Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
(AP) - Rookie sensation Elena Delle Donne is glad to be back on the court for Chicago after missing nearly two weeks with a concussion.
She'll return to the Sky's starting lineup Tuesday night against Indiana. The top vote-getter for the All-Star game had to sit out the festivities because of the head injury.
"Everything's back to normal and I'm finally able to play," she told The Associated Press in a phone interview. "It was pretty frustrating since you don't know exactly when you're going to be able to comeback. If you don't pass the tests, you get pushed back a day. But I'm glad to be cleared and healthy."
The No. 2 pick in the draft was injured in the Sky's loss to Washington on July 24 and missed the All-Star game a few days later. She's also missed Chicago's last two games while recovering from the injury.
"That was upsetting not to be able to play," Delle Donne said. "For the Sky, it was good because I didn't miss too many games because of the All-Star break."
Delle Donne is averaging 18.2 points, fourth-best in the WNBA, and has helped the Sky to first place in the Eastern Conference. Chicago is trying to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
"I'm looking forward to having E back in the lineup as we embark upon a tough August schedule," Chicago coach Pokey Chatman said. "It's no secret she's an integral piece in our quest to make franchise history."
The former Delaware star was the first rookie to earn the most votes for an All-Star game. Rookie Brittney Griner also missed the showcase game, sidelined with a sprained left knee.
Griner returned to the Phoenix lineup on Thursday after sitting out five games. She attended the festivities at Mohegan Sun Arena, while Delle Donne rested at home in Delaware.
The 6-foot-5 versatile forward was healthy to start her WNBA career. Delle Donne missed 22 games in college at Delaware, including 18 because of Lyme disease.
___
Follow Doug on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/dougfeinberg
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
