Jordin Canada Out with Injury: A Setback for Atlanta Dream
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada will be out for at least two weeks due to a right hamstring injury, the team announced this Wednesday. Canada’s injury occurred during the third quarter of the Dream’s 74-66 victory over the Phoenix Mercury last Sunday. With two minutes remaining in the third period, Canada attempted a drive to the basket against Alyssa Thomas and began gesturing in pain after taking a shot. She walked off the court with difficulty, not putting much weight on her right leg, while play continued until Atlanta was able to call a timeout. The team’s medical staff initially examined her on the ground behind the bench, and then Canada was taken to the locker room, being officially ruled out for the fourth quarter. Before Sunday’s game, Canada, the Dream’s starting point guard, was averaging 11.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. At the time, she was the fifth-leading assist player in the league. Her defense has also been crucial for Atlanta, with the team having a rating of 94.7 with her on the court and 101.7 without her. Sunday’s game marked the return of Rhyne Howard, who had been out since July 17 due to a knee injury, and Brittney Griner, who missed three games due to a neck injury.Now, the Dream will have to wait longer to be at its maximum capacity. “I think most teams, including ours, have been through this so many times that I think the players are getting more used to it, unfortunately,” Smesko said. “They know things change quickly and you just have to adapt.” According to the team, Canada is expected to return fully this season.“We hate being without JC because he’s been playing really well,” Atlanta coach Karl Smesko said Wednesday before his team’s 85-75 victory in Seattle. “And obviously, whenever you make adjustments, especially at the point guard position, you hope everything goes as smoothly as possible, but it’s not easy. Fortunately, we have Rhy back and that helps a lot.”
Karl Smesko, Atlanta coach
