Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers left Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Lynx in a wheelchair after sustaining an ankle sprain during a physical play. The injury occurred with 7:16 remaining in the second quarter as the Sun tried to break through a solid Lynx defense.
Rivers kicked off the play, driving to the basket for a layup before Minnesota forward Nia Coffey blocked the shot. The move forced Rivers to land awkwardly on her left foot, rolling her ankle hard enough to pop off her sneaker. Connecticut teammates and trainers quickly surrounded her on the baseline as she lay in pain.
Rivers was then wheeled to the locker room with a towel covering her head as the Sun ruled her out for the rest of the night. Before exiting, the second-year guard recorded five points, two assists, and one rebound in nine minutes of action.
How Saniya Rivers's Injury Reshapes the Connecticut Sun Lineup
Rivers's injury only compounds the Sun's recent roster issues. Connecticut had already started Wednesday's game a man down as center Brittney Griner was benched with a strained left quad. Forward Aneesah Morrow also missed the match due to personal issues.
Without Rivers, the team lost three of its top five scorers in one night. Minnesota took advantage and won 86-80. As of now, the Sun haven't updated the official WNBA injury report with a timeline for Rivers's recovery.
They'll face a tough test against the Golden State Valkyries tomorrow at 7:30 PM ET on ION.
