Milton-Jones out for season with Achilles injury

NEW YORK (AP) Delisha Milton-Jones knew right away something was wrong with her leg.

The veteran Atlanta Dream forward said she heard a pop while playing against Chicago on Sunday. Turns out she ruptured her right Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season, the Dream announced Wednesday. She said she'll have surgery in the next week.

''It's not a complete rupture, but I tore enough of it,'' Milton-Jones said Wednesday after the Atlanta Dream lost to the New York Liberty 77-75. ''It's a wrap for the season on the court, but I still will make my presence being felt in the locker room and on the bench.''

Milton-Jones was acquired from New York on July 9 in a trade for Swin Cash. She played in two games for the Dream, totaling nine points, three blocks and a pair of rebounds in 23 minutes. The 16-year veteran ranks eighth in WNBA history with 5,533 career points, fifth in rebounds (2,541) and steals (612) and 13th in blocks (337).

The 39-year-old former Olympian said she has no fear that her career may be over and hopes to provide help off the court to her new team.

''I'm still going to be the player I'd be if I was suited up to play,'' Milton-Jones said. ''I just have a different role now. To be a motivator and bring some calmness in tense situations. Be an extension of the coaching staff. It's about staying focused and consistent.''

Atlanta (15-6) is first in the Eastern Conference with a 5 1/2 game lead on second-place Indiana.

''We brought her in for not only what she can do on the court, but also off it,'' Atlanta coach Michael Cooper said. ''She'll still be able to provide leadership to the team.''

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