Jackson cops injury two minutes into tribute game as WNBL crowd record smashed

Basketball’s GOAT Lauren Jackson might have drawn a report crowd for her tribute sport at John Cain Arena, however she lasted simply minutes on court docket earlier than limping off with a leg damage.

Bravely opting to play by way of a damaged foot, Saturday’s early exit was a tragic consequence for Jackson and her Southside Flyers.

The 41-year-old has confirmed a large drawcard for basketball followers across the nation, spending hours post-game signing as many autographs as she will be able to – all whereas sitting together with her injured decrease leg on ice in an esky.

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Jackson broke her foot again in December however performed by way of the ache considering it was merely arthritis.

“It‘s one of those things where I’m just going to see the season out, do what I can and then I’ll deal with it after,” she stated.

“At least knowing that it is broken now, I know that it will heal eventually.

“If I had’ve found out it was broken straight away I might not have played on it. At least I know I can play on it now, and I’m getting all the support I can get.”

Despite her bravery to battle by way of the ache, it was an unintentional knee conflict within the opening levels of Saturday’s match that noticed Jackson hobbled.

She got here from the court docket after lower than two minutes of sport time and was later noticed on crutches as she took no additional half within the contest.

“She lasted just 62 seconds before hobbling off with a leg injury. A real shame,” ESPN commentator Kane Pitman stated.

Jackson has loved one of the vital stellar careers in basketball historical past, as a three-time WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA champion, and seven-time WNBA All-Star, alongside gold medallist within the 2006 Commonwealth Games and World Cup.

Saturday’s match drew a report 7681 followers to John Cain Arena – eclipsing the 7500 followers who attended the Adelaide Lightning and Melbourne Tigers WNBL grand closing again in 1995.

“Being able to play a game at John Cain Arena … it’s going to be a spectacle for our sport,” Jackson stated on SEN on Friday.

“It was time for something like this to happen. I am so fortunate to be part of that.”