Brittney Griner Injury: Updates on Mercury Star's Eye and Recovery

Updates from Tuesday, Sept. 16

USA Basketball updated Brittney Griner's status after her eye injury:

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More questionable players are Brittney Griner, who is still dealing with an eye procedure to correct her retina after taking a blow to the face last week, and also Elena Delle Donne, who had to be shot up for most of the finals due to major back pain — hence, sitting for a six-hour flight might not be ideal.

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Original Text

The Phoenix Mercury are one victory away from a WNBA championship, but they got some unfortunate news before Game 3 Friday regarding superstar Brittney Griner. 

The team announced the news, via its official Twitter account:

Tyler Killian of AZ Central provides Griner's reaction:

Griner took two blows to the face in Game 2 against the Chicago Sky and even lost part of her tooth in the process. However, she will miss Friday’s game because she underwent an outpatient procedure to correct a retinal issue from the first hit to the face.

Matt York/Associated Press

The Mercury lead Chicago 2-0 in the best-of-five series and appeared primed to finish the sweep. Phoenix is the best team in the league and completely blew out the Sky in the first two contests. Griner finished Game 2 with 19 points and four blocks.

If the Sky do manage to pick up a win at home playing against the Griner-less Mercury, Phoenix will still have two chances to take home the title. For now, Griner’s health is the main concern.