mercury serve as a testament to the competitive spirit of the players. For the U.S. Olympic team, the focus now shifts to managing injuries and preparing for the upcoming Paris Games, where they aim to continue their dominance on the world stage.