Chicago Sky coach James Wade is playing coy after star Kahleah Copper went down during practice Friday ahead of the team’s win-or-go home Game 2 against the New York Liberty on Saturday.
The reigning WNBA Finals MVP went down toward the end of practice on a non-contact play, grabbing her ankle. She had to be helped off the court and went to the trainer’s room. Upon her return, Copper was limping but told teammates she was “OK.”
When asked about the incident after practice, Wade asserted that “nothing is wrong.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. “We’re fine.”
When further pressed about Copper’s fall, Wade reiterated that she was “fine” and that nothing happened. He would not disclose whether or not he expects Copper to play in tomorrow’s Game 2 against New York, just repeating that the Sky are “fine.”
Per @James_M_Kay: "Kahleah Copper emerged from the trainer’s room walking on her own. Said he is “okay” while walking gingerly back to her seat on the court"— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) August 19, 2022
Per @James_M_Kay: "Kahleah Copper emerged from the trainer’s room walking on her own. Said he is “okay” while walking gingerly back to her seat on the court"
James Wade on Kahleah Copper's injury @TheNextHoops pic.twitter.com/5w3pLUk5Lu— James Kay (@James_M_Kay) August 19, 2022
James Wade on Kahleah Copper's injury @TheNextHoops pic.twitter.com/5w3pLUk5Lu
The Sky are in a must-win situation for Game 2 against the Liberty. New York closed Wednesday’s game on a 13-0 run to take the first game of the three-game series.
In order to continue their run at defending the title, Chicago must win the next two games — including a Game 3 on the road if it comes to that.