Indiana Fever forward Myisha Hines-Allen took an elbow to the face during Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Tempo, leaving her with a bloody nose and a brief trip to the locker room. But the nine-year veteran didn’t stay on the sideline long.
The moment came midway through the second quarter when Hines-Allen went up for a left-handed shot in the post and caught an inadvertent blow from a Tempo defender. She immediately grabbed her face as blood streamed from her nose. Video circulating online shows her leaving the court with a towel pressed to her face while the officials let the play go without a whistle.
Fortunately, the injury wasn’t serious. Hines-Allen returned to the game minutes later without any protective mask or extra padding, looking no worse for wear. Fans on social media noted the quick turnaround and praised her toughness.
The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $315,000 deal with the Fever this offseason. She’s played primarily a reserve role this season, starting just two of her 13 appearances. Coming into Tuesday’s game, she averaged 4.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three-point range.
Clark’s Rough Shooting Night
While Hines-Allen shook off the scare, Fever star Caitlin Clark struggled to find her rhythm against the Tempo defense. Through roughly the first six minutes of the fourth quarter, Clark had 14 points — but needed 17 field-goal attempts to get there, shooting just 23 percent from the floor. She missed all seven of her three-point tries and got eight of her points from the free-throw line. She did, however, dish out 13 assists, keeping Indiana’s offense flowing despite her own cold night.
Toronto’s defensive scheme appeared to focus on crowding Clark’s driving lanes and closing out hard on her jumpers, a strategy that has troubled her in recent matchups. The Fever entered the game riding a three-game win streak and looking to extend it to four.
What’s Next for the Fever
Indiana will face the Atlanta Dream on Thursday, June 18, setting up another nationally-watched showdown between Clark and Dream rookie Angel Reese. That game will mark the latest chapter in their ongoing rivalry that dates back to their college days at Iowa and LSU.
For now, the Fever can take some comfort in knowing Hines-Allen appears healthy and ready to contribute off the bench. Her willingness to return quickly after a bloody incident speaks to the physicality the team has embraced during this winning stretch.
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