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Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson’s glittering career could be over after suffering an Achilles injury in her tribute match at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.
Having played on a broken foot since December, Jackson’s farewell was just 62-seconds old when she and Sydney Flames forward Jocelyn Wolloughby clashed knees, causing Jackson’s to twist awkwardly.
She hobbled up the tunnel, and later emerged on crutches. The team later confirmed it was an Achilles injury that ended her night.
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Scans today will likely determine if her season is over.
The round 13 encounter was being played to honour the achievements of Jackson who will retire at the end of the season. It drew a WNBL-record 7681 fans to John Cain Arena.
“I don’t feel great, but it is what it is,” an agitated Jackson told Nine after the game.
Jackson’s family was at the match, which included tributes from current and former WNBL, NBL, and NBA and WNBA stars.
“I was on borrowed time anyway … it’s a bit ironic isn’t it,” she said.
She told the arena she was “delighted to see so many fans come out”.
“I’m only sorry that I couldn’t be out there on the court making an impact. It was so inspiring to see a full arena, a special thank you to my family, Gerry and the Flyers fans for coming out tonight,” Jackson said.
Stream four WNBL matches each round live and free on 9Now.
Sideline reporter Candy Hertz spoke with the Flyers medical team who confirmed Jackson would undergo scans on Sunday.
Jackson earlier said she had been nursing her broken foot, having initially not sought treatment for the pain, believing it to be arthritic pain.
She said she may not have played on it had she known earlier it was broken.
“It’s one of those things where I’m just going to see the season out, do what I can and then I’ll deal with it after,” she said.
“At least knowing that it is broken now, I know that it will heal eventually.
“If I had have found out it was broken straight away I might not have played on it. At least I know I can play on it now, and I’m getting all the support I can get.”
Jackson’s Flyers suffered a not insignificant upset, going down to the Flames 68-67 off the back of a standout 36-point performance from young gun Tiana Mangakahia.
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