.jpg)
20 hours ago
5
The Atlanta Dream are getting Angel Reese back from the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup just in time for their postseason push. They will not be getting Brionna Jones back.
Atlanta announced Thursday that Jones will miss the remainder of the season because of the left leg injury she suffered against the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 13. That officially ends an injury-plagued season for the four-time WNBA All-Star and removes an important piece from Atlanta's frontcourt just as the playoffs approach.
Washington Post reporter Kareem Copeland shared the news Thursday.
The Dream have already secured their fourth consecutive postseason appearance and enter Thursday's return from the World Cup break at 26-14. With only four regular-season games remaining, Atlanta is now fighting for playoff seeding and home-court advantage.
Jones won't be part of that fight.
Brionna Jones injury puts more pressure on Angel Reese
Jones' latest injury happened against the same Connecticut team Atlanta will face Thursday night. The veteran landed awkwardly after a blocked shot and has not played since. Atlanta had been operating without her, but Thursday's announcement eliminates any hope that Jones might return for the playoffs.
News: Brionna Jones will miss the rest of the season due to a left leg injury suffered Aug. 13, the Dream announced.
Tough one for Atlanta and the end of an injury-riddled season for Jones.
Jones appeared in only nine games this season, averaging 8.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists. She had already missed the beginning of the year while recovering from offseason surgery on her right meniscus.
Her absence has had a direct effect on Reese.
The 6-foot-3 Reese is naturally suited to playing power forward, but Jones' injury has forced Atlanta to use Reese extensively at center.
She has responded with a huge season.
Before leaving for the World Cup, Reese was averaging 16.1 points and a league-leading 12.4 rebounds. She has also broken WNBA single-season records for total rebounds, offensive rebounds and double-doubles. (Athlon Sports)
Then came another milestone. Reese helped Team USA win the World Cup in Germany, giving the 24-year-old her first senior international gold medal. Now she returns to an Atlanta team that has much bigger goals than simply reaching the postseason.
MORE: Caitlin Clark lands outside top three in updated WNBA player rankings
Dream still have plenty of frontcourt help
Atlanta did make an important move before the World Cup break. The Dream added veteran DeWanna Bonner after she reached a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Mercury. Bonner gives Atlanta another experienced frontcourt option and, perhaps more importantly, someone who knows exactly what playoff basketball looks like.
The six-time All-Star has won two WNBA championships. That experience could become invaluable with Jones unavailable.
Atlanta still has an intriguing core built around Reese, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, with Bonner, Jordin Canada, Naz Hillmon and Te-Hina Paopao among the pieces surrounding them.
There is also no time for Atlanta to ease back into the schedule. The Dream host Connecticut on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET before facing the Chicago Sky on Saturday. Atlanta then closes the regular season with consecutive games against the New York Liberty.
Those games will determine exactly where Atlanta lands in the playoff bracket. The Dream know they will be there. Thursday's announcement clarified that Jones will not. That leaves Reese with an even larger responsibility as Atlanta attempts to turn one of the best seasons in franchise history into a deep playoff run.
English (US)