Kiki Rice did not finish the Toronto Tempo‘s Wednesday matchup against the New York Liberty.
With 1:35 remaining in regulation, Rice dribbled downhill towards the basket and attempted a layup. Jonquel Jones blocked the shot before she could make it to the rim. Rice landed awkwardly, appearing to tweak her left ankle.
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She remained down on the court for several moments, grimacing in pain as she grabbed her left lower leg. Rice was eventually helped to her feet, and the rookie limped to the locker room with the help of a Tempo staffer.
“No update on Kiki. Hopefully, she’s been OK,” Toronto head coach Sandy Brondello said postgame. “She’s a tough kid, but yeah, it’s unfortunate.”
Multiple reports noted Rice was seen using crutches after the team’s 97-82 loss to New York. Rice, who played 23 minutes, finished the matchup with nine points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Tempo rookie, who was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, has started seven of Toronto’s ten games. She’s averaging 12.7 points on 53% shooting, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and one steal per matchup.
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Rice’s solid league debut comes after winning a championship with the UCLA Bruins. In April, the Bruins cruised to a 79-51 win over South Carolina to win their first championship in program history. Rice ended UCLA’s title game with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kiki Rice injury update: Tempo guard limps off court late vs Liberty
