Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink was off to a solid WNBA start before a heartbreaking injury struck her. Brink suffered a torn ACL during the first quarter of the Sparks' June 18th game against the Connecticut Sun. The rookie forward posted a heartfelt social media message that several WNBA players, including Angel Reese and Breanna Stewart, reacted to.
Brink wrote the below message just one day after she sustained her injury.
“You never think it will happen to you. And despite all the hard work sometimes it does. This is hard to fathom but I know it will only make me stronger. I will not be derailed and I will continue to love this life- I’m not defined by basketball, but it is something that I love deeply and I will work everyday to get back to it. It’s not goodbye basketball it’s just a see you later. I’m always so thankful for your thoughts and prayers, Brink stated, via Instagram.
Angel Reese was one of the first to react to the message, saying “Love you barbie doll,” alongside a sad emoji face.
Reese shares the bond of being a Class of 2024 rookie with Brink. The Chicago Sky forward hates to see her peer's season come to a halt. Similarly, New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart shared some powerful words.
“Small thing to a giant,” Stewart commented with a heart emoji.
Breanna Stewart's teammate Sabrina Ionescu chimed in as well, sending Brink a white heart and a prayer hands emoji. Star Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson replicated Ionescu's support with a heart and prayer emoji of her own.
In addition, Seattle Storm rookie and WNBA legend Lisa Leslie shared the same message to Brink: “Sending you love,” the two stars wrote.
Cameron Brink's injury is a big loss for Los Angeles. Hopefully, she will undergo a safe and speedy recovery.
Cameron Brink's injury will be a blessing in disguise for the Sparks
Brink had a promising start to her professional career. Through 15 games, the 6′ 4″ forward averaged 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks shots. In addition, she shot 39.8 percent from the field, 32.3 percent from the three-point line, and 84 percent on free throws, as noted by ClutchPoints' Sparks Reporter David Yapkowitz.
Los Angeles selected Brink with the second overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft with hopes that she could develop into a standout frontcourt member. The Sparks will continue to work with Brink to get her healthy and playing again. In the meantime, LA's other players will have a chance to contribute more.
Fellow rookie and fourth overall draft pick Rickea Jackson looks to pick up some of the slack during Brink's absence. The 6'2″ forward averages 10.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per contest. Jackson could take an increased step forward as her team looks for more production.
Of course, veteran forward Dearica Hamby looks to help the team stay afloat as well. She is having a breakout season with averages of 18.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. With Hambry, Jackson, and the rest of the team's contributors, the Sparks will continue to make improvements while Cameron Brink recovers.
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