During the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on Tuesday night, beloved performer Red Panda suffered a wrist injury after falling from her 7-foot unicycle during her halftime routine. The incident occurred as the Indiana Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx, 74-59, at the Target Center. Medical staff rushed to her aid, and she was wheeled off the court in a wheelchair. The delay in the game allowed arena staff to repair a dent in the court.
Red Panda, whose real name is Rong ‘Krystal’ Niu, has been a staple in the basketball world since the 1990s, known for her innovative performances that include balancing bowls on her head while riding the unicycle. Despite her age, Niu continues to captivate audiences globally, including a recent appearance at the NBA Finals. While the game resumed after the incident, the Minnesota Lynx struggled to recover from a halftime deficit, ultimately falling to the Fever.
Her performance during the halftime show was a highlight of the game, drawing cheers from the crowd and viewers at home. Niu’s ability to perform such high-energy routines, even at over 50 years old, has made her a beloved figure in the sports entertainment arena. However, the incident reminded fans of the risks involved in such performances, even with the presence of safety measures.
As the Fever and Lynx continued their game, the focus shifted to the players’ performance. Caitlin Clark, an All-Star forward, was ruled out for the third straight game due to a lingering groin injury. Her teammates, however, stepped up to fill the void, with Natasha Howard leading the charge with a double-double and Sophie Cunningham contributing 13 points off the bench. Aari McDonald, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston all tallied 12 points each, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
For Minnesota, Napheesa Collier, who will captain one of the WNBA All-Star Game teams against Clark later this month, finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Alanna Smith added 15 points for the Lynx, but they were unable to recover from a halftime deficit, which proved to be the turning point in the match.
The incident with Red Panda, while a minor disruption, added a layer of drama to an otherwise competitive game. Fans and commentators will be watching closely to see if Niu will be able to return to the court and continue her remarkable career. The outcome of the game and the players’ performances underscored the importance of both individual talent and team cohesion in the WNBA.