Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Mercury’s Held nearing return after scary lung injury against Liberty

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Wendy Lopez | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 12:01 AM ET

PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held is nearing the end of her recovery after suffering a collapsed lung in a game against the New York Liberty last month.

Held was injured after a collision with Liberty’s Breanna Stewart during a play for the ball on June 19. Held was then taken out of the game to be examined and was determined to have suffered a pneumothorax lung injury.

She wasn’t allowed to fly back to Phoenix; instead, she went on a three-day train trip back with a team’s staff member.

During Monday’s practice, Held was seen practicing and shooting. When asked by Hayden Cilley from Clutch Points about her recovery, Held said she learned a lot during her recovery.

“I can’t control everything,” she said. “… Just be so appreciative of the people here who are helping me. Keeping me super motivated and happy. The vibes were always pretty high, even though it’s not the most ideal situation.”

After suffering a partially collapsed lung against New York last Thursday, Mercury guard Lexi Held remained there under observation. Once cleared, Held was not permitted to fly, and along with Physical Therapist Ashley Lea embarked on a three-plus day train trip across the… pic.twitter.com/4UNQnYLzo7

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 26, 2025