DHJ Quick Take: Awak Kuier to Be Evaluated in One Week With Wrist Injury
Dallas Wings big Awak Kuier will be evaluated in one week with a wrist injury and is out for Monday’s game against Seattle.
- What is Awak Kuier’s injury? Kuier has a right wrist injury, suffered when she landed on it during Thursday’s win over Las Vegas, and the Dallas Wings announced she will be evaluated in one week.
- How long will Awak Kuier be out? Head coach Jose Fernandez said the team will know more after she is evaluated in about a week, and she has been ruled out for Monday’s Commissioner’s Cup opener against Seattle.
- Why does her absence matter? Kuier owns the Wings’ best on-court net rating at plus-24.5, with the team’s defensive rating far better with her on the floor (95.4) than off it (111.7).
- Who helps fill the gap? Alanna Smith, the reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, returned Monday from an illness, giving Dallas a versatile frontcourt defender while Kuier is out.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Awak Kuier will be evaluated in one week with a right wrist injury, the Dallas Wings announced, sidelining one of the team’s most impactful two-way players.
Head coach Jose Fernandez said the team would know more after that evaluation.
“She’s going to be evaluated in about a week. We saw she’s got a wrist injury,” Fernandez said. “Really appreciate the hard work of our entire medical team and our franchise. So we’ll know more in about a week.”
Kuier injured the wrist when she landed on it during Thursday’s 95-87 win over the Las Vegas Aces and played through it the rest of the night. The Wings ruled her out for Monday’s Commissioner’s Cup opener against the Seattle Storm.
During the Wings’ two practices over the weekend, Kuier wore a brace on the injured wrist and limited her on-court work to her left hand, handling the ball and finishing only on that side.
What Awak Kuier’s Absence Means
The timing is difficult for a team that has identified defense as its biggest area for growth. Dallas owns a team-best plus-24.5 net rating with Kuier on the floor this season, and the gap is driven largely by defense, where the Wings allow 95.4 points per 100 possessions with her on the court and 111.7 with her off. Her length has anchored the team’s ball-screen coverage, letting Dallas guard the screener and the ball-handler with one defender.
Kuier has averaged 6.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 8 games this season, shooting 65.4% from the field in a reserve role.
How Dallas Wings Must Adjust
The Wings will lean on added frontcourt depth while she is out. Alanna Smith, the reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, returned Monday after missing time with an illness, giving Dallas a versatile defender to help absorb the loss.
Dallas (5-3) hosts Seattle on Monday at College Park Center before visiting the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday at Crypto.com Arena.
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