Connecticut might've taken home the victory last week against Seattle, but the Sun weren't able to escape that game unscathed.
With a minute left in the contest, Brionna Jones suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon. The two-time All-Star underwent successful surgery over the weekend, according to a team press release. She will now miss the remainder of the 2023 season.
This isn't the first time the Sun have tried to capture a title without a key player, though. The Eastern Conference's top seed seems to be able to repeatedly bounce back after bad injury luck. Can Connecticut do it again?
The Sporting News has the latest updates on Jones' status below.
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What is Brionna Jones' injury?
Jones suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon on June 20. She went down with the non-contact injury after attempting to crash the offensive glass.
Here is a video of the play (via CBS Sports):
"While this is not how I envisioned this season ending for me, I am determined and ready to head into the next stage of recovery and rehab," Jones said as part of the team's statement. "I know I have an amazing support system behind me, and I will return on the other side of this stronger than ever.
"I'm definitely going to miss competing every night with this incredible group of women the most, but I am excited to see this team continue to flourish and accomplish great things this season."
How long will Brionna Jones be out?
There is no definitive timetable for Jones' return. The Sun have only announced that she will sit out the rest of the 2023 season.
"We will be here for her and lift her up as she goes through the recovery process," Sun coach Stephanie White said. "As a team, we know we have a job to do, and we will dedicate our work toward the ultimate goal of winning a championship in a way that honors Breezy."
Connecticut Sun schedule 2023
Here are the Sun's next five games of the 2023 season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| June 27 | vs. Liberty | 7 p.m. |
| July 1 | at Aces | 3 p.m. |
| July 6 | vs. Storm | 7 p.m. |
| July 9 | vs. Mystics | 3 p.m. |
| July 12 | at Sky | Noon |