As the NBA takes a breather during its offseason, the WNBA is stepping into the spotlight. The hardwood is ablaze with shattered records and historic moments, offering just as much excitement as its NBA counterpart. With the impending trade deadline of August 7th, teams have meticulously fine-tuned their squads in pursuit of peak efficiency. Some units have undergone mid-season transformations in the dynamic landscape, while others thrive with familiar lineups.
The reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, have seized the frontrunner position, building upon their title triumph in 2022. Yet, they face formidable competition from the New York Liberty and the Connecticut Sun. Washington Mystics appear as an underdog in the list of substantial threats to the Aces’ quest for a consecutive championship. However, Mystics’ journey is being instilled by challenges as the season progresses.
Mytics’ star guard twists her ankle while grabbing a rebound
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It has been a tough year for Washington’s Natasha Cloud. In the biggest WNBA stage this year, she found herself snubbed out of the 2023 WNBA All-star games. Additionally, she faced much backlash and criticism for her remarks on America. Now, with Cloud taking over added responsibility on her squad, she encountered a twisted ankle during Mstics’ game vs the Las Vegas Aces.
In hopes of securing the ball after Alysha Clark missed a three from the strong-side wing, Cloud traced the ball. Attempting to initiate a fastbreak, she stepped over her teammate Shatori Walker-Kimbrough’s foot. As the extra momentum from her left leg carried her core toward unprecedented direction, her right foot twisted in the most-unorthodox way.
Injuries have?cast a shadow over the Washington Mystics‘ season. The team’s starting center, Shakira Austin, experienced a setback due to a hip injury, sidelining her for at least three weeks. Adding to the woes, the two-time league MVP, Elena Delle Donne, had to step off the court earlier due to an ankle sprain. The backup guard, Kristi Toliver, also missed substantial game time, with plantar fasciitis keeping her out.
Natasha Cloud too hasn’t been immune to the injury bug this season. Ankle tweaks have been a recurring challenge for Cloud throughout the year, and so have been her tongue in cheek comments.
Natasha Cloud’s comment on USA
In a fiery Twitter rant recently, Natasha Cloud created controversy by branding the United States of America as “trash.” The 31-year-old athlete fearlessly spotlighted various societal facets, including racism, politics, religion, and police violence, calling for a change. Cloud passionately backs up an end to the oppression faced by minorities and the LGBTQ+ communities, sparking a spirited debate with her powerful words.
Our country is trash in so many ways and instead of using our resources to make it better we continue to oppress Marginalized groups that we have targeted since the beginning of times.
Black/brown communities& LGBTQ+ man we are too powerful to still be attacking issues separate
— Natasha Cloud (@T_Cloud4) June 30, 2023
The tweet ignited a whirlwind of media attention and fan engagement. While some rallied behind Cloud’s assertions, others quickly accused the guard of lacking understanding. Enes Kanter, a former NBA player, strongly disapproved of the Mystics player’s statements. He addressed particular points highlighting the alleged misdirection of America’s resources towards oppressing the poor rather than aiding the marginalized.
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Just ask your colleague Brittney Griner how “trash” America is.
Calling America trash huh?
Let me know when your season is over, I’ll buy your ticket and we can go together to counties like China, Russia, IRAN, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, & Turkey.
Forget about calling them… https://t.co/A3Kfojx9jQ— Enes FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) July 3, 2023
Despite facing a barrage of criticism for her remarks, Cloud remained unapologetic and steadfast in her stance.
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Cloud also called for the cause of improved prison sentencing practices and urged a broader focus beyond a single race.