Why is DiJonai Carrington not playing against Wings? Latest on Sun defensive stopper's absence (August 16)

On Friday night, DiJonai Carrington's Connecticut Sun have their first game back following the WNBA's Olympics break. However, the team could be without the services of its defensive-minded guard.

Reports emerged Thursday that Carrington has been ruled out of Friday's game due to personal reasons.

In the first half of the season, the Sun broke out to one of the best records in the league. They currently sit in second place at 18-6, trailing only the New York Liberty. Connecticut is set to face off against the last-placed Dallas Wings in its first game of the final stretch.

As for DiJonai Carrington, she is putting together the best season of her young career. Through her first 24 games, she is averaging 12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals.

At the time this is being written, there have been no details on when Carrington is expected to make her return for the Sun.

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DiJonai Carrington congratulates teammate on gold medal win in 2024 Olympics

DiJonai Carrington was not among the women competing for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics. That said, she congratulated one team member with whom she is very close.

The Connecticut Sun were represented on Team USA by five-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas. Over the weekend, she helped the United States win its eighth straight gold medal in women's basketball.

Following Team USA's gold medal win over France, DiJonai Carrington posted a congratulatory message for Thomas. She was happy for her teammate but was ready for her to join her on the WNBA floor.

Thomas played in every game for Team USA and ended the tournament with averages of 3.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Her best outing came in the group phase when she recorded eight points, six rebounds and four assists in a win over Belgium.

Alongside Carrington, Thomas is one of the key contributors to the Sun. This season, the 6-foot-2 forward is averaging 11.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists.

With the Olympic break over, the final stretch of the WNBA regular season will now begin. Following such a strong start to the year, the Sun will look to keep pace in their remaining games. Even with Carrington out of the lineup, they have a good chance to come out of the gates strong against a struggling team such as the Wings.