LA Sparks rookie Cameron Brink has suffered a knee injury with the team saidwhen the favorite striker was stretchered off the field on Tuesday evening.
Brink fell while trying to drive past Connecticut Sun center Brionna Jones, causing her to scream in pain, as captured on the NBA TV broadcast of the game.
The rookie lost her balance as she drove toward the hoop as Jones defended her tightly.
She was helped to her feet by her teammates and was able to hobble, but shook her head as she left the game to receive medical attention.
Brink appeared to have difficulty putting weight on her leg and was helped to the locker room by trainers.
Cameron Brink had to be stretchered off the field during the game against Sparks on Tuesday
Brink screamed in pain after falling and injuring herself before leaving the game
The Sparks later said on X that she would not return to the game.
She had zero points in four minutes at the time of her injury.
Brink’s apparent injury comes less than two weeks after she was named to the U.S. 3×3 women’s basketball team for the Olympics.
The 22-year-old burst into tears when she learned she would be representing the Stars and Stripes this summer.
Brink was included in the selection alongside Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard and Hailey Van Lith.
Brink lost her balance as she drove to the hoop with Brionna Jones keeping a steady eye on her
Cameron Brink burst into tears when she learned she had been nominated for Team USA’s 3×3 Olympic women’s team this summer in Paris
“I am so grateful to have been selected and it is an honor to represent the United States at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris,” she told The Associated Press.
The Olympics start in just five weeks on July 26, meaning Brink could miss the tournament if her injury is serious.
The US won its first 3×3 title at the Tokyo Games with Allisha Gray, Stefanie Dolson, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum.
The team will be coached by Connecticut Sun President Jennifer Rizzotti, while University of Rhode Island coach Tammi Reiss will assist.