{
  "id": 9027960,
  "title": "NaLyssa Smith was rolling before injury that turned her into cheerleader for Aces’ repeat quest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/nalyssa-smith-was-rolling-before-injury-that-turned-her-into",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T23:00:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/basketball/2026/09/21/nalyssa-smith-was-rolling-before-injury-that-turned-her-into-cheerleader-for-aces-repeat-quest"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — NaLyssa Smith was playing her best basketball before suffering an injury that ended her season on Aug. 23. She was in the midst of her fifth WNBA season when she suffered a non-contact left leg injury. The injury was described as season-ending. Smith, who took on a lot of pressure off her teammates, averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 37 games before her injury. She also led the league in field goal percentage at 63.8%. Smith expressed that the injury has been tough, but she has been surrounded by love and grace. She said that she was giving A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ four-time MVP, a key second weapon in the post. Smith's injury was a significant blow to the Aces' chances of winning their fourth title in five years.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "NaLyssa Smith was rolling before injury that turned her into cheerleader for Aces' repeat quest",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/nalyssa-smith-was-rolling-before-injury-that-turned-her-into-9029398",
        "published": "2026-09-21T23:00:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}