While the journey from the bottom to the top usually takes time, for DiJonai Carrington it was just a matter of a few days—and that too, unknowingly. After landing with the Wings alongside her partner NaLyssa Smith for an increased role, marking a promised beginning, she soon saw her and the team’s trajectory go downhill. But when it all looked gloomy, she was traded to the Lynx—the W’s top team at the moment, with a playoff berth already clinched.

However, while the move ensured a postseason spot for Carrington, it didn’t guarantee a journey without adversity. Just when she was about to make her first start with Minnesota, filling in for Kayla McBride, her night was cut short. And to make it even tougher, it came against her former team!

What Happened to DiJonai Carrington?

Making your first start with the top team in the league while going against your former team for the first time certainly made the game more valuable for Carrington. But it lasted for just 10 minutes. With 7:22 left in the second quarter, Carrington left the court after slapping the ball hard while Diamond Miller attempted a shot.

A couple of minutes later, it was Natisha Hiedeman starting the second half in Carrington’s place. The Lynx guard had been listed doubtful for the remainder of the contest. And, she never returned. “Nai [Carrington] has a subflex shoulder (partial dislocation). She told me she played defense too hard. I think when she slapped down at the ball, it kind of sub-flexed a little bit. … I just know this is something she deals with,” Cheryl Reeve shared in the postgame interview.

While the head coach isn’t aware of the specifics of the injury and the timeline for return, the Lynx will likely provide an update after the combo guard undergoes some tests. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “It usually takes a few months to recover after dislocating your shoulder. You’ll need to keep your shoulder immobilized for a few weeks and months of physical therapy after your joint has healed.”

But Nai’s got a partial dislocation, so everything depends on the reports and their analysis. Though this isn’t the first time the guard’s got injured this season. She had a rib injury with her former team Dallas Wings, in late June. It occurred in the fourth quarter of the Wings’ game against the Connecticut Sun on June 20 when Carrington took a hard hit to the chest while drawing a charge.

That cost her eight consecutive games before she was able to return to full-time practice. “It’s been a really slow process. These are tough injuries to heal, and there’s really just time—not much you can do to help expedite that process,” she shared. “It’s always tough not being able to be out there. But I’ve been injured before—missed a year, six months. So a month obviously hurts, but putting it into perspective helps me see the bigger picture. It gets you that hunger and that appreciation all over again.”

Averaging 9.8 points with 4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in just 21 minutes of gameplay this season, Carrington is a defensive-minded guard who could be immensely beneficial for the Lynx in their playoff run. So getting her healthy is the top priority at the moment for the team. But until then, Napheesa Collier and company have it covered.

All’s well that ends well…

Despite losing Nai, the Lynx continued their record-setting season at Target Center against the Dallas Wings. While Minnesota had already booked the No. 1 seed for the playoffs after Indiana lost to the Wings early this month, they’re still pushing to win games. With McBride resting and Nai out, it was Natisha Hiedeman who stepped up. She had a career night, scoring a season-high 20 points off the bench, including four three-pointers, and adding a career-high 10 assists.

But she wasn’t the only player shooting the lights out, as the Lynx made 14-24 three-pointers overall in the game. Finally, Minnesota won 96-71, marking their 32nd win of the season, extending the franchise record while putting them just two shy of the WNBA’s single-season win record.

Helping lead the charge was MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, who posted 25 points along with three rebounds and three blocks. Next up is a marquee matchup on September 4 against the Aces, who are riding a 12-game winning streak. It’ll be two MVP candidates, Collier and A’ja, going head to head. So, who’s gonna win?