WNBA Surprise: Jordin Canada Is Out! Hours Before Their Battle with the Valkyries, Gorgeous Suspension Rocks Dream The news that starting guard Jordin Canada had been suspended just hours before the Atlanta Dream’s eagerly awaited game against the Golden State Valkyries sent the team into disarray on Sunday.
Fans were left in shock by the late-morning announcement, which immediately sparked concerns about how the Dream would handle losing one of their most dependable playmakers.
Losing Canada on the eve of such an important game isn’t just bad timing; it’s a gut punch to a team still vying for playoff positioning. Canada has been a reliable veteran presence in Atlanta’s backcourt, driving their offense. She can push the tempo, create scoring opportunities, and clamp down defensively on the perimeter.
However, the news couldn’t have arrived at a more favorable moment for the Valkyries. After their impressive victory over the Chicago Sky on Friday, Golden State is eager to gain momentum, and they have a distinct edge when they play a Dream team without Canada. Online reactions from Bay Area fans were swift, with one post on X perfectly capturing the atmosphere: “No Canada? That is enormous. There is no reason why Valkyries shouldn’t rule tonight.
Suspensions, of course, have an impact on the locker room as well as the game plan. Dream head coach Tanisha Wright now has the difficult task of switching up her lineup and probably giving backup guards who haven’t played a lot of minutes this season more responsibility. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard will shoulder even more of the load, but without Canada’s leadership at the point, the Dream risk being out of sync from the opening tip.
Furthermore, the timing couldn’t be worse. A single victory or defeat could significantly change the course of the playoffs, as both teams are vying for a spot. Losing a game without their starting guard could seem like a cruel twist of fate for Atlanta. Golden State will be keen to take advantage of this opportunity.
Canada’s suspension may be remembered as one of the pivotal moments in a season full of surprises. All eyes will be on Atlanta’s response when the Valkyries and Dream tip off on Sunday night, as well as whether Golden State can take advantage of a break that just fell into their lap.
