NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago on Saturday has been thrown into uncertainty after two of its selected participants — Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese — sustained injuries during Sunday's games.
Bueckers, the Dallas Wings' second-year star guard, collided with Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike in the fourth quarter. The team confirmed she cleared concussion protocol but would not play Monday night against the New York Liberty.
Reese's knee buckled as she jump-stopped at the basket during Atlanta's win over Chicago on Sunday. The Dream forward fell to the ground, got up briefly, then went down again before being taken to the bench. She did not return to the game.
Reese leads the WNBA with 11.8 rebounds per game and 14 double-doubles, averaging 14.9 points. She had been named an All-Star reserve by the league's coaches.
If either player cannot participate in Saturday's exhibition in Chicago, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will name a replacement. Kelsey Plum is another potential candidate for an injury replacement — she has been sidelined for nearly a month with a lower leg injury.
Reese's weekend also included a notable off-court moment, as she accepted an apology from Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello, who was suspended one game by the WNBA for calling Reese a "protected species" during Atlanta's 111-92 win over Toronto on Friday.
"First, I appreciate Sandy's apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I've had for the last 48 hours," Reese said before Sunday's game against Chicago. "It has been very overwhelming with a lot of love and also other things. But I am grateful that the league did take action."
The All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday in Chicago as the league takes its midseason break.
[AP News — WNBA All-Star weekend clouded by injuries](https://apnews.com/article/wnba-all-star-injuries-b54726710ef2d4029ab81faa23ae336d)
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