Toronto Tempo guard Kiki Rice might be out for a while following a tough loss on Wednesday, where they fell 97-82 to the New York Liberty.
In the closing minutes of the game, Rice attempted a drive to the basket but was blocked by Jonquel Jones. Unfortunately, she landed awkwardly and grabbed her leg in distress, leaving the court with assistance. Tempo’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, didn’t offer any updates after the match.
A notable player from the UCLA championship team, Rice was picked sixth overall by the Tempo and has emerged as one of the top rookies in her class. She’s played a crucial role in the team’s inaugural season.
Kiki Rice landed awkwardly but was helped from the court to the locker room. #WNBA
At just 22 years old, she’s currently putting up averages of 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and one steal across 10 games this season. Among her fellow rookies, she sits second in scoring and fifth in rebounds, not to mention she plays the second-most minutes per game, just behind Olivia Miles and Gabriela Jaquez, another champion from UCLA.
If Rice is out longer than expected, it would be quite the setback for the Tempo, which has surprisingly performed well. The team stands at 5-5 this season, with Rice being a consistent starter, the third-leading scorer, and the second-leading rebounder.
On Saturday, the team is set to release its injury report, which will provide further insights into Rice’s condition as they prepare to face the Chicago Sky on Sunday. If she can’t play for a significant duration, other guards like Laura Juskaite and Julie Allemand could see more playtime.
Gabriela Jaquez, another rookie, is also injured.
Rice isn’t the sole rookie facing injury challenges. Jaquez, drafted fifth overall by the Sky, has been out since May 23 due to a left knee issue.
Sky head coach Tyler Marsh mentioned that Jaquez’s condition is improving, though specifics about the injury weren’t shared.
“We’re keeping track of it,” Marsh commented. “She was able to do some activities on the court today, before and after shootaround. So, we’re optimistic, but we’ll continue to monitor her progress.”
