Atlanta Dream suffer big blow with loss of Jordin Canada

Rodney Knuppel

Atlanta Dream suffer big blow with loss of Jordin Canada image

The Atlanta Dreamwill be without starting point guard Jordin Canada for at least the next two weeks after she suffered a right hamstring injury, the team announced Wednesday.

Atlanta faces key stretch without its starting point guard

Canada was hurt in the third quarter of Sunday’s 74-66 win over the Phoenix Mercury. Driving to the basket against Alyssa Thomas, she grimaced in pain after a runner, then hobbled off the court without putting weight on her right leg. After being evaluated behind the bench, she was carried to the locker room and ruled out for the rest of the game.

Before the injury, Canada was averaging 11.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, ranking fifth in the league in assists. Her defensive presence has also been a major factor, with the Dream allowing 94.7 points per 100 possessions when she’s on the floor compared to 101.7 without her.

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The injury comes just as Atlanta welcomed back Rhyne Howard from a knee injury and saw Brittney Griner return from a neck issue. Head coach Karl Smesko acknowledged the challenge of losing Canada at such a critical position but said the return of Howard will help stabilize the team.

Canada is expected to make a full return before the end of the season.

The Dream have won six straight games. They will host the Seattle Storm on Friday, before back-to-back road games at Golden State and Las Vegas.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.