Brittney Griner gives Team USA injury scare ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

Brittney Griner exited Friday’s 95-86 loss to the Indiana Fever with a right hip injury, sparking concern for Team USA’s Olympic roster

Brittney Griner’s night took an unfortunate turn during Friday’s 95-86 loss to the Indiana Fever, as a right hip injury in the second quarter forced her to sit out the rest of the game. The mishap raises eyebrows, especially with Griner being one of only two centers, alongside A’ja Wilson, on Team USA’s Olympic roster.

Caitlin Clark dashed down the court to spark the Fever’s offense as Indiana held a 33-20 lead in the second quarter. The WNBA’s No. 1 overall pick decided on a bold step-back 3-pointer, with Griner trailing close behind, ready to join the play.

Clark’s shot went too strong to the right, ricocheting off the rim awkwardly but somehow bouncing back toward her. As Griner reached for the rebound, she collided with Lexie Hull, tangling up and sending Griner to the floor, wincing in pain. Play continued with Griner still hunched over on the hardwood while Hull picked herself up and hustled back on defense. Phoenix swiftly pushed the ball up the court, and Hull returned to box out on Kahleah Copper’s missed 3-pointer.

After Copper failed to narrow the lead to ten points, Hull was called for a loose ball foul, ending the chaotic sequence. Griner would not return to the game. The Mercury would later tweet, “Brittney Griner will not return to the game after a right hip injury in the second quarter.”

Griner’s injury sent waves of worry through Mercury fans, who have already endured injuries from top players like Diana Taurasi, Natasha Cloud, Sug Sutton, and Charisma Osborne. The concern also extended to Team USA supporters, with only two bigs on the roster heading into the games.

The timing couldn’t be worse, with Olympic faithful holding their breath on social media, hoping for a speedy recovery for the star center. One concerned fan wrote, “Please keep the rest of the team safe. Probably not the best idea to continue to risk injury.” Another fan chimed in, “You just hate to see it. I hope Brittney will be good for Team USA.”

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Griner played just 11 minutes before the injury ( 
Image:
Getty)

Griner, who logged 11 minutes of action, scored four points and tallied two blocks before exiting the game. The injury forced Nate Tibbetts to adjust the Mercury’s game plan, subbing in shooting guard Rebecca Allen for Griner.

Team USA has been grappling with injuries across its 5×5 and 3×3 Olympic rosters. For the traditional five-person game, the United States has seen injuries to Taurasi, Griner, and Napheesa Collier. Collier missed Friday night’s game against the Seattle Storm due to a foot injury.

In the 3×3 format, the team faced a major blow when Dearica Hamby replaced Cameron Brink after the Los Angeles Sparks center tore her ACL, ending her rookie season. Additionally, Rhyne Howard’s left ankle injury has sidelined her indefinitely, further complicating the roster just as the women’s Olympic basketball tournament begins on July 28.