Atlanta Dream’s rising star, Rhyne Howard, faced a setback in Wednesday’s game against the Lynx as she had to leave the court due to an ankle injury. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Howard accidentally stepped on the foot of Minnesota guard Courtney Williams while making a drive to the basket. Unfortunately, Howard was unable to return to the game, leaving her team at a disadvantage.
Howard, who was the top pick in the 2022 WNBA draft and earned the Rookie of the Year title, has been a key player for the Dream. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team as they strive for success in the league. Despite the loss, the Dream’s head coach, Tanisha Wright, provided no immediate update on Howard’s condition, stating that she would undergo further evaluation on Thursday to determine the extent of her injury.
This injury adds to the recent string of setbacks for the U.S. 3×3 Olympic team, as Howard becomes the second player to be injured in a WNBA game within a span of two days. With Los Angeles forward Cameron Brink already ruled out for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL, the team is facing challenges in maintaining its roster for the upcoming Olympic event.
As one of the remaining members of the American 3×3 team, Howard’s injury raises concerns about the team’s overall readiness for the competition. Alongside TCU’s Hailey Van Lith and former Tennessee player Cierra Burdick, Howard plays a crucial role in the team’s performance on the international stage. The United States women’s team clinched gold in the 2021 3×3 Olympic tournament, with WNBA stars showcasing their talent on a global platform.
Howard’s journey from a college standout at Kentucky to a WNBA star has been nothing short of impressive. Her contributions to the Dream have been significant, with an average of 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Despite the setback in the recent game, Howard’s talent and dedication to the sport continue to shine through, making her a player to watch in the upcoming games.
As fans eagerly await updates on Howard’s condition, the Dream will need to regroup and adjust their strategies to cope with her absence on the court. The team’s resilience and determination will be tested in the face of adversity, as they strive to overcome challenges and push forward in the competitive WNBA season. Howard’s presence and skillset are invaluable to the Dream, and her speedy recovery is crucial for the team’s success in the league.