Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink has been diagnosed with torn ACL , the WNBA team has confirmed. In a medical update issued by the Sparks , they wrote: "Cameron Brink suffered a left torn ACL in Tuesday's game vs. Connecticut Sun. Additional details will be provided at a later date."
Brink, the No. 2 pick behind Caitlin Clark in the 2024 WNBA Draft, was carried off the court on Tuesday after suffering a knee injury. It was then confirmed during halftime that she would not return to the game, and the Sparks went on to lose 79-70.
The injury occurred in the first quarter as Brink contested with Sun forward Brionna Jones but slipped and lost her footing. After landing awkwardly, Brink quickly grabbed her leg and was helped off the court.
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Not only does Brink's injury bring her WNBA rookie season to an end, it means she will miss the 2024 Paris Olympics where Team USA had selected her. Brink was scheduled to compete in the 3x3 squad, but will now be withdrawn.
Head coach Curt Miller refused to offer insight into Brink's condition on Tuesday night, stating: "Cam has a knee injury, and will be evaluated tomorrow." Miller's worst fears have come to light, though, in a brutal situation for the No. 2 pick.
Fellow WNBA rookie, Angel Reese, posted a message of support for Brink on social media after the Sparks provided the injury update. The Chicago Sky forward wrote on X: "Prayers for my sweet girl! @cameronbrink22."
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The injury means that Brink finishes her rookie year averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game across the 15 she had played. The Stanford product averaged 17.4 points in her final college season at Stanford before being selected by the Sparks.
Brink was excited to represent Team USA at the Olympics, making her injury even more heartbreaking. The Sparks forward was ready to show her versatility and step out of her comfort zone.
"As a post player, I think it gives me an opportunity to grow my game," Brink told NBC Sports. "I have to be able to shoot, I have to handle the ball when I clear it out past the 3-point line.
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"I have to defend all positions and be able to guard a ball screen—not just guarding the post defender but guarding the guard. [3x3 basketball] is a really good opportunity for me to grow as an all-around player and take me outside of my comfort zone."
Brink felt relief when hearing her name called during the WNBA Draft earlier this year, admitting how stressful the situation was for everyone involved. She had big plans for this year but will need to focus on a full recovery before chasing her goals with the Sparks.
"It’s just such a high-stress environment, as well, so when they called my name, just a huge wave of emotions hit me," Brink said. "When I saw my mom tearing up and my dad, that definitely hit home.
"Just super thankful. I love that I get to stay on the West Coast. And I love that (the Sparks) took a chance on me, and I feel like I’m just going to show that I can work really hard and help them a lot."
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