During a tense game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun on September 13, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, veteran guard Sydney Colson suffered what appeared to be a painful injury. Colson, acting as the Fever’s backup point guard due to Caitlin Clark’s quad strain, had to leave the court after a hard collision, raising concerns about her status and the team’s prospects. The incident happened as the Fever maintained a narrow 23-21 lead, but the guard’s departure deepened uncertainty over the Fever’s lineup going forward.
Details of the Injury Incident and Immediate Game Impact
Across nine minutes of play, Sydney Colson managed two assists and two rebounds, showcasing her role as the Fever’s floor general in Clark’s absence. However, momentum shifted abruptly when Jacy Sheldon of the Connecticut Sun dived for a loose ball and collided with Colson. This marked the second tough hit Colson had sustained that night. The veteran guard was visibly in pain and required assistance to leave the court, signaling a serious injury scare for Indiana’s already stretched roster. Sophie Cunningham was quickly assigned to take over point guard responsibilities as Colson headed to the locker room.
“Sydney Colson was down on the court and in pain after Jacy Sheldon dove for the loose ball. Colson, currently their backup PG with Clark out, is walking gingerly. It’s the second time tonight she’s gotten hit. She heads back to the locker room and Cunningham will run point.” — Scott Agness, Sports Reporter
Injury Challenges for the Indiana Fever’s Backcourt
The Fever have had to navigate difficulties with key players sidelined, notably with the absence of Caitlin Clark due to a left quad strain expected to keep her out for a minimum of two weeks. Colson had stepped up to fill this critical role, providing veteran leadership and ball-handling skills despite the team‘s recent struggles. Her injury during this crucial game complicates the Fever’s depth chart and strategy, forcing Cunningham into a larger role. The backup point guard position now appears vulnerable at a critical juncture in the season, potentially affecting Indiana’s competitiveness on the court.
Broader Consequences and the Fever’s Outlook Without Core Guards
This injury setback comes at a difficult time for the Fever, whose hopes have relied heavily on their guard play to maintain offense and control gameplay. Losing two important floor generals jeopardizes the team’s efforts to sustain their standings and raises questions about their ability to endure the remainder of the season. The uncertainty around Colson’s condition adds to the anxiety among fans and team members alike, underlining the significant impact that injuries to key players can have on a squad’s stability and success.
With Sophie Cunningham now thrust into the leading point guard role, the Fever must adjust quickly to preserve offensive cohesion. The team’s response to this adversity will be closely watched, as it could determine their trajectory in upcoming games.