The WNBA regular season is almost over and teams are fighting hard to clinch a playoff berth. 7th seed Washington Mystics took on 8th seed Los Angeles Sparks recently. This was a crucial matchup as both teams were in playoff contention and the Mystics took a huge blow. Former WNBA champion Kristi Toliver suffered a devastating blow during their game. As she fell down in pain on the court, the officials stopped the play, and the veteran’s injury just before the playoffs had the players in tears.
Players break down as veteran suffers huge blow
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Injuries have marred the 2 time WNBA champion Kristi Toliver‘s 2023 season. The 36-year-old has played in only 11 games this season and has started none of them. Despite that, she is a very experienced player, having won the 2019 WNBA title with the Mystics.
When the Mystics took on the Sparks in their latest game, Toliver’s season took another hit. They had a two-point lead over the Sparks during the first quarter when Toliver fell to the ground while dribbling.
To make matters worse, it was a no-contact injury. The team was visibly in shock as a majority of the players broke down when the medics took away the 3-time WNBA All-Star on a stretcher.
“I’m not going to lie. Emotionally, I was shot”, said Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne. “It’s not great, I don’t think. We’re not expecting good news. It’s just crappy. … It’s pretty devastating”, added coach Eric Thibault according to ESPN.
Is the WNBA season over for the Mystics?
Despite this huge roadblock, the Washington Mystics can still qualify for the WNBA playoffs. Currently, the Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, and Minnesota Lynx have clinched playoff berths.
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Chicago, USA, June 22, 2023: Washington Mystics players huddle after the game between the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics on Thursday June 22, 2023 at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, USA. NO COMMERCIAL USAGE Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx spp-en-ShBe-590A2494
The Mystics are currently 7th, and there are 8 spots up for grabs. The Sparks have some difficult road games lined up which give Washington the upper hand over their Los Angeles rivals.
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What are your predictions for the 2023 WNBA season? Let us know in the comments below.
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Edited by
Saumya Khanduja