In Phoenix last night, Diana Taurasi sat out as her Mercury played visiting Connecticut. Phoenix Coach Corey Gaines said Taurasi needed the rest. But rumors on twitter surrounded this:
The Mercury planned to sit Taurasi the rest of the season, but Alexis Hornbuckle was ejected from Wednesday’s game for a “flagrant foul-penalty 2” and might be suspended by WNBA President Laurel Richie. Per WNBA rules, the Mercury will need to dress at least eight players for a game. The Mercury have just nine healthy players, as rookie guard Samantha Prahalis (right shoulder) was out for the third consecutive game.
A message to Phoenix Mercury media relations today to confirm whether or not Taurasi would sit out the last five games was not returned.
But I don’t remember Team USA having this much trouble readjusting to league play in 2008. Here’s how our gold medalists have fared over the last month:
Sue Bird – Had the flu upon returning and missed two games. Missed last night’s game for rest.
Lindsay Whalen and Maya Moore – Playing for the Lynx just fine.
Seimone Augustus – Has missed the Lynx’s last two games with a strained foot.
Tamika Catchings – In MVP form.
Diana Taurasi – Missed several games upon return due to dental surgery. Now may miss the rest of the season for rest.
Tina Charles – In MVP form.
Angel McCoughtry – Slow returning to the Dream, then suspended by new coach Fred Williams before returning to high-scoring form.
Asjha Jones – Out with an Achilles strain.
Sylvia Fowles – Out with a calf strain.
Candace Parker – Visibly tired, possible knee issues, is scoring significantly less.
Swin Cash – So far so good.
Fans always lament that female ballers should rest more, but the opportunities they have at the times of the year that their leagues play doesn’t afford that.