Sophie Cunningham Injury: Season-Ending Knee Injury for Phoenix Mercury Star
What Happened?
On June 28, 2023, Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham sustained a season-ending knee injury during a game against the Las Vegas Aces.
Cunningham collided with Aces guard Riquna Williams and immediately crumpled to the ground in pain.
She was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tear, requiring surgery.
Recovery Timeline
Cunningham will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and begin rehabilitation immediately.
The recovery time for an ACL tear is typically 6-9 months, so Cunningham is expected to miss the entire 2023 WNBA season.
She will be re-evaluated in the fall to determine a more precise timeline for her return.
Impact on Mercury
Cunningham's injury is a significant blow to the Phoenix Mercury.
She was averaging 12.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this season.
The Mercury are now without their starting shooting guard and will need to find a replacement in the lineup.
Cunningham's Career
Cunningham is a 6-foot-1 guard who was drafted by the Mercury with the 13th overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft.
She has played three seasons with the Mercury and has started 58 games.
Cunningham has averaged 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in her WNBA career.
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