And just like that, the first bit of bad news has hit the All-Star festivities. Mere hours after the draft aired on ESPN, an injury concern has already surfaced. And of course, it had to be for Team Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever players just can’t catch a break when it comes to injuries and now, Team Clark might have to worry about the availability of reigning MVP A’ja Wilson. Coach Becky Hammon shared an update that has everyone in the community worried.
Tragedy struck the Aces with 4:33 left to play in the first half against the defending champions New York Liberty. A’ja hurt her wrist while trying to drive with the ball to the basket, only to get fouled by Leonie Fiebich. She was clearly in pain. The Aces bench rushed to her side, and even Liberty trainer Terri Acosta stepped in to make sure Wilson was fine. And Natasha Cloud handed over towels to shield Wilson from the cameras as she stayed down.
A’ja continued playing, she hit both free throws and even managed to grab a rebound before Coach Becky Hammon decided to sub her out with 2:22 left on the clock, as Kierstan Bell took her place. After the half-time, it was revealed that A’ja wouldn’t be returning to the game. She ended the game with 2 points, shooting 0-for-3 from the field while also grabbing 4 rebounds and providing 2 assists.
Coach Hammon did provide an update regarding A’ja’s injury in the post-game conference. “Nope. No update. She will have an MRI in the morning,” Hammon said. Not exactly the reassuring news Team Clark or Aces fans were hoping for. A’ja did make her way back to the bench in the second half, but notably, she was wearing a brace. Not a good sign. So, while fans are still holding out hope, they should brace themselves for the possibility of some tough news ahead.
Hammon: A’ja Wilson (wrist) to undergo MRI on Wednesday.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) July 9, 2025
With the All-Star game scheduled to take place on June 19 in Indianapolis, if A’ja fails to recover in time, it could serve as a big blow to Team Clark as well as the fans. A’ja is the reigning MVP and is easily one of the best players in the league; not having a player like her would undoubtedly take some shine off the weekend’s festivities.
Wilson has been dominating this season, averaging nearly 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Sure, the league will name a replacement if she can’t suit up. But is there any replacement for a player like Wilson’s caliber? Absolutely not! After all, we all know how the Aces went 1-2 in her absence when she missed games due to a concussion protocol earlier this season.
A’ja Wilson’s injury issues this season
Back on June 11, during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks, A’ja Wilson hurt herself while defending against a drive by Dearica Hamby. She took a hit to the head and looked visibly shaken after the contact. The whole incident happened with only 1:17 left in the third quarter. As you would imagine, Wilson didn’t return to play in the game, and the Aces lost 89-97.
It was later revealed that A’ja was on course to miss three games due to being placed in the concussion protocol. And the worst part? The Aces managed to win just one of those games. Sitting at 9-10 on the season, it’s clear that Las Vegas desperately needs Wilson to stay fit. Without the reigning MVP, Becky Hammon’s side are just not good.
It remains to be seen when A’ja comes back. The MRI tomorrow will give us a clearer picture of her injury. The timing couldn’t be worse –right before the All-Star festivities, a celebration where rivalries are set aside and players enjoy playing with each other. A tough loss for both Team Clark and the Aces!
The post Aces HC’s A’Ja Wilson Injury Update Leaves Caitlin Clark’s All-Star Hopes Hanging By A Thread appeared first on EssentiallySports.
