The Connecticut Sun will be without their starting point guard for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Jasmine Thomas tore the ACL in her right knee and won’t play again this year, the team announced on Tuesday. The Sun star guard suffered the injury in the first quarter of a 92-70 victory over the Indiana Fever on Sunday.
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Thomas will have reconstructive surgery and the team hasn’t provided a timetable for the surgery or her rehab process.
“Of course, I’m sad that I won’t be able to continue playing on the court with this special team,” Thomas said in a release. “Everyone has been supportive and uplifting, and I’m just preparing mentally and emotionally to attack my recovery. I will continue to be a vocal leader and support my team from the sidelines. They’re incredible and I’m excited about what they’re going to achieve.”
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Thomas, who is 32 years old, has been a staple for the Sun since joining the team from the Atlanta Dream in 2015. She was averaging 7.5 points, 3.0 assists and 2.5 rebounds through four games this season prior to Sunday’s contest and was undoubtedly one of the team’s leaders, especially on defense. Thomas is fifth in Connecticut Sun all-time franchise history and first amongst active players with 222 games played for the team. Throughout her 12-year WNBA career Thomas has played in 358 games, only missing seven games due to overseas responsibilities, rest and a family commitment.
“Saddened and disappointed for Jas,” Sun head coach and general manager Curt Miller said. “She has been the epitome of an ironwoman throughout her career. We will support her throughout her recovery and continue to lean on her leadership lens from the sideline. We look forward to having her back on the court in the future.”
Thomas’ injury is a big blow to the Sun, who are 4-1 and have their sights on capturing the WNBA championship that has eluded them in recent years. Courtney Williams had been starting games for Connecticut at the two-spot, while Natisha Hiedeman had established herself as the top point guard off the bench. Both will now be relied on more heavily with Thomas out. Other guards with ball-handling experience on the roster include rookies Nia Clouden and Yvonne Anderson.
The Sun face the Dallas Wings at Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
