Chicago Sky’s Rickea Jackson suffered a devastating injury in Sunday’s clash against the Minnesota Lynx. During the second quarter, Jackson looked to attack in transition after crossing the halfcourt. After beating her defender to the painted area, she went down with a non-contact left knee injury.
Jackson lay on the floor until help arrived for her to be carried out of the locker room. She didn’t return the rest of the game. The former No. 4 pick, who was traded to Chicago in the offseason, has had a remarkable breakout season thus far. She averaged 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 blocks in three games.
The injury concern now puts an abrupt stop to her best-ever start in the league. After the brutal blow, her mom, Caryn Jackson, made an emotional request to her fans on X, saying:
“Please, keep her in your prayers!”
Rickea Jackson’s mom’s message summed up the concern around the incident. Non-contact injuries, especially to the knees, can be a sign of an ACL injury in the worst-case scenario. Given how Jackson had bounced back after her tumultuous tenure with the Sparks, especially in her second season, there couldn’t have been a worse moment for the Sky forward to experience at this stage.
For now, the Sky will hope it isn’t as serious. It could be an MCL injury too, which remains a tough blow, but won’t keep her out long-term unlike an ACL injury.
Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh addresses Rickea Jackson’s injury
Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh addressed Rickea Jackson’s injury on Sunday after the Sky beat the Lynx 86-79, depsite losing the forward in the second quarter. Marsh said Jackson was in “decent spirits.” However, that’s all he could provide at the moment.
“She’s in decent spirits. We’re waiting to evaluate everything, but she was proud of the team for continuing to fight while she was out. We’re still waiting to get word for the extent of the injury.”
Jackson’s absence was brutal for the Sky, but rookie Gabriela Jaquez stepped up with her best performance in the pros. She dopped 20 points and eight rebounds, while shooting 6 of 10. Kamilla Cardoso had a double-double and Natasha Cloud stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Sky improved to 3-1, rising to second in the Eastern Conference and third overall. The Sky will need such performances from Jaquez and others consistently to deal with Rickea Jackson’s forseeable absence. The team is also without Skylar Diggins, who suffered an eye injury in Friday’s loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
