Rhyne Howard, the former Kentucky Wildcat and three-time WNBA All-Star, will be sidelined for the rest of July due to a left knee injury. The injury occurred during a game against the Indiana Fever, forcing her to miss the highly anticipated WNBA All-Star Game scheduled for July 19th, though she is expected to make a full recovery.
Details of the Injury and Game Performance
Howard sustained the injury on a Friday matchup while playing for the Atlanta Dream but continued to play despite the discomfort. She completed the game with 14 points, hitting four out of eight three-point attempts, while also contributing three rebounds, three blocks, and two assists over 26 minutes. However, reports later revealed it was unwise for her to return to the court after the initial knee tweak.
According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Howard’s diagnosis has confirmed she will miss all remaining July games. Philippou stated,
“News: Rhyne Howard has been diagnosed with a left knee injury — from Atlanta’s game Friday vs. Indiana — and will be sidelined for the remainder of July. She is expected to make a full recoveryAppears that the commissioner will need to name a replacement for the All-Star Game.”
—Alexa Philippou, ESPN Reporter
Howard’s Notable Season Achievements Before Injury
This season, Howard has maintained remarkable performance statistics, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. She has set impressive records, including becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 career three-pointers. Last month, she tied the league’s single-game record by sinking nine three-pointers during a 36-point effort against the Chicago Sky. Additionally, Howard is the quickest Atlanta Dream player to score 2,000 career points, solidifying her status as one of the franchise’s top stars.
Impact on the Atlanta Dream and WNBA All-Star Game
Howard’s injury is a significant setback for the Atlanta Dream as they lose a leading scorer and key playmaker for several weeks. Her absence from the WNBA All-Star Game will lead the league commissioner to select a replacement to fill her spot on the Eastern Conference roster. The Dream will need to adjust their strategies without Howard’s scoring and defensive presence as they navigate the July schedule.
Outlook and Recovery Expectations
Despite the injury, the outlook for Howard’s recovery remains optimistic. Sources indicate that the injury is not expected to cause long-term damage, and she is anticipated to return to full health after her rehabilitation period. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that she will bounce back quickly, continuing her promising career after overcoming this temporary hurdle.
Context of Past Challenges and Support for Howard
Howard has faced injury challenges before in her professional career, making this the latest of several setbacks she has had to overcome. Supporters and followers of the player are sending well wishes in hopes of a smooth and speedy recovery. The Atlanta Dream community remains hopeful that their star player will regain full fitness and return stronger for the remainder of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Caitlin Clark say to Rhyne Howard?
A. Rhyne Howard played strong defense on Clark, who was feeling the heat from the start, leading to a quick back-and-forth after a routine foul. As they were pulled apart, Clark seemed to say, “I’m not afraid of you.”