The WNBA world held its breath on Saturday night as Chicago Sky veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot went down with a right knee injury during the first quarter of their game against the Indiana Fever at the United Center. The injury occurred with 5:29 remaining in the opening quarter. Vandersloot was driving to the lane when her right knee appeared to buckle as she planted her foot, causing her to collapse in obvious pain.

Trainers immediately rushed to her aid, and she needed assistance to leave the court and head to the locker room. The Sky have announced that she would not return to the game. The severity of the injury remains unknown, but the দৃশ্য on the court was concerning, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a historic night for the Sky as they played their first-ever game at the United Center.

Without head coach Stephanie White on the sidelines due to personal reasons, assistant coach Austin Kelly stepped in to lead the Indiana Fever. Addressing the media after the game, Kelly spoke about the team's reaction to Vandersloot's injury. "I don't know the extent of it, but we're definitely thinking about her," he said, expressing the team's concern for their fellow player.

Kelly continued, "Over the last couple of years, we've had some battles, when we were in Connecticut with her and in New York. I have such a huge amount of respect, and I'm sure the players in our locker room do as well." He acknowledged the mutual respect among WNBA players and the universal disappointment that accompanies such injuries.

Despite the unsettling দৃশ্য, Kelly emphasized the need for his team to refocus on the game. "We never see that, but you gotta kinda shift your focus," Kelly added. "And that was kind of the message in the huddle, 'let's continue to build.'" The Fever players, while empathetic to Vandersloot's situation, understood they had a job to do and strived to maintain their concentration amidst the emotional circumstances.

The Sky ultimately lost the game 79-52. With Vandersloot sidelined, rookie guard Hailey Van Lith stepped up, playing a career-high 26 minutes. Van Lith acknowledged Vandersloot's importance to the team, stating, "It's heartbreaking to watch anybody [get injured], but especially one of your teammates and someone that means as much as to our team and this organization." Sky head coach Tyler Marsh described Vandersloot as the team's "engine," highlighting her crucial role in their gameplay.

Van Lith promised to fans, "Whatever's in store for the future of this team, we'll make this moment mean something in the end." She expressed her hope that the adversity would "change the path" of the team's season.

The WNBA community awaits updates on Vandersloot's condition, hoping for a swift recovery for the veteran guard.