The rivalry between Clark, who is white, and Reese, who is Black, has drawn significant media attention, and Saturday marked their seventh on-court meeting. The game ended in a dominant 93-58 win for the Fever, but the alleged incident has shifted the focus beyond the scoreboard.

Clark, Teams, and League Respond as Rivalry Heats Up and Investigation Continues

Though Clark didn’t hear the alleged comments firsthand, she acknowledged the importance of the WNBA looking into the matter. “That doesn’t mean nothing happened,” she said, expressing confidence that the league would handle the situation appropriately. Both teams involved — the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky — issued statements backing the investigation, along with the WNBA Players Union. The identity of the fan or fans who may have made the alleged comments hasn’t been publicly confirmed, though the league has described the remarks as potentially “hateful.”

The on-court rivalry between Clark and Reese intensified during the game, particularly when Clark committed a hard foul to prevent an open layup, leading Reese to fall. Reese tried to confront Clark afterward but was intercepted by Fever center Aliyah Boston. A replay review resulted in a flagrant 1 foul against Clark, and technical fouls for both Reese and Boston. Despite the heated moment, all key figures, including both coaches and the players involved, described the play as part of the game and avoided commenting on any crowd behavior.

WNBA’s ‘No Space for Hate’ Initiative Faces Early Test Amid Ongoing Investigation

The incident has emerged as an early test for the WNBA’s new “No Space for Hate” initiative, launched this season. The campaign is aimed at addressing discrimination and promoting inclusivity both online and in arenas. It focuses on improved technology to detect hate speech, enhanced security, increased mental health support, and a unified stand against hate. This situation with Reese and Clark is likely to be the first major examination of how effective the league’s new protocols are in responding to real-time issues.

Clark and Fever coach Stephanie White both reiterated their commitment to fostering a respectful and safe environment. White emphasized the importance of reporting inappropriate behavior when witnessed, while Clark praised the Fever organization’s leadership in addressing such matters head-on. “There’s no place for that in our game, no place for that in our society,” Clark said, voicing support for the league’s response. As the investigation unfolds, the outcome may set a precedent for how the WNBA and other leagues handle similar situations moving forward.

The post Caitlin Clark Supports WNBA Probe Into Racial Taunt Allegations as Rivalry With Reese Intensifies appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Sabally’s Record Debut And Thomas’ Versatility Ignite Mercury’s Immediate Impact In Phoenix

Sabally’s 27-point debut set a new franchise record for most points scored by a Mercury player in their first game. She revealed that a pre-game text from former Mercury legend Brittney Griner inspired her not to disappoint, honoring the legacy of past greats like Griner and Diana Taurasi. Sabally’s confidence and determination clearly translated into an outstanding individual performance on the court.

Alyssa Thomas provided a versatile presence on the court, contributing significantly across multiple facets of the game. Her 20 points, combined with seven rebounds and five assists, helped maintain the Mercury’s momentum throughout the contest. Both Thomas and Sabally joined Phoenix following trades in a major 10-team deal during the offseason, and their impact was immediate.

Storm’s Efforts Fall Short as Mercury Dominates with Strong Defense and Scoring

Despite Skylar Diggins leading the Storm with 21 points, Seattle struggled to keep pace with Phoenix. Diggins showed frustration after turnovers, especially during the third quarter when she scored only four points. Other key players like Nneka Ogwumike contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, but the team could not overcome the Mercury’s strong defense and scoring runs.

The Mercury steadily built their lead throughout the game, holding the Storm to just 15 points in each of the first two quarters. Sabally and Thomas consistently scored and assisted, controlling the pace. The game was played at PHX Arena in Phoenix, with tip-off at 10 p.m. ET on May 17, 2025. It was broadcast locally on CBS 5 and KOMO 4, with streaming available via WNBA League Pass.

The post Satou Sabally Sets Franchise Record as Thomas Powers Phoenix to Dominant Season-Opening Win appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Referees Upgrade Clark’s Foul Amid Heated Rivalry with Reese and Boston

After reviewing the incident, referees determined that Clark had used her left hand to shove Reese, upgrading her personal foul to a flagrant foul. Additionally, technical fouls were issued to Angel Reese and Fever forward Aliyah Boston for their roles in the altercation. Clark later downplayed the foul, describing it as “just a good take foul” in an interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, indicating that she didn’t believe there was any malicious intent.

This confrontation added another layer to the already intense rivalry between Clark and Reese, which began during their college basketball days. Clark spoke about the importance of rivalries in sports, noting that these kinds of matchups increase the intensity and draw fans in more deeply. She highlighted the extra motivation that comes with competing against well-known opponents and how these games often feel more personal and emotionally charged.

Clark’s Ongoing Physical Battles with Chicago Sky Fuel Intense Rivalry and Fan Interest

The encounter was not an isolated incident in Clark’s history with the Sky. Throughout the 2024 WNBA season, Clark was on the receiving end of several hard or questionable fouls from Chicago players. Notably, she was illegally hip-checked by Chennedy Carter in June, and in another game, she was forcefully fouled by Diamond DeShields, resulting in a flagrant foul ruling. These moments have contributed to growing animosity between Clark and the Sky.

Despite the physicality and tension in these contests, Clark and the Indiana Fever have had the upper hand in the rivalry, winning three out of four matchups against the Sky in 2024. These games have consistently drawn significant viewer interest, becoming some of the most-watched WNBA contests of the season. The fierce competition between Clark and Reese continues to fuel fan engagement and spotlight women’s professional basketball.

The post Caitlin Clark’s Flagrant on Angel Reese Ignites Tensions in Fierce Fever–Sky Rivalry appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

However, her resilience helped the team rebound, finishing the season at an even 20-20 and securing a playoff berth — their first since 2016. Her journey through adversity marked a significant milestone not only for her personal growth but also for the team’s resurgence.

Clark Gains Confidence and Focus as Fever Build Toward a Stronger 2025 Season

Now entering her second year, Clark approaches the new season with a more composed and confident mindset. Reflecting on her debut game — a 20-point, 10-turnover performance in a loss to Connecticut — she acknowledges how far she has come. Her focus is now on enjoying the game, trusting her abilities, and leading her team with assurance.

Clark emphasizes staying emotionally balanced through both highs and lows, noting her familiarity with the league and her role as key factors in her improved mindset.

Statistically, Clark’s rookie season was exceptional. She led the WNBA in assists with 8.4 per game and topped the league in three-pointers made with 122, while also averaging 19.2 points and 5.7 rebounds. Although the Fever were swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first playoff round, making it to the postseason was a crucial achievement for a rebuilding team.

Alongside 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston and under the leadership of new head coach Stephanie White, the Fever have laid a solid foundation for continued growth in 2025.

From Uncertainty to Confidence Clark Embraces Leadership in Her Second WNBA Season

Clark likened her rookie season to being a freshman again — first in high school, then in college — facing unfamiliar challenges while striving to prove herself. She highlighted the natural uncertainties of a new phase in life, but also the steady increase in confidence that comes with experience.

Entering her second season, she feels more prepared, more in sync with her teammates and coaches, and better equipped to fulfill her responsibilities as a team leader. This maturity and familiarity with the league are expected to translate into a more impactful presence on the court.

As the Fever get ready to kick off the 2025 season against the Chicago Sky, the rivalry between these neighboring franchises is gaining momentum. Indiana claimed a 3-1 advantage over Chicago last season, but the Sky have added impressive young talent in Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

With five meetings scheduled throughout the regular season, the stage is set for fierce battles and compelling storylines. Clark welcomes the intensity of rivalries, noting how they boost the game’s excitement and draw fans in — both crucial to the continued rise of the WNBA’s popularity.

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Speaking at a press event at Dallas City Hall while donning a Stetson cowboy hat, Bueckers shared that the past few weeks have been “insane” and nonstop. Amid all the travel and obligations, she’s focused on staying present, cherishing her final moments at UConn, and celebrating her draft experience.

Paige Bueckers Leads New Draft Class, Ushering in Hope and Team Unity

Bueckers is now preparing for her next big step: joining the Dallas Wings for training camp, which begins on Sunday. At 23, she’s widely regarded as one of the most dynamic guards in the game.

She was officially introduced along with four other Wings draft picks—Aziaha James, Madison Scott, JJ Quinerly, and Aaronette Vonleh—during a welcome event attended by the mayor, city council, and other local supporters. The new Wings general manager, Curt Miller, expressed how energizing the draft process has been, comparing the atmosphere to a holiday celebration.

For the Dallas Wings, there was never a doubt about selecting Bueckers with their top pick. Miller emphasized the significance of her arrival, noting her national title win, storied collegiate career, and statistical efficiency. Bueckers brings both talent and leadership to a franchise eager to build a new identity. The cowboy hats gifted to the draftees were more than a nod to local culture—they symbolized a fresh start, unity, and a growing bond between players and the city.

Building Bonds and Moving Forward: Dallas Wings Embrace Change, Sisterhood, and New Beginnings

The sentiment of belonging and building something new resonated deeply with Bueckers. She praised the supportive environment in Dallas and spoke about forming a sisterhood with her fellow rookies.

Their introductory event was held just blocks away from the downtown arena being renovated to become the team’s future home. However, for the 2025 season, the Wings will continue to play at College Park Center at UT-Arlington, their base since moving from Tulsa a decade ago.

Next season marks a significant turning point for the Wings. Aside from a single high-profile home game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at the Dallas Mavericks’ arena, this will be their last year in Arlington.

A $19 million agreement approved by the Dallas City Council has paved the way for the Wings’ permanent move downtown, alongside a $7.7 million renovation to the historic arena. Mayor Eric Johnson reflected on the team’s growth and the city’s enthusiasm, declaring this moment a key milestone in the future of Dallas sports.

The post Paige Bueckers Sparks New Era for Dallas Wings with Top Pick Status and Championship Poise appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Collier’s final basket in the third game of her finals match against Aaliyah Edwards was a signature Phee fadeaway. It was fitting, as Collier’s footwork and skill have made her midrange jumpers some of the hardest to block in women’s basketball.

Wearing the same Nike Kobe 9s she wore during the WNBA Finals with the Minnesota Lynx, Collier, the No. 1 seed, jumped in excitement after making her final shot. She shared hugs with her Lunar Owls teammate, Skylar Diggins-Smith, who was sitting courtside, and with her family. “Queen Phee” was then crowned to mark the moment.

“I just wanted to celebrate with them, the people in my corner,” Collier said.

The tournament took place near Miami this week at the midpoint of Unrivaled’s first season, bringing together some of the best women’s basketball players in the world.

In Friday’s final, Collier lost the first game of the best-of-three series to Edwards 9-6. But Collier adjusted, staying calm against Edwards’ many pump fakes, and won the second game 9-4. In the deciding game, she shut down Edwards, winning 8-0.

Edwards reached the finals after beating Arike Ogunbowale in the semifinals, while Collier knocked out Azurá Stevens earlier that night.

The ever-changing landscape of the NBA and WNBA

Change is common in the NBA and WNBA’s All-Star Weekends, with new events and competition formats being introduced regularly. However, neither league has ever tried a one-on-one tournament, which is one reason why Unrivaled’s tournament generated so much excitement.

Holding a one-on-one tournament during the NBA’s and WNBA’s midseason breaks might interrupt a relaxing weekend for the players. It would also require players to set their egos aside and be okay with the possibility of losing. Still, Unrivaled showed how much excitement such a competition can create — for both fans and players.

“You’re putting yourself on the line,” Collier said. “So I do think the money would have to be worth it for players, but if it was, I think it’s a great thing for fans to watch. It’s super exciting. It’s fun for us to do, but on the upside, obviously, you have to make it worth it.”

Unrivaled made it worth it. As a result, it created a great midseason event. Other leagues should take note and make their own must-watch event.

Not afraid to lose

Breanna Stewart was one of the players who pushed for the single-elimination tournament to be part of Unrivaled’s schedule. She thought that with a financial reward, it would make for an exciting event.

However, Stewart, who was one of the No. 1 seeds, didn’t last long in the tournament. She lost her first-round match to Edwards and was shut out 12-0 in a game that lasted less than two minutes.

Stewart’s place in women’s basketball hasn’t changed because of the result. She played, missed all her shots, couldn’t get consistent stops, and lost. She congratulated Edwards (who is also her Mist teammate), and the tournament continued.

This is one of the lessons from the one-on-one tournament. A game played to 11 points isn’t going to change a player’s entire career. Stewart had one of the worst performances possible in the event, but her legacy remains the same.

Free throws should not end the game

Three of the tournament’s best matchups ended with free throws: Courtney Williams’ second-round win over Rhyne Howard, and Ogunbowale’s second-round and quarterfinal wins over Skylar Diggins-Smith and Satou Sabally. While these were some of the most intense games, the finishes were disappointing.

Ending games with free throws in Unrivaled’s regular season already feels anticlimactic compared to other ways games could end. This was even more true in the tournament.

Here’s a possible fix: If a player is one basket away from winning and gets fouled, the game could reset, and the player would start a new possession at half court. If the player is fouled three times in a row, she would automatically be declared the winner (similar to an NFL rule that almost gave the Eagles a touchdown in the NFC Championship).

This might not be the perfect ending, but it should discourage fouling in the last moments and lead to more exciting game-winning baskets. Even if a game ends by default sometimes, would it really be worse than finishing at the free-throw line?

Finance is the major pusher

The prize money played a big part in the tournament’s success. The prize pool was divided so that the winner got $200,000, the runner-up $50,000, semifinalists received $25,000 each, and even the winner’s teammates got $10,000 each. Everyone knew what was at stake.

“That’s the only thing I’m thinking about,” Shakira Austin said after beating Chelsea Gray in the first round. “I’m tired as hell. All I’m thinking is, ‘2-hunnit, 2-hunnit.’”

The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement offers less than $7,500 combined to the winners of the skills challenge and 3-point competition. That’s why last summer, the WNBPA and Aflac partnered to give the winner $110,000. It made the event better, and if it happens again this summer, the quality of players participating will keep improving. Unrivaled’s one-on-one tournament worked the same way. Money mattered.

By reaching the semifinals, Edwards earned more than one-third of her WNBA salary ($74,909) in less than 10 minutes of game time. As a No. 8 seed, she beat two No. 1 seeds (Stewart and Ogunbowale) to reach the final. But she fell short of beating a third top seed. Still, her second-place finish added to her earnings.

“It’s kind of crazy. I didn’t think about it like that,” Edwards said. “But I think that Unrivaled is a great space for athletes, especially young athletes like myself, to capitalize on making money here in North America and providing for our families.”

Can this tournament shape the basketball culture?

Unrivaled league leaders were excited to do something different that other leagues haven’t done in an official setting. But they hope the tournament’s impact will be more than just a weeklong event.

“We’re trying to really change the culture of women’s basketball,” Collier said. “You go to the playground or the park and you see guys playing pickup or they’re playing 1s, you don’t see that with women a lot, and we’re really trying to change that, just what it means to be a female athlete and the culture of playing in your backyard, playing at the park, playing 1s, like we’re doing. We’re not seeing that a lot and so we’re trying to change that.”

Whether Unrivaled will succeed in creating a shift is still to be seen, but the event definitely gave players a chance to show skills they might not usually display in other situations.

The post Who took the top spot in Unrivaled’s inaugural one-on-one tournament? What lessons could the WNBA draw from it? appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Feuerbach laughs whenever she sees Clark in the media.

“We talk about this all the time, but it’s crazy, because you don’t really realize it until you start seeing all the Instagram posts or news (headlines), whatever it is, because obviously we know her as a friend and a teammate,” said Feuerbach, a senior guard for the Hawkeyes.

“So seeing her at that level, it’s kind of just out of this world, but it’s crazy. It’s awesome to see all the publicity she gets. Obviously, she deserves it, and she’s worked really hard to where she’s at now.”

Clark is returning to the place where she became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, both men’s and women’s, and led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA national championship game the last two seasons while winning the national player of the year award twice. On Sunday, Clark will have her jersey number 22 retired in a ceremony at Carver-Hawkeye Arena after Iowa’s game against No. 4 USC.

For the Hawkeyes, the first season without Clark has been “unique,” said coach Jan Jensen. The Hawkeyes are 14-7 overall and 4-6 in the Big Ten in Jensen’s first season as head coach. Iowa started the season 12-2 and was ranked in The Associated Press Top 25 before a five-game losing streak knocked them out of the rankings and put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy.

Jensen, who was an assistant coach since 2000 and took over the team in May when Lisa Bluder retired, said, “This whole year has been unique,” mentioning the loss of key players like Clark, Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, Sharon Goodman, and Molly Davis from last season’s team that lost to South Carolina in the national title game.

Jensen also noted the departures of Bluder and longtime assistant coach Jenni Fitzgerald. “There’s been a lot of firsts, and a lot of different situations that we’ve been navigating.”

Sunday’s game is a sellout— Iowa sold out its public season tickets for the second consecutive year, even without Clark returning. But, the increased attention on the game is something many of the Hawkeyes are used to, having gone through the last couple of seasons with all of the media focus on Clark.

“We play out in front of a sold-out crowd almost every home game, and it’s no different,” said guard Sydney Affolter. “We just say, ‘Focus on the game.’ There’s going to be a lot of outside noise and a lot of things going on, which is really great and cool, but obviously we want to use that to our advantage, and use the crowd and everything that we can to beat USC, and that’s going to be our main focus.”

The Hawkeyes have won two straight games. They close the regular season with a schedule that includes home games against USC and top-ranked UCLA, along with a road game against No. 8 Ohio State.

“We’ve had the same mentality every single day, which I think is what strengthened us,” Feuerbach said. “We’ve really, really stayed together, trusted in our work, and we knew that, like Coach J would say, the shore was near.”

Clark attended one other game this season, on Nov. 17 in Des Moines, when the Hawkeyes defeated Drake 86-73. She kept a low profile during that game.

“I didn’t even know she was there until after,” said Feuerbach, laughing.

But if Clark is courtside on Sunday, her former teammates expect to hear from her— just like in her playing days.

“Wherever Caitlin’s at, she brings the energy,” Feuerbach said. “She lights up a room with her energy, vocal communication, whatever it may be.”

Clark’s rise from a highly-touted high school recruit to being an “A-lister,” as Jensen called her, has been fun to watch.

“I’m just forever blessed that I got to be part of her ride,” Jensen said. “She’ll always be part of us. Just like I’ve said before — Michael Jordan will forever be Carolina blue, Caitlin will forever be Hawkeye black and gold.”

The post Iowa will retire Caitlin Clark’s jersey after their key game against No. 4 USC this Sunday in Iowa City appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

The Fever announced the game on Thursday. It will take place on May 4 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where Clark made a name for herself in college before being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft last spring. This will give her a chance to play professionally with her team at the same arena where she starred in college.

Indiana, which will begin the Fever’s 25th season on May 17 against Chicago, also has Damiris Dantas on the roster. Dantas played for Brazil in the Olympics in 2012 in London and 2016 in Rio.

Iowa will retire Clark’s No. 22 jersey on Sunday. Clark ended her college career last season as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, for both men and women, and is seen as a major influence on women’s basketball.

Her exciting playing style and long-range 3-point shots earned her a large fan following, with many wearing her No. 22 jersey at games.

After college, she joined fellow All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston for her WNBA debut, helping the Fever make the playoffs for the 14th time in the team’s history.

The post Caitlin Clark and the Fever to Face Brazil’s National Team in Preseason Game in Iowa City appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Pacers Sports & Entertainment has announced a $78 million plan to build a new performance center for the Indiana Fever, set to open before the start of the 2027 season. This center will be located in downtown Indianapolis and will be dedicated exclusively to the WNBA team. The center is part of the growing support for the Fever and the women’s professional basketball scene.

“We are excited to partner with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to identify the perfect location for the Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center,” said Herb Simon, the owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “The city of Indianapolis continues to be a tremendous partner as we elevate our team, players and community.”

The new facility will cover 108,000 square feet and will be directly connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the venue where both the Indiana Fever and the Indiana Pacers play. Construction is set to begin in August 2025, with plans for completion before the 2027 season.

According to a press release from the team, the performance center will be designed to meet the specific needs of female athletes at the highest level of competition. This includes features to support performance and conditioning, recovery and rehabilitation, mental health and wellness, and lifestyle needs.

“This elite training center is a reflection of our organization’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that our players have the highest level of resources to be successful,” said Kelly Krauskopf, the Indiana Fever president of basketball and business operations. “As we look to the future, the focus of creating a first-class player experience designed exclusively for women athletes will set us apart.”

The new center will feature two regulation-size basketball courts, a full-service kitchen, and specialized spaces for yoga and Pilates. Other planned amenities include a hair and nail salon, a childcare space, and a podcast and content production studio to support the players’ personal and professional lifestyles.

Currently, the Indiana Fever have a standalone training center at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which was last renovated in 2020.

Caitlin Clark’s remarkable rookie season has helped raise the profile of the WNBA, leading to record-breaking viewership and attendance. This has had a direct impact on improving resources and opportunities for the league.

In May, the WNBA made a groundbreaking announcement that all teams would now have full-time charter flights, a move expected to cost around $25 million per year for the next two seasons.

In addition, other WNBA teams are also improving their training facilities. Las Vegas, Seattle, and Phoenix have recently opened new centers, and Chicago is currently constructing one as well. This shift towards better facilities and resources reflects the growing recognition and investment in women’s basketball.

The post Indiana Fever Unveils $78 Million Investment to Capitalize on Caitlin Clark’s Impact in Indianapolis appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

The 3-on-3 league, founded by Olympic gold medalists Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, will debut on Friday with 36 players from the WNBA, including veterans like Brittney Griner and rookie Angel Reese.

The league stands out for its impressive player salaries. Unrivaled offers the highest average salary for players in any professional women’s sports league, with many earning six-figure salaries for the eight-week season. Players in Unrivaled will earn an average of more than $220,000, close to the maximum base salary in the WNBA.

“When it comes to each individual player, I think what we’re most proud of is they’re making more here per game than any league in the world,” said Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell.

“We want to now set the new standard of what expectation is for pay on the court. A lot of these players are making a lot of money off the court, but it’s that the best athletes in the world are compensated for what they do, which is basketball.”

Unrivaled has already raised over $35 million from various investors, including big names like Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, and Coco Gauff. The league has also secured partnerships with major brands such as Ally, State Farm, Wilson, Under Armour, Opill, Miller Lite, Sprite, Sephora, VistaPrint, and Ticketmaster, in addition to a multiyear media rights deal with TNT Sports. The financial details of these partnerships have not been disclosed.

The league will feature games played on a smaller court with different rules, such as an 18-second shot clock instead of the usual 24 seconds in the WNBA. Bazzell said that fans can expect to see exciting, fast-paced basketball during the WNBA offseason.

Despite the league’s strong start, there are concerns about whether Unrivaled’s business model will be sustainable. Johns Hopkins economics professor Christina DePasquale said that Unrivaled has a solid financial foundation, but its long-term success will depend on TV ratings and continued support from advertisers.

“It looks good right now,” she said. “They have a lot of capital, a lot of co-owners, sponsors who have bought into this who have equity.”

Bazzell, who is married to Collier, said that Unrivaled has a salary pool of more than $8 million. This pool does not include equity or revenue-sharing payments, which all of the initial 36 players will receive.

Since all games will be played in Miami at an 850-seat venue, travel costs will be minimal, which helps the league pay its players higher salaries. This model also provides WNBA players with an opportunity to earn extra income during the offseason without having to play overseas.

“I think we’re not here to be kind of a blip in history,” Bazzell said. “I think we want to be here long term.”

Unrivaled is also engaging future stars with NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals. Players like Paige Bueckers from UConn and LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson are already involved, and Bueckers is expected to play in Unrivaled next season.

The timing of Unrivaled’s launch is particularly significant for WNBA players. “Being able to wake up and get the things we deserve,” said Reese. “It puts pressure on the ‘W’ especially with the CBA coming up soon.” The WNBA players’ union recently opted out of its collective bargaining agreement and is currently negotiating a new deal.

Bazzell is confident that Unrivaled will push the WNBA to improve. “I think we are going to continue to be kind of the trendsetters for salaries and benefits,” he said. “And I think you’re going to see it as well in the WNBA. Everyone wants these players to make more money.”

DePasquale believes that Unrivaled can benefit the WNBA. “It doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. The success of Unrivaled doesn’t mean that it’s taking something away from the WNBA,” she said. “A Pareto improvement where the success of Unrivaled can be correlated with the success of the WNBA.”

Phoenix Mercury All-Star Brittney Griner agrees. “Unrivaled is showing that you don’t need a lot of time to pool resources together,” she said. “Being happy with what we already have is not gonna fly. … it’ll definitely put pressure on (the WNBA) to do better.”

Unrivaled is also offering unique amenities for players, such as personalized chefs, two-bedroom apartments, a glamour room, and rental cars. The league also offers a state-of-the-art childcare option for player parents.

“Every game night, whether you’re playing or not, the players can come, they can drop their kids off,” Bazzell explained. “If you don’t play, you can go on a date night. We just want to build a family environment.”

Though A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, two of the best women’s basketball players, are not playing in the league, Unrivaled will feature many top WNBA players. This strong lineup of recognizable talent will help attract viewers and keep them engaged.

“This is almost like a superstar league,” DePasquale said. “That certainly will help get people to tune in and continuously tune in. A lot of the other professional league offshoots have become minor leagues in a sense, and that’s not what this is.”

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Announced on Wednesday, the Chicago Sky player appeared on the cover in a stylish red dress, discussing her love for both basketball and fashion. “Living the dream only one can imagine! God, thank you! COVERGIRL,” the 22-year-old shared while posting a behind-the-scenes video from her shoot on Instagram Stories.

Photographed by Norman Jean Roy, Reese spoke with editor Maya Singer, telling her, “It’s always been both: basketball and fashion,” and added, “But I was a fashion girlie from young too. I was always in my mom’s closet, putting on her stuff.

I liked to carry a purse. Hair done. I wanted to look put together. I still do.” Reese also shared that she was a fan of the 2000s hit show “America’s Next Top Model,” saying, “I used to watch America’s Next Top Model with Tyra and practice my walk in the living room.”

Her love for fashion has earned her recognition, including being named Footwear News’ Style Influencer of the Year in December. During her acceptance speech, she spoke about balancing the worlds of sports, fame, and fashion as a young woman.

The up-and-coming model also thanked Reebok for supporting her goals and projects. In December, she signed an endorsement deal with REESE’s and released a limited-edition REESE’s Duffel Puff Bag for the winter season.

The post Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese Appears on Vogue’s Winter Cover appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

After guiding Iowa to the national championship game, Clark was the top pick in the WNBA Draft, as many had anticipated, and later earned Rookie of the Year honors.

Her journey captivated fans, filling sold-out arenas and drawing millions of television viewers. Beyond her individual success, Clark’s presence highlighted the broader appeal and growing popularity of women’s sports.

The award, decided by 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members, saw Clark claim 35 votes. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles finished second with 25 votes, while boxer Imane Khelif placed third with four.

Clark is just the fourth women’s basketball player to receive this honor since the award’s inception in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).

“I grew up idolizing players like Candace Parker, and to be recognized like this is incredibly special,” Clark shared in a phone interview. “It was an amazing year for women’s basketball and women’s sports as a whole.”

Shohei Ohtani was named the AP Male Athlete of the Year, marking his third win.

Clark’s stellar collegiate career saw her break the NCAA Division I career scoring record for both men and women, amassing 3,951 points and leading Iowa to consecutive national championship games.

Although the Hawkeyes fell short against South Carolina, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley publicly thanked Clark for elevating the sport during their championship celebration.

Clark’s influence extended beyond the court, drawing both admiration and online toxicity. Despite the polarized opinions, she remained focused and gracefully navigated the challenges of intense public scrutiny.

Rebecca Lobo praised the 22-year-old for her poise, saying, “She’s handled everything almost flawlessly, without any major missteps, which is remarkable given the constant attention.”

Reflecting on her whirlwind year, Clark expressed gratitude for her journey. “A year ago, I was just starting my senior year in college. It’s incredible how fast things change. I’ll always cherish the people who shared this ride with me.”

Clark’s magnetic appeal drew record crowds, with Iowa selling out all games during her tenure. That momentum carried into the WNBA, where her No. 22 jersey was a common sight. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers guard, marveled at her impact: “She’s not just a star in women’s sports—she’s one of the most popular athletes globally.”

In her WNBA rookie season, Clark overcame a slow start to shine, setting records for single-game assists (19) and total assists (337) while becoming the fastest player to hit 100 three-pointers in just 34 games. Her efforts helped the Indiana Fever secure their first playoff appearance since 2016.

Rebecca Lobo, an AP Female Athlete of the Year winner and a pioneer of women’s basketball, compared Clark’s impact to her own era, calling it “a giant leap forward.” Clark has driven unprecedented viewership and attendance, breaking records across platforms:

• WNBA viewership surged by 300%, with record audiences tuning in to Fever games.
• The 2024 NCAA women’s championship game drew 18.9 million viewers, surpassing the men’s Final Four for the first time and becoming the second-most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. history.
• The 2024 WNBA Draft saw a record 2.4 million viewers.

Clark credited the collective efforts of women athletes for the surge in popularity. “It’s amazing to see what we’ve accomplished together. Outdrawing the men’s Final Four shows how far women’s sports have come.”

Despite her rapid rise, Clark continues to value fan interaction, taking time to connect with supporters before and after games. “A few seconds of interaction can make a lasting impact,” she said. “Seeing fans excited hours before tipoff is something I’ll never take for granted.”

With her remarkable skills, grace under pressure, and ability to connect with fans, Caitlin Clark has become a transformative figure in women’s basketball, setting the stage for an even brighter future for the sport.

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Unrivaled, which was founded by WNBA players Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, features six teams, each with six players. The league was created to offer WNBA athletes an alternative to playing overseas during the offseason.

Originally set to include 30 players, the league has since grown to 36 players, a result of “outperforming financial projections,” according to Collier. So far, 34 players have been publicly announced.

The inaugural season of Unrivaled is set to begin on January 17, 2025, with all games scheduled to take place in Miami. Below are the official team rosters for the first season, along with the coaching staff.

Vinyl Basketball Club:

• Arike Ogunbowale
• Rhyne Howard
• Aliyah Boston
• Jordin Canada
• Rae Burrell
• Dearica Hamby

Coach: Teresa Weatherspoon

Rose Basketball Club:

• Chelsea Gray
• Kahleah Copper
• Angel Reese
• Brittney Sykes
• Lexie Hull
• Azura Stevens

Coach: Nola Henry

Mist Basketball Club:

• Jewell Loyd
• DiJonai Carrington
• Breanna Stewart
• Courtney Vandersloot
• Dickea Jackson
• Aaliyah Edwards

Coach: Phil Handy

Lunar Owls Basketball Club:

• Skylar Diggins-Smith
• Allisha Gray
• Napheesa Collier
• Natasha Cloud
• Shakira Austin

TBD: Wildcard Player
Coach: DJ Sackmann

Phantom Basketball Club:

• Jackie Young
• Marina Mabrey
• Satou Sabally
• Tiffany Hayes
• Brittney Griner

TBD: Wildcard Player
Coach: Adam Harrington

Laces Basketball Club:

• Kelsey Plum
• Kayla McBride
• Alyssa Thomas
• Courtney Williams
• Kate Martin
• Stefanie Dolson

Coach: Andrew Wade

The post Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League Announced Full Roster Beginning in January 2025 appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

The Sun finished the regular season in third place with a 28-12 record, defeated Indiana in the first round of the playoffs, and then lost a five-game semifinal series to Minnesota.

“We want to thank Stephanie for her time in Connecticut and her commitment to our organization over the past two seasons,” said Sun president Jen Rizzotti. “We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

The Sun are the seventh team in the WNBA to change coaches, and this announcement came just a day after the Indiana Fever fired Christie Sides.

Two weeks ago, White mentioned in a Zoom call with reporters that she was dealing with a family emergency and was not focused on her coaching future.

In her first season, White led the Sun to a franchise-best 27-13 record and was named the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year as well as the Associated Press Coach of the Year.

Before coaching the Sun, White was an assistant and head coach with the Indiana Fever. She was part of the Fever’s staff during their 2012 WNBA championship win and took the team to the finals as head coach in 2015. She was also the head coach at Vanderbilt from 2016 to 2021.

White played five seasons in the WNBA after her college career at Purdue, spending the last four of those seasons with the Fever.

Additionally, White has worked in television as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and the Big Ten Network.

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Sides had a record of 33 wins and 47 losses during her two seasons with the team, finishing this season at 20 wins and 20 losses. The Fever made it to the playoffs as the sixth seed but were eliminated in the first round by the Connecticut Sun.

With this decision, Indiana becomes the sixth team to change coaches this off season, following Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, and Los Angeles. All the coaches let go had three years or less of experience.

The new coach will inherit a promising young team, highlighted by Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, who have won the last two WNBA Rookie of the Year awards.

“We are incredibly thankful to Coach Sides for embracing the challenge of leading us through an integral transition period over the last two seasons, while also positioning us well for future growth,” said Kelly Krauskopf, president of basketball operations for the Fever.

“While decisions like these are never easy, it is also imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which include maximizing our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana.

Coach Sides was an incredible representative of the Fever and our community, and we wish her nothing but success in the future.” Krauskopf returned to the Fever earlier this month after working with the Indiana Pacers.

Before becoming head coach, Sides was a long-time assistant in the league, working with Chicago (2011-2016), the Fever (2017-2019), and Atlanta (2022). She took over from Marianne Stanley and her interim successor, Carlos Knox, who coached in the 2022 season.

Sides had two years left on her contract.

The Fever have not had a head coach stay for more than three years since Lin Dunn, who coached from 2008 to 2014. After Dunn, the team had Stephanie White (2015-2016), Pokey Chatman (2017-2019), and Stanley (2020-2022).

Indiana faced a tough schedule at the start of the season and lost eight of their first nine games. However, they started to improve after the Olympic break, winning seven of eight games to enter playoff contention.

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Williams was brought on in 2022 as part of a new leadership team that included Becky Hammon as coach. The Aces won championships in 2022 and 2023, becoming the first WNBA team to win back-to-back titles since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02.

However, the team president announced that her contract would not be renewed as part of a “restructuring” of the front office.

Her time with the team had some controversy. The Aces are facing a lawsuit from former player Dearica Hamby and are under investigation by the league for possible salary-cap violations.

“We are incredibly grateful for Natalie’s invaluable efforts in helping build the Aces into the premier franchise in the WNBA,” Aces President Nikki Fargas said in a statement.

“Her time with the organization extends back to the league’s formative years in Utah, and she will forever be a part of our history, having left an indelible mark as both a player and an executive. We wish the best for Natalie and her family.”

The 53-year-old Williams was a four-time All-Star during her seven-year WNBA career with the Utah Starzz and Indiana Fever. She also excelled in both basketball and volleyball at UCLA and won a gold medal with the U.S. women’s basketball team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The Aces aimed to be the first team since the Houston Comets from 1997 to 2000 to win at least three championships in a row but lost in four games to the eventual champions, the Liberty.

The next general manager will take over a team that still has most of its key players, including reigning MVP A’ja Wilson. However, Kelsey Plum is an important free agent, and the team may also be impacted by the upcoming expansion draft.

“It has been a joy and honor to serve as General Manager of the Las Vegas Aces,” Williams said in a statement. “Winning two WNBA Championships with this incredible group of players and staff has been a dream come true.

I want to thank (owner) Mark Davis and the Aces Organization for the incredible opportunity to help lead this franchise. I love the WNBA, and it has been wonderful watching the growth of the game. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Dearica Hamby, an All-Star for Los Angeles, filed a federal lawsuit in August claiming discrimination and retaliation for becoming pregnant, which led to her trade to the Sparks. The WNBA and Aces filed motions last month to dismiss the lawsuit.

Hammon stated in May 2023 that Hamby was traded for strategic reasons, specifically to position the team to sign star Candace Parker.

The WNBA looked into the situation and suspended Hammon for two games without pay in May 2023. The Aces lost their first-round draft pick in 2025 for providing unauthorized benefits to Hamby.

Additionally, the WNBA hired an outside law firm to investigate whether the Aces violated salary cap rules after the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced on May 18 that it would offer $100,000 annual sponsorships to players this season and in 2025.

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Cooper Kupp is also returning from a four-game injury absence for the Rams (2-4) as they face Minnesota (5-1).

Nacua has been out since he sprained a ligament in his knee during the first half of the Rams’ season opener against Detroit last month.

He was allowed to practice again during the Rams’ short preparation week for the Vikings, and the team confirmed during warmups that he was fit to play.

Last year, Nacua made the Pro Bowl after an amazing rookie season. He was the most productive rookie receiver in NFL history, catching 105 passes for 1,486 yards, setting league records for rookies, and scoring six touchdowns.

He also set NFL rookie records for most catches in a game (15 against San Francisco) and most yards receiving in a playoff game (181 against Detroit).

However, he was slowed down in training camp this year by a knee injury. He managed to catch four passes for 35 yards in the season opener before re-injuring himself and was placed on injured reserve shortly after.

The Rams also lost Kupp to an ankle injury in Week 2, and coach Sean McVay’s team has had trouble scoring without Matthew Stafford’s top two targets. Stafford has thrown just three touchdown passes this season, with only two in the last five games.

To make room for Nacua, the Rams placed linebacker Troy Reeder on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Reeder starts and sometimes calls defensive plays for Los Angeles.

Kupp was expected to play against the Vikings after missing last week’s victory over Las Vegas. The Super Bowl 56 MVP is also the subject of various trade rumors.

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Eric Thibault is the fifth coach in the WNBA to be let go this offseason, joining teams from Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. He took over as head coach after his father stepped down following the 2022 season. Before that, he spent 10 years as an assistant coach with the Mystics, including four years as the associate head coach.

This season, the Mystics ended with a record of 14-26, just missing the playoffs. They started the year with 12 consecutive losses and dealt with injuries to players Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes. The team also faced significant changes this offseason, with Elena Delle Donne not playing and Natasha Cloud moving to Phoenix.

“After extensive reflection and conversation, we have decided we are at a point in our competitive and evolutionary cycle to turn the team over to new leadership with a renewed vision to carve our path into the future of WNBA basketball,” said Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger.

“Coach Mike elevated the Mystics program to its proud status as a league leader in innovation, the standard bearer in player care, and a model franchise.”

Mike Thibault joined the team in 2012 as both GM and coach, leading them to their first championship in 2019. Under his leadership, the Mystics made the playoffs eight times, and he received the WNBA Coach of the Year award in 2013. He holds the record for the most wins in WNBA history, with 379.

“He built and coached the championship team, developed high-performing players, and pioneered many of the processes teams use today in building rosters and organizations. His fingerprints are all over this franchise and will be for years to come,” Winger said.

“We are grateful for Mike’s commitment, passion, and leadership and wish him well. Coach Eric is a skilled coach and equally talented motivator. Our players are fortunate to have played for Eric these past two seasons, as will many other players in this league for decades ahead.”

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Right after the celebration ended at Barclays Center following Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, the league and its players began to focus on 2025.

Less than a day after Sunday night’s game and just before the Liberty’s championship parade on Thursday, the players’ union decided to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement. This choice was expected due to a new 11-year media rights deal worth around $200 million per year starting in 2026. The players want a larger share of the revenue, along with improvements in pensions and salaries.

The current agreement will still be in effect for next season, but both sides hope to reach a new deal quickly.

While negotiations can be tough, there’s a lot to be excited about for those involved with the WNBA.

The league is expanding and plans to increase the number of regular season games to 44. An expansion draft for Golden State will take place in December, with the Valkyries becoming the league’s 13th team. New franchises are also set to join in Toronto and Portland in 2026, with at least one more team starting in either 2027 or 2028.

Although the WNBA could lose one of its star players if Diana Taurasi decides to retire, league officials are looking forward to an exciting draft ahead. The draft lottery is happening next month, which will decide who gets the first pick and possibly select Paige Bueckers, who could follow in Taurasi’s footsteps as the next UConn guard chosen first overall.

Many of the top players in the league will stay in the U.S. this winter to participate in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league created by WNBA Finals stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.

The championship matchup between Stewart and Collier led to impressive ratings, with all five games attracting over a million viewers. The final Game 5 had an average of 2.2 million viewers, reaching a peak of 3.3 million, making it the most-watched WNBA game in 25 years.

The league experienced its highest regular season viewership in 24 years and its best attendance in 22 years. During the 40-game regular season, 22 broadcasts exceeded a million viewers across various networks.

The rookie class, highlighted by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, played a significant role in this success, and they are expected to return even stronger next year.

“When Caitlin Clark announced she was going to enter the draft, I remember … the wave of enthusiasm that came from a player that wasn’t even going to play for the Lynx,” said Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve.

“So there was a lot of excitement and momentum for the WNBA. But to see it actually translate business-wise across the league, whatever the reasons were. There’s one really big reason and a lot of other little reasons why. And I think the movement that we’re in now is exciting.”

However, not everything has been positive regarding the league’s growth.

Almost half of the WNBA teams have changed coaches in the last month. Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington are all searching for new head coaches. The coaches who were let go had been with their teams for three years or less.

Off the court, players have reported facing more online racial and homophobic threats, including one directed at Stewart and her wife during the WNBA Finals.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke about the increase in abusive comments players receive on social media during her state of the league address before the WNBA Finals. She mentioned that the league will collaborate with the players’ union to find ways to tackle this issue.

The online harassment and the collective bargaining agreement are two key offseason challenges for the WNBA and its players, but they have a strong foundation to build upon since the league began.

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New York Senator Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Eric Adams joined thousands of fans on the streets on Thursday.

The Liberty won their first championship by beating the Minnesota Lynx in an exciting overtime Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“(To) see how many people were in the crowd, smiling, celebrating the Liberty,” Ionescu said. “It really puts into perspective what it means to bring a championship to this city and how it really takes everyone.”

Former Liberty players from earlier teams, such as Teresa Weatherspoon, Vickie Johnson, Kym Hampton, and Crystal Robinson, along with current coach Sandy Brondello, were also at the parade and the ceremony afterward at City Hall.

The parade route was filled with fans of all ages, many of whom wore jerseys of their favorite players. Jones held her Finals MVP trophy high on her float, while Stewart and Ionescu interacted with the crowd, giving high-fives and taking selfies with fans.

“This is awesome. I’ve been a Liberty fan since they first started playing,” said Sarah Davis, who has supported the WNBA since its debut in 1997. “It’s so cool that we won and we could celebrate with a parade.”

New York has seen over 200 ticker-tape and confetti parades. The most recent one for a women’s sports team was in 2019 when the U.S. soccer team won the World Cup. Two years later, there was a parade honoring essential workers and first responders for their service during the coronavirus pandemic.

“On behalf of 20 million incredibly proud New Yorkers, I say welcome home to our champion women,” Hochul said, thanking Liberty owners Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai for their support. “Let’s do it again next year.”

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West worked as a consultant for the team from 2017 until he passed away in June at the age of 86.

The Clippers will reveal the decal and memorial seat, along with a video tribute, during their season opener on Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns at Intuit Dome.

“Jerry was a lifelong learner and teacher who inspired all of us with his intellect, enthusiasm and love for the game,” team chairman Steve Ballmer said in a statement. “He gave his whole heart to the NBA. We think about him and we miss him every day.”

The Clippers also honored West with an empty seat in their war room during the NBA draft in June.

Earlier this month, West became the first person to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame three times when he was recognized as a contributor for his work with the Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers are also paying tribute to West this season by wearing a uniform band with his No. 44, as he played his entire 14-year NBA career with them and was an All-Star every year.

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The 20-year veteran and future Hall of Famer told The Associated Press on Tuesday that she will take her time making this decision.

“I don’t take retirement lightly. I know the minute I say it or announce it, whether it’s, you know, in a month or two months, I’m going to mean it,” Taurasi said. “I talk to (wife) Penny (Taylor) and the Mercury, so I’m still in the thought process.”

Taurasi’s season ended when the Mercury were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Lynx. She hasn’t spoken since that loss.

“I have not taken it lightly. I think about it every day. You know, I’m still in deep thought about it. I want to make the right decision, you know, and I’m just taking my time a little bit,” the 42-year-old Taurasi said. “And, you know, sometimes when the season ends, the last thing you want to think about is the next season.”

Taurasi appreciates the team’s moves last offseason, including adding Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper, which she believes made the team a potential championship contender.

In addition, the new $100 million training center that the Mercury now use features Taurasi’s name and logo on the courts.

“I do think with the additions (on court) we made and in the front office we’ll be there for a long time,” she said. “You know those are my sisters. I’ve gone through a lot with them. So, you know, I’ll chat with them. It’s a lot to process the season as a whole.”

Taurasi has been talking recently about her struggle with the skin condition eczema, which has affected her for many years. She has dealt with it since her time at UConn, where she helped the school win three NCAA championships. Taurasi started experiencing outbreaks of red, itchy, scaly skin, which made her uncomfortable both on and off the court.

“I’ve had to deal with for, you know, most of my life. And, you know, I’ve shared my story and you know how enduring it is,” said the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer.

“Especially when you play sports. And, you know, obviously in basketball, you’re always in a jersey and you’re exposed. And not only that, the physical part of it. And you know how itchy and red, the discomfort you feel. These are all things that I internally battled with for a long time.”

Taurasi has been using Dupixent after working with her dermatologist. An estimated 2.7 million people in the US ages 6 months and older have uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema.

When she eventually decides to retire, whether it’s this year or soon after, Taurasi is interested in the idea of getting involved with team ownership.

“I definitely love the idea of being able to have a position where obviously you influence a team,” she said. “But more than that, just being around (owner) Mat (Ishbia) for a little bit, just seeing how he’s influenced this whole city and changed the energy of what an owner can do to really the outlook of a city, the feeling of a city. The things to which he’s done with the team, it’s really the next step, I think, for female athletes.”

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This early decision is an important moment for the league. The WNBA signed a groundbreaking 11-year media rights deal worth $200 million each year.

This year, the league saw record attendance and viewership, culminating in the WNBA Finals where New York defeated Minnesota in an exciting overtime game on Sunday.

“This is a defining moment not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said Monday.

“The world has evolved since 2020 and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind. This is a new era and we are ready to lead transformational change.”

The league has been growing rapidly, with 2024 expected to be a major breakthrough after years of steady growth. ESPN reported a significant increase in ratings, with regular season viewership rising by 170%, according to the union.

The current CBA will still cover the 2025 season, giving both sides a year to negotiate a new agreement.

“With the historic 2024 WNBA season now finished, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.

Engelbert mentioned in her state-of-the-league speech before Game 1 of the Finals that with the new media rights deal and many new corporate partners, the league is in a strong position. She also noted that players have been getting many more marketing deals, which are making them well-known.

The union expressed that it is seeking a new economic model to change the current system, which puts strict limits on the value and benefits of players. The players want a model based on equity that grows and changes with the league’s business success.

Other areas the union wants to improve include salaries, retirement benefits, and better child care and family planning support.

“This isn’t some sudden wake-up call. It’s the culmination of what we’ve been driving for over the last several seasons,” WNBPA vice president Kelsey Plum said. “We’ve played a key role in the league’s historic growth and now we’re breaking free from the current system to demand full transparency and an equitable stake in the business we’ve helped build.”

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This deal was confirmed by his agents Calvin Andrews and Rich Paul from Klutch Sports, as well as Elise Gordon, Aaron’s older sister. Aaron played a significant role in helping the Nuggets win their first NBA championship in the 2022-23 season.

Gordon’s contract comes just a month after the Nuggets extended point guard Jamal Murray’s contract for four years at $208 million. The team also has three-time MVP Nikola Jokic signed until the 2026-27 season with an option for 2027-28, and sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. is signed through 2026-27.

Entering his 11th NBA season, Gordon averaged 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, which is close to his career averages of 13.5 points and 6.3 rebounds.

After playing at Arizona, he was drafted fourth overall by the Orlando Magic in 2014. In March 2021, he was traded to the Nuggets, where he has become a reliable player for coach Michael Malone.

This season, Gordon is changing his jersey number to No. 32 to honor his brother, Drew, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Oregon this spring.

At media day, Gordon mentioned how the team has supported him through this difficult time. “These guys have been there for me every step of the way,” he said. “These guys have really developed into people that I would call my brothers.”

The Nuggets will start their season on Thursday night at home against Oklahoma City.

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The team that often fell short, from their time at Madison Square Garden to stops at Radio City Music Hall and Westchester County Center, finally reached the top.

It’s time to share the news: New York has a pro basketball champion again after a 67-62 overtime win against Minnesota in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday night.

“I’ve been manifesting this moment for a while. There’s no feeling like it,” Breanna Stewart said. “Credit to Minnesota, they gave us a tough series. The fans have been amazing everywhere we’ve gone. Bringing a championship to New York, the first ever in franchise history, is an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city. It’s going to be bonkers.”

Jonquel Jones led New York with 17 points. The Liberty, one of the original teams in the league, had lost in the WNBA Finals five times before, including last season. This time, they wouldn’t be denied, even though it took an extra five minutes.

With stars Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggling on offense, other players stepped up. Leonie Fiebich began overtime with a 3-pointer, and Nyara Sabally, who finished with 13 points, made a steal and scored to put the Liberty ahead 65-60, energizing the sold-out crowd.

“Whoever scores in overtime first usually wins,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said.

Minnesota didn’t score in overtime until Kayla McBride made two free throws with 1:51 left. The Lynx missed all six of their shots in overtime. After Ionescu missed a shot with 21 seconds remaining, making it 18 misses on 19 attempts, the Lynx had one last chance, but Bridget Carleton missed a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left.

Stewart, who missed a free throw with 0.8 seconds left in the first game, made two free throws with 10.1 seconds remaining in overtime to secure the win.

As the final seconds counted down, players embraced and streamers fell from the rafters at Barclays Center. Stewart and Jones hugged. The two star free agents, signed two years ago, played a key role in helping the team win its first title.

New York was down by two points in regulation when Stewart was fouled with 5.2 seconds left.

After a long video review, Stewart calmly sank two free throws to tie the game at 60. Minnesota challenged the foul call, and coach Cheryl Reeve continued to question it after the game, claiming the title was stolen from her team.

McBride, who scored 21 points, had a chance for a 3-pointer, but it bounced off the rim, sending the game into overtime.

Many former Liberty stars were in the crowd, including Teresa Weatherspoon, who made a half-court shot in the 1999 WNBA Finals to force a deciding Game 3. That was the last time New York had a chance to play in a championship game until this year.

Jones, the only Liberty player to have previously played in a Game 5 while with Connecticut in 2019, received MVP honors. “I could never dream of this. You know how many times I’ve been denied. It was delayed. I am so happy to do it here,” she said.

Napheesa Collier scored 22 points to lead Minnesota before fouling out with 13 seconds remaining in overtime.

The Lynx were aiming for a record fifth WNBA title, which would have set them apart from the Seattle Storm and Houston Comets. Minnesota won four championships from 2011 to 2017, thanks to key players like Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Sylvia Fowles, and Maya Moore. This was the team’s first time back in the WNBA Finals since then.

“Congratulations to the Liberty on their first championship,” Reeve said. “It took them 28 years, congrats to them. We were that close to our fifth, it just didn’t happen.”

This is the first time since 2019 that the WNBA Finals went to a Game 5. Since the league changed to a best-of-five format in 2005, seven other series have reached a Game 5, with the home team winning five of those previous matchups, including in 2019.

The series has marked a fitting end to a record-breaking season for the league. All five games were decided in the final moments and featured two overtime games and a last-second shot, leading to record ratings.

The first three games each attracted over a million viewers on average, with the audience increasing for each match. They also had large crowds in attendance.

Liberty fan Spike Lee was courtside over an hour before the game, talking with the media while wearing his Ionescu jersey. After Ionescu finished warming up, they shared a brief exchange and hugged. Lee was part of a sold-out crowd of 18,090 that helped set both the overall attendance record for a WNBA Finals and the average attendance mark.

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On Sunday, Ionescu ended up making just 1 out of 19 shots, and Breanna Stewart didn’t perform much better. Fortunately for the New York Liberty, Jonquel Jones stepped up with a standout performance, helping her teammates.

Jones scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds in the Liberty’s 67-62 overtime win against the Minnesota Lynx, earning the WNBA Finals MVP award.

“Her dominance in the paint, on the boards, help-side defense, everything that we needed, she was there,” Stewart said. “She had to wait a while to get to this point, to get to the finals to win a championship. But the wait was worth it.”

Ionescu finished with five points but also had eight assists and seven rebounds. Stewart managed to score 13 points and secured 15 rebounds, shooting 4 for 15.

“Just did whatever it took to win,” Ionescu said during the trophy presentation. “Believed in my teammates, believed in this entire organization. It takes everyone. You don’t do this alone, and we did it in New York.”

The Liberty aimed to create a super-team capable of winning titles by bringing in Stewart from Seattle, where she was a two-time WNBA Finals MVP, and Jones from Connecticut, who had previously lost in the 2019 finals, to join Ionescu, their first-round pick from the 2020 draft.

The Liberty reached the WNBA Finals last year and had the best record in the league this season, but it looked like they might miss out on a title as Ionescu and Stewart struggled with their shots.

Ionescu started the game by missing her first 13 attempts, making it 15 misses in a row since Game 4, before finally scoring with a 3-pointer that put the Liberty ahead 56-52 with just over three minutes left.

However, when Minnesota took a 60-58 lead, it seemed like the stars’ difficulties would cost the Liberty the game. Stewart missed two free throws with 38 seconds left, but the Liberty grabbed the rebound. Ionescu then missed a 3-pointer and another shot after New York regained the ball.

The game went to overtime after Stewart made two free throws with 5.2 seconds left in regulation. Remembering her earlier misses, she thought, “No, I can’t do this again, I can’t. I have to be here.”

In overtime, New York secured the win with baskets from Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally.

The Liberty had hoped to avoid a Game 5 after Ionescu’s long shot led them to victory in Game 3. However, she shot 5 for 16 in Game 4, missing all five of her 3-point attempts, and Stewart only managed 11 points on 5 for 20 shooting.

Jones, who went 6 for 6 in Game 5, was the key player for the Liberty, averaging 18 points and eight rebounds in the series. She scored 10 points in the first half on Sunday, helping keep the Liberty competitive while Ionescu and Stewart only combined for five points from Stewart.

“What makes her difficult is you’re spending a lot of time guarding Sabrina and Stewie in some of those schemes that created mismatches,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “But we’re going to live with some of that.”

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The New York Liberty defeated the Lynx 67-62 in Game 5, which went into overtime. The game tied after a controversial foul gave Breanna Stewart two free throws with just 5.2 seconds left in regulation.

“We know we could have done some things right, but you shouldn’t have to overcome to that extent,” Reeve said. “This s—- ain’t that hard. Officiating is not that hard.”

Reeve, who has led the Lynx to four WNBA championships and coached the U.S. women’s team to an Olympic gold medal this summer in Paris, acknowledged that her complaints would attract attention.

“Bring it on,” she said, “because that s—- was stolen from us.”

The Liberty shot 25 free throws, while the Lynx made 7 out of 8. Minnesota committed 21 fouls compared to New York’s 17, with All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, fouling out.

Reeve specifically criticized the foul called on Alanna Smith when Minnesota was ahead 60-58. Stewart drove into the lane and seemed to shoot before any contact was made. The Lynx challenged the call, but it was confirmed after a video review.

Reeve described the contact as “marginal at best.”

“This sucks,” she said, referring to past officiating issues during Minnesota’s loss in the 2016 WNBA Finals. “This is for a championship, for both teams. Let them decide it. What contact is legal should be the same for both teams.”

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WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones soon came on board, and together they achieved their aim, following a disappointing loss in the Finals to Las Vegas the previous year.

“The wait was so, so, so worth it,” Stewart said. “We talked about it two years ago when it was free agency, and we wanted to come together. You look back and me, JJ, (Courtney Vandersloot), we all came together to win a championship. Last year we lost in the Finals. But look at us, now we’re here.”

With the main group still mostly the same, winning more championships could be on the horizon for Stewart and the Liberty after their 67-62 overtime win against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.

She had previously won two titles with Seattle, but this victory felt special since she is the only player from New York on the team.

“This is more personal because I’m from New York. I’m from upstate,” she said. “I came here for a reason, and that’s to win a championship.”

With Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and other important players signed for next year, there’s no reason to doubt that the Liberty could win again.

“I think it’s been fun. Hey, let’s not stop at one, though. Let’s go for two,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. “It’s hard to win because this league is so good. You need a little bit of luck on your side, but you also need talent. You also need talent, the right talent to put together.”

It won’t be easy. The league will change with Golden State joining as the 13th team. Teams like Minnesota, Las Vegas, and others will be eager to take the Liberty down. In the past 20 years, only the Aces have repeated as champions, winning in 2022 and 2023.

This series wrapped up a record-breaking season for the league. All five games were close, with two going into overtime and one having a last-second shot, leading to record viewership.

The five games also had the highest attendance ever for a WNBA Finals. Many fans from New York, eager for a championship in a city known for winning in other sports, will celebrate with a parade later this week.

It will likely take place in the Canyon of Heroes in downtown Manhattan, just across the bridge from Barclays Center where the Liberty play.

Then it’s on to the offseason, and the first thing for the league and players to discuss is whether either side will opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement. They have until Nov. 1 to decide.

For now, the Liberty can enjoy their first-ever title. They had reached this point five times before but lost each time, including last season’s defeat. Some of the great Liberty players from the past, like Teresa Weatherspoon and Sue Wicks, who didn’t win a championship in their time, were in the sold-out crowd on Sunday to see the team succeed.

“I told her I hope you enjoy this because this is for you,” Vandersloot said she told Weatherspoon. “You laid the foundation and, you know, sometimes it doesn’t show right away. … I hope she feels appreciated because, you know, she kind of started this and now the city has won, and that can never be taken away.”

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Rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught a touchdown pass as the Jaguars (2-5) came back from an early 10-0 deficit.

In his second start, Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye led one scoring drive in the fourth quarter but couldn’t create another, leading to New England’s (1-6) sixth straight loss.

Bigsby scored on a 4-yard run after the Patriots turned the ball over on downs following the two-minute warning.

This win should help relieve some pressure on Jaguars coach Doug Pederson for now.

The Jaguars scored on four straight possessions after falling behind early.

Thomas caught a 6-yard touchdown pass on third-and-goal to put the Jaguars on the scoreboard and then helped set up Jacksonville’s go-ahead score by catching a 58-yard pass to the New England 21.

Four plays later, Bigsby’s 1-yard run gave the Jaguars a 14-10 lead.

Washington’s record-setting 96-yard punt return for a touchdown made it 22-10. Lawrence passed to Thomas for the 2-point conversion after the Patriots were offside on the extra point attempt.

Lawrence completed 15 of 20 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown, while Thomas had five catches for 89 yards.

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The Liberty are seeking their first championship after losing in the Finals five times. As one of the original teams since the league started in 1997, they are the only one from that group yet to win a title. If the Lynx win, they would claim their fifth championship, surpassing Seattle and Houston for the most in WNBA history.

This is the first time since 2019 that the WNBA Finals have gone to a Game 5. Since the league changed to a best-of-five format in 2005, there have been seven other series that reached this point, and the home team won five of those games, including the one in 2019.

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve has participated in six of these winner-take-all games. Her success has been mixed, winning two as an assistant with the Detroit Shock in 2006 and 2007, and winning two out of three with Minnesota from 2015 to 2017.

Starting next season, the WNBA plans to use a seven-game series to decide the champion.

This series has been an exciting end to a record-breaking season for the league. The first four games were closely contested, featuring an overtime match and a last-second shot, leading to record viewership.

Each of the first three games attracted over a million viewers on average, with the audience growing for each game, and there were large crowds in attendance. New York expects the same excitement on Sunday night, with tickets being highly sought after.

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Bridget Carleton made two free throws with just 2 seconds remaining, and the Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 82-80 on Friday night. The two teams will face off again on Sunday night in New York for the first Game 5 of the Finals since 2019, when Washington beat Connecticut.

“Last 40 minutes of the season, it could be anywhere, really, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to be out there together going to war and I’m pumped,” said Kayla McBride, who led the Lynx with 19 points.

Courtney Williams contributed 15 points for Minnesota, helping to force Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu into tough shooting performances. Ionescu’s last-second shot missed the rim entirely.

“I think we’re excited,” Napheesa Collier said. “It’s a Game 5 of the Finals. We have to go out and execute.” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve is experienced with winner-take-all games. She coached Minnesota in three straight from 2015 to 2017, winning two of them.

“I don’t think about the other ones,” Reeve said. “I feel very blessed in my career to have a chance to be part of so many. I haven’t won them all. … What I’m thrilled about is that this group gets to experience the Game 5.”

Unlike the first three games of the series, where one team built a double-digit lead, this game was close throughout. There were 14 lead changes and 13 ties, with neither team leading by more than six points.

“It’s a close-out game. Their backs are against the wall and we are trying to win,” said Jonquel Jones, who scored 21 points for New York. “It was going to be that type of game tonight where we are both trying to claw and both teams are trying to figure out whatever to do to get over the hump.”

With the game tied at 80 with 18 seconds left, Williams dribbled to run down the clock and missed a jumper. Carleton grabbed the rebound in the lane and was fouled by Ionescu.

“She got the shot off and missed it perfectly for me,” Carleton said. “We talked about it after. She wanted to get it high and off the rim.”

The 27-year-old Canadian calmly sank both free throws, while Ionescu couldn’t repeat her dramatic Game 3 moment when she made a long shot with 1 second left to give the Liberty a 2-1 lead in the series.

“I was pretty confident. I’m a confident free-throw shooter,” Carleton said. Leonie Fiebich scored 19 points for New York. Stewart, who had 30 points in Game 3, scored 11 points on 5-of-20 shooting, while Ionescu shot 5 of 16 and scored 10 points.

Minnesota is just one win away from a record fifth WNBA title, which would put them ahead of the Houston Comets and Seattle Storm. The Liberty are seeking their first title and have lost in the Finals five times.

They were one of the original eight franchises when the league started in 1997 and are the only one from that group that hasn’t won a championship.

New York lost to Las Vegas in last season’s Finals. Friday night marked one year since the Aces clinched the series in Game 4.

The Lynx made it to the Finals for the first time since 2017 when they won their last of four championships in seven years.

Minnesota took a 77-72 lead with 3:14 left thanks to Carleton’s 3-pointer, but New York responded by scoring eight of the next 11 points, including a three-point play by Jones that tied the game at 80 with 1:10 left.

Both teams had chances before Carleton’s free throws. McBride missed a layup with 56 seconds remaining, but the Lynx forced a shot-clock violation when Stewart’s shot in the lane missed with 18 seconds left.

“We wanted to get it done tonight. But like (coach) Sandy (Brondello) said, our fans are like no other, and to be able to go into our environment on Sunday, knowing they have our backs,” Stewart said.

“So whenever there are tough situations, whenever we’re fighting through all of this adversity, we know we have the crowd behind us. That’s just going to continue to motivate us. Yeah, can’t wait for Sunday.”

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The Liberty stars shot a combined 10 for 36 from the field and missed all nine of their 3-point attempts as New York lost 82-80 to Minnesota in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night. This result means there will be a decisive Game 5 on Sunday in New York.

“Try to make it as hard as possible for them to get the shots they want,” said Napheesa Collier, who defended Stewart for most of the game. “They are good players. They are going to get shots off. But they can’t get easy ones. So that’s my goal, to make it as hard as I can.”

Stewart, who scored 11 points, mentioned that Collier, the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, made her rush her shots.

“I think that I was going a little bit too fast. I just needed to slow down,” Stewart said. She had 30 points in New York’s Game 3 win.

“They are sending multiple people when I’m slipping on a screen, stuff like that. A little bit better awareness on my part. But quick turnaround and be ready for Sunday.”

Ionescu, who hit a long shot to win Game 3, had a chance to win Friday’s game too, but her shot at the buzzer missed the rim. She scored 10 points while being closely guarded by Kayla McBride.

“It’s the fourth time we are playing them,” McBride said. “We know each other so well and know each other’s tendencies. It’s just making everything hard. I think that’s the name of the game on both sides now.”

Despite the loss and their poor shooting, the Liberty felt confident heading home, where they had been difficult to beat.

“Short-term memory. Just the fact that all that happened tonight is the series is even, and there’s a Game 5, winner take all,” Stewart said. “We are going back to New York, and we’re going to get it done. You know, getting it done there.”

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Smith, who is a 6-foot-4 center for Minnesota, took a hard fall on her back during the Lynx’s Game 3 loss on Wednesday. She returned to play but clearly looked in pain, and her availability for Friday’s Game 4 was uncertain.

However, when the starting lineups were announced, Smith was in her usual spot, just like in 39 of Minnesota’s 40 regular-season games this year.

The beginning of the game was tough for her. Smith missed three layups in the first quarter and seemed unsure when facing New York’s Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally.

But she ended up playing 30 minutes—more than her regular-season average of 26.5—and her determination paid off with 12 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and one blocked shot.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said this is what the team expected from Smith, who was named to the WNBA’s all-defensive second team this year.

“All season long (Smith has) been in those positions for us, and we just appreciate her ability to turn around and buck up and do what her team needed her to do,” Reeve said. “It’s important for her to be on the floor for us.”

After Minnesota led by one at halftime, Smith started the second half with a 3-pointer on Minnesota’s first possession. She added another corner 3 that helped the Lynx tie the game after they fell behind by six midway through the third quarter.

Smith made another important basket when Courtney Williams passed to her for an open layup, giving Minnesota a 74-72 lead. She was also a key part of a strong defense that challenged New York stars Breanna Stewart (5 for 21 shooting, 0 for 4 on 3-pointers) and Sabrina Ionescu (5 for 15 shooting, 0 for 5 beyond the arc).

“She’s battling against (Jones) constantly, and JJ’s not an easy task for anybody. And she’s a little bit undersized and she battles, makes things as difficult as possible,” said Lynx forward Bridget Carleton, whose two free throws with 2 seconds left broke an 80-80 tie.

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For the first time since 2019, the league championship will be decided in this final game. It will take place in New York on Sunday night. The Minnesota Lynx avoided elimination by defeating the New York Liberty 82-80 on Friday night, forcing the fifth game.

“I think that, you know, for our team, we bounce back after a loss really, really well, and making sure that everybody is on the same page going forward,” Liberty star Breanna Stewart said. “In the playoffs, in a series, there’s going to be momentum shifts. There were momentum shifts in the game tonight. But mentally, understanding what’s our ultimate goal, how are things going right here.

“Like (coach) Sandy (Brondello) said in the locker room, we haven’t won anything yet; we haven’t lost anything yet. And we have the opportunity to do that Sunday.”

The first four games of the series have come down to the final possessions and included an overtime game and a last-second shot, resulting in record ratings. The first three games each had over a million viewers on average, with the audience increasing for each one. They also drew large crowds.

History will be at stake for both teams on Sunday. Minnesota is just one win away from a record fifth WNBA title, which would put them ahead of the Houston Comets and Seattle Storm.

The Liberty are aiming for their first title, having lost in the Finals five times. They were one of the original eight franchises when the league started in 1997 and are the only one from that group yet to win a championship.

Since the league changed to a best-of-five format in 2005, seven other series have gone to a fifth game. The home team has won five of those contests, including in 2019.

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve was part of three straight Game 5s from 2015 to 2017 with the Lynx, winning two of them. She was also an assistant with Detroit when the Shock split two decisive games in 2006-2007.

“I don’t think about the other ones,” Reeve said. “I feel very blessed in my career to have a chance to be part of so many. I haven’t won them all. … What I’m thrilled about is that this group gets to experience the Game 5.”

New York had the best record in the regular season and earned the chance to host the final game on its home court.

“That’s what we said we worked for all season long. Minnesota did what they needed to do here to tie it up, and now we go back home. We love playing in front of our home crowd,” Brondello said. “So it will definitely be another sellout, and it will definitely be loud. And we have to bring our A game.

“I have a lot of respect for Minnesota, don’t get me wrong. This is a really tough team. They play well. They compete. So we’ve got one more game, and we’re going to win on our home court.”

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This time, the Liberty are hoping for a better result.

Twenty-five years after Teresa Weatherspoon made “The Shot” to tie the Finals series against Houston, Sabrina Ionescu hit a 28-foot shot with one second left on Wednesday night. This gave New York a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five series against the Lynx. The Liberty will have their first chance to finish the series on Friday night in Game 4.

In 1999, the Comets and Liberty played the next day, and the Liberty lost that game for the championship.

“I haven’t thought about that, in the sense of they didn’t go out and achieve what it is that they wanted to do,” Ionescu said. “I think for us, it’s going to be changing that scripted narrative a little bit.”

Ionescu’s shot made history for New York, as it marked the first time the franchise has ever led a Finals series in its six championship appearances.

“It would mean everything. Stephen A. (Smith) was on today just talking (about) how it brings him chills to think about a championship in New York, and it’s just so many people who have New York running deep in their veins, wanting a championship,” Ionescu said.

“And knowing that we’re doing that to other people’s lives through the way we play and bring them happiness and joy, that’s what sport is about.”

The Lynx will try to force a Game 5 in New York on Sunday. Minnesota is aiming for its own history; winning two straight games would give them five championships, breaking a tie for the most in league history with Houston and Seattle.

Four teams have come back from 2-1 deficits to win a championship, the last being Minnesota in 2017. Assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson was part of that team and spoke to the players after their loss on Wednesday night.

“There’s a lot of experience that we try to impart on them,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. “I did remind them how special they are and that we’ve answered every challenging situation whether it’s a run in the game or any part of the season. Friday isn’t going to be any different. We’re going to answer the call for sure.”

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The league announced a multi-year partnership with the network to broadcast more than 45 games from its first season, which starts in January. Games will be shown three nights a week, with two of those nights on TNT—specifically Mondays and Fridays. Saturday games will air on truTV.

The games kick off on January 17 and will take place in Miami.

“Our TNT Sports portfolio focuses on high-quality live sports, and our media and equity partnership with Unrivaled strengthens our commitment to expanding the variety of top-tier women’s sports programming we provide for our fans and allows us to help grow women’s basketball,” said Luis Silberwasser, chairman and CEO of TNT Sports.

The league features 30 of the best women’s basketball players divided into six teams and was co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

“To have a network like that supporting us, especially in Year 1, is a huge sign of how much women’s basketball is growing,” Collier told The Associated Press during shootaround before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday.

Having all the games on one platform is important for the new league. They were also in talks with ESPN, Amazon, ION, and the CW.

“We had a lot of interest, as you can imagine, and we considered dividing the games among different networks, but credit goes to Luis for his vision. He wanted it all,” said former Turner President David Levy, who is the co-founder and co-CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences and helped secure the media rights deal.

“He thought this was a smart move for the league, and after discussing it, we decided it was best to go with one strong entity.” TNT will host a studio show on at least one of the two nights it airs games.

“Being on TNT for two of the three nights is really important, not just to help grow this league, but also for the women who play in it,” said Levy. “They grew up watching TNT. And let’s not forget Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. That’s where all the Gen Z’ers are.”

Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell mentioned that the players reacted very positively to being on TV.

“I think there’s a lot of nostalgia that goes along with this for the athletes,” he said. “We have an obligation to choose a partner they can be proud of, and I think they are really proud of this partnership. I’ve received many texts from our athletes saying they are excited.”

Salaries for the new league will be in the six figures. Pay was important for players, many of whom have spent their offseasons playing overseas to supplement their WNBA earnings.

The average WNBA base salary is around $130,000, with top players able to earn over $500,000 through salary, marketing deals, an in-season tournament, and bonuses. Many players will also have an ownership stake in the league.

The league will last for eight weeks with 30 players divided into six teams. The teams will play two games each week on a court about two-thirds the size of a WNBA court. The teams will remain the same throughout the season.

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“In the timeout, (coach) Sandy (Brondello) was like, ‘You’re going to shoot the shot,’” Ionescu said.

She nailed a three-pointer from 28 feet away with just one second left, giving the Liberty an 80-77 win over the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday night and bringing them one victory away from their first WNBA title.

New York now leads the finals 2-1, marking the first time they have ever been ahead in the championship series. They can clinch the title Friday night in Minnesota.

“We know we’re one game away from winning the championship, and I think that they are going to give us their best shot,” said Stewart, who has won two titles with Seattle. “They are going to give everything they have got, and you know what, so are we. The turnaround is quick, but we are going to continue to be ready.”

Ionescu mentioned she had to watch a replay of her shot after the game to fully understand what happened.

“I didn’t even really remember it. I had to go look at the video really quickly to see like how far I was,” she said. “I feel like I was able to get a little separation in range and get a really good shot to go.”

With the game tied at 77, Ionescu dribbled around before stepping back a few feet behind the arc and making the shot to break the tie.

“It’s pretty special. It was never in doubt. Obviously Stewie got us back in there, willed us in there, but I thought the right time, this is Sabrina,” Brondello said. “She just made a big shot. She’s a great shooter and she just needed a little bit of separation.”

Stewart contributed 22 of the team’s 45 points in the second half and finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocked shots.

“We don’t win this game without Stewie,” Ionescu said. “There’s nothing I can say. That shot’s nice, but what she was able to do for us tonight willed us back into the game.”

Minnesota didn’t get a real chance to tie the game at the end. “Great player made a good shot,” Minnesota guard Kayla McBride said. “I guarded her for 40 minutes.”

The Liberty came back from a 15-point deficit and are now one win away from their first title.

“There’s a lot of things that we didn’t do right tonight and have a kind of quick memory,” Stewart said. “I think that we’re happy we got this win but the job’s not done.”

The Liberty have been in the finals five times before, including last season, and lost all of them.

With 2:26 left in the fourth quarter and trailing 73-69, the Liberty scored eight straight points, starting with five from Jonquel Jones. Ionescu, who hadn’t played as well earlier in the game, then hit a 3-pointer after a missed shot by the Lynx, bringing the score to 77-73 with 55.5 seconds remaining.

Bridget Carleton brought the Lynx closer with a layup, making it 77-75 just 21 seconds later. On New York’s next possession, Ionescu had a 3-pointer that went halfway through the basket before bouncing out, allowing Minnesota to grab the rebound.

Napheesa Collier was then fouled with 16 seconds left and made both free throws to tie the game, leading to a thrilling finish.

Collier finished with 22 points and McBride added 19 for Minnesota.

“Our defense gave us a chance to win the game, period, and our offense is going to help our defense,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. “If you told me that we would have got the amount of stops that we did and we wouldn’t have scored 80, that would be surprising to me.”

The Lynx changed the pattern from the first two games by taking a double-digit lead in the first half. Minnesota, which had only led for a bit over three minutes in the first two games, was ahead 60-50 with 2:28 left in the third quarter before the Liberty narrowed it to 62-61 by the end of the period.

Stewart scored the last five points of that quarter, including a three-point play with 19 seconds remaining.

She then scored the first eight points for New York in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 69 with another three-point play with 6:18 left.

Carleton made two free throws to break the tie just 12 seconds later. Neither team scored again until Courtney Williams hit a pull-up jumper from the baseline with 2:26 left, giving the Lynx a four-point lead.

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Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, is the first rookie to make this team since Candace Parker in 2008. She is only the fifth rookie in history to receive this honor, joining the ranks of Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, and Diana Taurasi.

Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson and Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier were also chosen unanimously for the first team. They were joined by Breanna Stewart from New York and Alyssa Thomas from Connecticut to complete the five-player team, which does not follow traditional positions.

Wilson was named the league’s MVP by a unanimous vote and has made the first team for the third year in a row and the fourth time overall. Collier, who has been selected for the All-WNBA team three times, was voted onto the first team for the second consecutive year.

Clark received 52 votes for the first team and appeared on 66 out of 67 ballots submitted by a national media panel. She led the league with an average of 8.4 assists per game, along with scoring 19.2 points, grabbing 5.7 rebounds, and making 1.3 steals per game. Clark also set a league record by making 122 three-pointers, helping the Fever reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

New York had three players among the ten selected for the two teams, with Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones earning second-team honors. They were joined by Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper, Seattle’s Nneka Ogwumike, and Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale.

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They lost 80-77 after blowing a 15-point lead, meaning they now need to win two games in a row to earn their fifth WNBA championship. This happened in Game 3 of the Finals, where Sabrina Ionescu hit a last-second shot. Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night.

“There are so many ups and downs, and it takes special mental and physical strength to handle those changes, and here we are,” said Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve. “We’re disappointed. We played well at home and just couldn’t secure the win.”

In the first two games of this best-of-five series, Minnesota had only led New York for about three minutes.

However, they managed to split the first two games and were back home in front of a record crowd of 19,521, which included former point guard Lindsay Whalen, who helped the team win four championships.

This support energized the Lynx, allowing them to start strong, leading by 10 points after the first quarter. They built a 15-point lead in the first half, but that slipped away as Breanna Stewart helped New York come back.

Minnesota made 10 of their 20 shots in the opening quarter but struggled afterward, going 19 for 55 for the rest of the game.

“We definitely got the shots we wanted. They were good shots, but we just didn’t make them, while they did,” said Courtney Williams. “Great players make great plays, and that’s how the game went.”

Now, Minnesota needs to win the last two games. Four teams have managed to win the Finals after being down 2-1. The Lynx were the last team to do this in 2017, which was also the last time they won the championship.

Phoenix is the only team that lost Games 2 and 3 but still went on to win the title.

“I feel like they were making plays at the end of shot clocks, and like Coach said, we were getting good looks,” said Napheesa Collier, who scored 22 points. “We just weren’t executing well on offense, and it’s tough when they are such a strong offensive team.”

Minnesota played the last few minutes without forward Alanna Smith due to back problems.

Reeve didn’t provide any updates on Smith’s condition after the game. She had two points and six rebounds in just under 20 minutes and didn’t play the final 6:06 of the game.

“Give credit to Lan. She did what she could,” Reeve said. “We were plus-20 with her on the floor. Losing her was tough. Our starting five is really strong, and not having her, plus foul trouble, put us in a difficult spot.”

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The emails were sent directly to Xargay’s account, which made the couple feel uneasy, Stewart mentioned during practice on Tuesday.

“The fact it came to Marta’s email is something she (had to) see. The level of closeness was a little bit different,” she said. “Make sure that myself and Marta are okay, but that our kids are the safest.”

Stewart had a chance to win Game 1 but missed one of two free throws with 0.8 seconds left and then missed a potential tying layup at the overtime buzzer.

Minnesota won the game, and now the series is tied 1-1 as they head into Game 3 on Wednesday night in Minnesota.

The two-time MVP reported the emails to the team, which escalated the issue to league security.

“We’re taking the proper precautions. I think the threats continue to build after Game 1,” Stewart said. “We love that people are engaged in our sport, but not to the point where there’s threats or harassment or homophobic comments being made.”

The New York Post was the first to report on the threats.

Stewart said Xargay filed a complaint with the police at the team’s and security’s suggestion.

“Being in the Finals and everything like that it makes sense to file something formal,” Stewart said.

The New York Police Department confirmed that it received a report of aggravated harassment involving emails sent to “a 33-year-old victim.” The department’s hate crimes taskforce is currently investigating, according to a spokesperson from the department’s media relations team.

Stewart mentioned that she usually doesn’t check most of the messages she receives since they typically go to her agency. However, when her wife brought the threatening emails to her attention, she wanted to inform fans that such behavior is unacceptable.

“For me to use this platform to let people know it’s unacceptable to bring to our sport,” she said. This season, there have been many more online threats to players via social media and email.

“We continue to emphasize that there is absolutely no room for hateful or threatening comments made about players, teams, or anyone affiliated with the WNBA,” a WNBA spokesperson said.

“We’re aware of the most recent matter and are working with league and team security as well as law enforcement on appropriate security measures.”

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke about the increase in attacks that players have faced on social media during her state-of-the-league address before Game 1.

She stated that there’s no place for such behavior and that the league will collaborate with the players’ union to find ways to address it. Engelbert mentioned the importance of technology and support for mental health.

“It just is something where we have to continue to be a voice for this, a voice against it, condemning it, and making sure that we find every opportunity to support our players, who have been dealing with this for much longer than this year,” Engelbert said.

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In that loss to the Wings, a team that ended up with the second-worst record in the league, the ninth-year veteran seemed to go through the motions. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was not pleased.

“We don’t pay you just to play at 7 p.m. If we have a game at noon, we pay you to play then, too,” Reeve recalled telling her that day.

Williams had a tough time, shooting 1 for 6 and committing four turnovers. Reeve pointed out that Williams seemed to give in to her fatigue.

“I told her I would never do that again. You will never have to worry about that again,” Williams said. “I think from that moment, I invited hard.”

Williams even said that this serious talk changed her life, a point she emphasized again this week when she and Reeve spoke after the team returned from New York. The Lynx split their first two games in the WNBA Finals against the Liberty, with Game 3 scheduled for Minnesota on Wednesday night.

“Some players aren’t held accountable like that,” Reeve said. “She’s an exceptional listener, and the coachability is off the charts.”

This is one reason why Reeve sought out Williams in free agency. Another reason was her experience. Additionally, Williams brings play-making skills that the Lynx needed to ease the defensive pressure around star Napheesa Collier and help outside shooters Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton.

Including a crucial four-point play that helped Minnesota come back from an 18-point deficit in Game 1, Williams scored 23 points to start the best-of-five series. Liberty coach Sandy Brondello summed it up well: “Courtney Williams was a thorn in our side. She was the head of the snake.”

Drafted by the Phoenix Mercury with the eighth overall pick in 2016 out of South Florida, Williams has now joined the Lynx as her fifth team—and her fourth in four years—after signing with them before this season.

The Georgia native was traded early in her rookie year, ironically by Brondello, to the Connecticut Sun, beginning her winding journey through the league.

Courtney Williams had some great performances in the playoffs while playing for the Sun, but she never got to feel the excitement of winning a championship there.

This season, she is playing for coach Reeve, who led the Lynx to four titles between 2011 and 2017, and Williams is very close to finally getting a ring. In nine playoff games this season, she’s averaging 14.9 points and shooting 57.9% from 3-point range.

“Everything you’ve got in your bag, it’s time to pull it out,” Williams said Tuesday after the Lynx practiced at Target Center. “I guess I’m built different. I love the moment. I don’t shy away from the moment at all. All my life, since rec league, I always want the ball in my hand when it’s time to go make a play.”

Even though the Lynx have only led for about five minutes in the first two games, they managed to take back the home-court advantage. They will host Game 4 on Friday night, and despite their strong team chemistry, they don’t want to take another flight to New York for Game 5.

“We always believed it from the beginning. We have a great group,” Williams said. “Yeah, it’s hard. We understand that it’s hard. But we invite hard. We love hard.”

The Liberty quickly recovered from their loss in Game 1 to take control of Game 2 and finished strong.“The same things that Sandy felt after Game 1, we felt after Game 2,” Reeve said.

The Lynx are focused on playing much better in the first five minutes of the game. “Don’t wait and let someone else strike first,” Reeve said. Playing in front of a loud crowd should help.

“It’s not going to get any easier from here. This is the Finals,” said Liberty star Breanna Stewart. “It’s only going to get harder, but we’re excited for the atmosphere where nobody’s cheering for us and everybody’s cheering against us.”

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As the Minnesota Lynx made another push in the fourth quarter, the two-time league MVP was not going to let the New York Liberty lose again.

Stewart scored 21 points and set a WNBA Finals record with seven steals, helping the Liberty defeat the Lynx 80-66 on Sunday in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.

Similar to Game 1, New York built a double-digit lead in the first half, but this time they managed to hold on, evening the series at 1-1 before heading to Minnesota for Game 3 on Wednesday night.

“The moment the game ended Thursday night, I was looking forward to Sunday to change things, change the narrative a little bit,” Stewart said. “Be the same I was and be obviously better.”

Minnesota was down by nine early in the fourth quarter but narrowed the gap to 68-66 with a layup from Courtney Williams with 3:40 left. Those were the last points Minnesota would score.

“Our offense was bad at a time when we really needed it. Our pace was slow,” said Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve. “We were taking too long to get into our plays, and I don’t think we were very difficult to defend at that moment. That was a tough time for that to happen.”

New York stepped up their defense and scored effectively. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton kicked off a game-ending 12-0 run with a 3-pointer from the corner. Stewart’s putback with 57 seconds left gave New York a comfortable lead. She had missed a free throw with just 0.8 seconds left in Game 1 that could have won the game for New York.

Laney-Hamilton contributed 20 points, hitting crucial shots throughout the game and also playing strong defense. She had missed more than a month due to a right knee injury before the Olympic break and has been working to get back into shape.

“I think what she brings is this grit, this toughness,” said Liberty coach Sandy Brondello. “We all know she’s giving us everything she has. The way she kept being aggressive, they were going under on her, and she confidently knocked down those shots.”

Stewart also contributed eight rebounds and five assists to go along with her record for steals. “I wanted to make it difficult for all the players I was going against,” Stewart said.

The game attracted a sellout crowd of 18,040, including celebrities like Jennifer Hudson, Katie Couric, Fat Joe, and UConn coach Geno Auriemma. This was the largest crowd ever for the Liberty at Barclays Center.

With this win, New York avoided going down 0-2, which would have required a historic comeback. In fact, all 20 teams that have trailed 0-2 in the best-of-five Finals have lost the series.

For the Lynx, Napheesa Collier scored 16 points, and Courtney Williams added 15.

New York led 23-21 before finishing the first quarter with the last eight points to take a 31-21 lead at halftime. Sabrina Ionescu scored 10 of her 15 points in the first 10 minutes, and Stewart added seven.

The Liberty extended their lead to 46-31, but Minnesota cut it down to 10 by halftime.

The Lynx closed the gap to 57-53 near the end of the third quarter, but Stewart responded with two free throws, made a big block on defense, and then scored a jumper to give New York a 61-53 lead heading into the fourth.

New York was ahead 64-55 early in the fourth before the Lynx scored 11 of the next 15 points, getting briefly within striking distance.

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On Sunday, she looked like her old self again, scoring 20 points in New York’s 80-66 victory over Minnesota, tying the WNBA Finals series at 1-1.

“I think everyone has seen her. She’s been struggling, but she’s been feeling good these last few days, can tell you that much,” said Liberty coach Sandy Brondello. “We just knew it would take some time.

We’ve given her plenty of rest, and she was ready to go. She puts in the work. Like I said, she’s tough. We talked about the grit she brings us.”

Laney-Hamilton, who had surgery on July 16 and came back to play on August 26, felt good after making her first drive of the game. The former Rutgers star mentioned she had “a little bit of everything” done to help her knee.

“I think it gives me a little bit of momentum going through the series,” said Laney-Hamilton, who scored five points in the first game. “I’ve been struggling physically and mentally through this process. … I’m finally starting to feel good and take advantage of it.”

Laney-Hamilton’s college coach, C. Vivian Stringer, was at the game to support her. When healthy, Laney-Hamilton contributes greatly to New York on both offense and defense.

“We missed her grit and competitiveness. She takes pride in guarding the best player. Now with Leo on the team too, we really have a versatile defense.

But you also miss her ability to create plays,” Brondello said. “We wanted her to focus on play-making this year, but it was tough for her when she was limping around. We needed her to regain her confidence first, then go out and play.”

When Minnesota closed the gap to 68-66 with 3:40 left in the fourth quarter, Laney-Hamilton sparked a 12-0 run by hitting a 3-pointer in the corner, giving New York a lead they wouldn’t lose.

“She’s impactful because she plays hard on both ends and she’s a winner,” Brondello said. “I’m so happy for her success tonight, and I hope she keeps building on it.”

After the game, Laney-Hamilton had a chance to meet Jennifer Hudson, who wanted to connect with her. The two talked for a few minutes after the win.

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“The baseline is just being a great human being, you don’t always just think about yourself but you think about your teammates constantly. That’s pretty much going to be my motto is team over self with anything on or off the court.”

The Valkyries officially announced Nakase as their first head coach earlier this week. She spent the last three years as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, where the team won back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.

The expansion team recognized that Nakase was the right choice to lead the Valkyries in their first season. “Core qualities that I see Natalie bringing to the Valkyries are the foundations of what our culture will be,” said Ohemaa Nyanin, the general manager of the Valkyries.

“She brings a quality of empathy, the foundations of being able to meet people where they’re at. She brings so much joy to all those that surround her. She’s the best.”

Before her three years in Las Vegas, Nakase worked for 11 seasons in different positions with the Los Angeles Clippers. Her last job with the NBA team was as an assistant coach and player development coach. Nakase started her coaching career in 2008 with the Women’s Professional Basketball German League.

She first became a head coach for the Wolfenbuttel Wildcats for two seasons. From 2010 to 2011, she was an assistant coach for the Tokyo Apache in the Men’s Professional Basketball Japan League. In 2011, she became head coach for the Saitama Broncos, making her the first woman to hold that position in the league.

“She exemplifies every character trait in what we were looking for in a head coach and possesses deep expertise across professional basketball,” Nyanin said. “Her journey is representative of the grit and perseverance that our team will embody to achieve our ultimate goal of winning championships.”

Nakase’s interview process with the Valkyries started around the Olympic break. After the season ended with the Aces, she moved to the Bay Area for a permanent position.

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Stewart mentioned that she has watched the free throw she missed at the end of regulation, which could have won the game for New York, several times to check her technique. She concluded that her form was fine and sometimes shots just don’t go in.

“I’m on to the next, you know, what happened happened, moving forward because this is a series and my team needs me,” she said.

The two-time MVP and her teammates need to perform at their best on Sunday for Game 2 of the best-of-five series against the Lynx.

“We have to have short-term memory get it out of our system really quick and get ready for another battle,” Stewart said during practice on Saturday. “We came in yesterday addressing things, today addressing things and just really, fine tuning and getting ready to go again. We’re all kind of yearning for another opportunity.”

Stewart received messages from several people after the tough 95-93 overtime loss on Thursday, including former teammate Sue Bird, who all had the same advice.

“Bounce back,” she said.

Guard Sabrina Ionescu, who had a tough game against Minnesota, noted that the team isn’t panicking after letting a 15-point lead slip away in the final five minutes.

“It’s a crappy way to lose, but I think understanding, like a lot of that stuff’s in our control to come out and be able to change it and, you know, not panicking,” she said. “I mean, it’s one game and understanding we got an opportunity tomorrow to come out and be better.”

Even though they won, the Lynx recognize they need to improve before Game 3, which will be held in Minnesota on Wednesday.

“It’s one game, it’s a long series. We’re definitely not coming into this thinking we have this thing won,” said Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier. “We understand what happened in Game 1. We were able to steal that game, but it means nothing.

It means they’re going to come out even hungrier in Game 2 and it’s going to be a battle just like it was the first night. And we definitely want to start out better and play better as a team throughout the game so that we’re not in that position.”

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Nakase, who has been an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces for the last three years, was hired on Thursday by the new team that will begin playing in 2025.

“Being named the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries is a lifelong dream come true,” Nakase said. “I am thankful to Joe Lacob, Ohemaa Nyanin and the Golden State front office for entrusting me with this responsibility.

We are committed to building a winning culture of grit, hard work, and competitiveness. We will strive to improve, compete, and bring home a championship for our fans and this organization.”

Nakase played a key role in helping the Aces win back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. Before joining the Aces, she spent 11 seasons in various roles with the Los Angeles Clippers, where she was an assistant coach and player development coach, working with both the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers.

Her coaching career began in 2008 in the Women’s Professional Basketball German League, where she was the head coach of the Wolfenbuttel Wildcats for two seasons (2008-10).

After that, she was an assistant coach for the Tokyo Apache for one season (2010-11) in the Men’s Professional Basketball Japan League, and then she became the head coach of the Saitama Broncos from 2011-12, making her the first woman to hold that position in the league.

“Natalie is the perfect candidate to lead the Valkyries as our head coach,” said Golden State GM Ohemaa Nyanin. “She exemplifies every character trait we were looking for and has deep knowledge of professional basketball. Her journey shows the grit and perseverance that our team will embody to reach our goal of winning championships.”

A native of Los Angeles, Nakase was a walk-on at UCLA and served as team captain for three seasons. She also played professionally for two years in the NWBL with the San Jose Spiders and San Diego Siege.

Nakase mentioned that the interview process began around the time of the Olympic break, and as soon as her season in Las Vegas ended, she moved to the Bay Area.

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The Lynx’s historic comeback to defeat New York 95-93 in a thrilling Game 1 of the WNBA Finals stands out as one of the best moments.

“We’re the first team in WNBA playoff history to be down 15 (in the final 5 minutes) and come back and win the game,” Reeve said. “So that ranks really high. I think it defines our team. Getting through difficult times. That’s what we’ve been talking about. You have to be mentally tough, resilient. … Thrilled that we could hang in there.”

Minnesota came back from being down by 18 points in the first half, and Napheesa Collier’s turnaround jumper with 8.8 seconds left in overtime gave the team the win over the New York Liberty on Thursday night.

With the score tied, Collier faked in the lane and scored. New York had a chance to tie the game, but Breanna Stewart’s layup at the buzzer missed.

“The basketball gods were on our side tonight,” said Courtney Williams, who led Minnesota with 23 points, including a four-point play with 5.5 seconds left in regulation.

Collier finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, six blocks, and three steals.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series will take place on Sunday in New York. Before the game, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that the Finals will change to a best-of-seven format starting next year.

Overtime began slowly, but Minnesota took an 88-84 lead as New York missed its first six shots. Jonquel Jones finally got the Liberty on the scoreboard with a corner 3-pointer with 1:38 left.

Williams responded with her own 3-pointer, and the teams traded baskets for the next minute. Sabrina Ionescu’s steal and layup brought New York to within 93-91 with 32.9 seconds remaining.

Jones then stole the ball at midcourt and scored to tie the game just four seconds later. Minnesota used the clock wisely before Collier’s basket gave them the lead.

The Liberty lost an 11-point advantage in the final 3:23 of regulation as Minnesota scored 12 straight points, including Williams’ four-point play.

In the last moments of regulation, New York made the most of their chances. After Stewart’s first shot was blocked with one second left and went out of bounds, Ionescu threw the ball to her under the basket, and she was fouled.

The officials reviewed the play to check if the foul happened before the buzzer and decided it did, giving Stewart two free throws with 0.8 seconds remaining.

Stewart made the first free throw, but the second one rolled off the rim. Williams’ shot on the other end missed, and the game went to overtime.

“We just take it on the chin, you know. We were up a lot and then we had a wild kind of sequence to end the fourth,” Stewart said. “Didn’t start overtime great. I had a great look at the end and I didn’t make it.

But I think that this is a series. We wanted to really win, obviously, for home court. But the beauty is, we have another game on Sunday and we’ll be ready.”

Jones led New York with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Ionescu finished with 19 points, while Stewart had 18.

New York came out strong against Minnesota, which was playing just two days after defeating Connecticut in the semifinals. The Liberty built an 18-point lead in the first half before the Lynx made their comeback.

This 18-point rally matched the New York Liberty’s record set in 1999 during Game 2 of the Finals, which ended with Teresa Weatherspoon’s famous halfcourt shot.

Both teams are aiming to make history in this series. The Liberty want to win their first championship, while the Lynx are chasing a league-record fifth title. They were the top two teams during the regular season.

New York is in the finals for the second year in a row and hopes to move past the disappointment of losing to the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. Minnesota is in the championship round for the first time since 2017, when they won their fourth title in seven years.

The Liberty lost two of their three regular-season games against Minnesota, including the Commissioner’s Cup championship, but both teams have said those games don’t really matter as they head into the finals.

The Lynx managed to contain Jones in all three wins, with the Liberty’s star center scoring in single digits each time. However, she reached double figures by the end of the first quarter on Thursday.

Minnesota held New York to 38% shooting and improved to 181-11 since 2011 when they keep an opponent under 40% shooting.

The enthusiastic New York crowd of 17,732 was as loud and spirited as it has been all season. Spike Lee, Jason Sudeikis, Meek Mill, and New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos were all present, with Lee wearing an Ionescu jersey.

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Currently, the league has a best-of-five format for both the semifinals and finals, along with a best-of-three first round.

“This will give our fans a championship series format that they are accustomed to seeing in other sports,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said before Game 1 of the Finals.

Engelbert mentioned that the higher-seeded teams will host the first, second, fifth, and seventh games. The league will also adjust the opening round to ensure that the lower-seeded team gets at least one home game.

The higher-seeded team will host Game 1 and, if needed, Game 3. Right now, the first two games of the first round are played at the home of the better-seeded team. This year, all four first-round series ended in sweeps.

The commissioner noted that since the league has been using charter flights throughout the season, including the playoffs, it makes traveling between cities much easier.

Engelbert also announced that the league’s draft lottery will take place on Nov. 17, and the new Golden State Valkyries team will have the No. 5 pick.

Engelbert addressed the increasing number of attacks players have faced on social media, stating that there’s no place for it and that the league will collaborate with the players’ union to find ways to address it. She mentioned the importance of technology and mental health support.

“It just is something where we have to continue to be a voice for this, a voice against it, condemning it, and making sure that we find every opportunity to support our players, who have been dealing with this for much longer than this year,” Engelbert said.

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The Liberty held an 18-point lead in the first half and had an 11-point advantage with 3:23 left in regulation before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals slipped away, taking with it their homecourt advantage in the best-of-five series.

The two-time MVP had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation, but her second free throw missed the rim. She then had another chance to tie the game at the buzzer in overtime, but her layup missed the basket, giving the Lynx a 95-93 win.

“I want to be taking these shots. I feel like knowing my teammates and that everyone has confidence in me is important. It’s kind of like on to the next and still making sure I’m aggressive any time on the court,” Stewart said. “Obviously as a player, it’s very frustrating. But bounce back for Game 2.”

When asked which moment hurt more, Stewart chose the missed free throw.

“I think the missed free throw because we had an opportunity to go up one,” said Stewart, who has an 84% career free-throw shooting rate. “But even still, at the end of overtime, I had probably one of my cleanest looks. Didn’t make it.”

Everything started well for New York as they scored 32 points in the first quarter. However, they only managed 12 points in the second quarter, allowing Minnesota to come back and start their historic rally.

New York has now experienced both sides of 18-point comebacks in the Finals. They came back from 18 points down in Game 2 of the 1999 Finals and won against Houston with Teresa Weatherspoon’s famous halfcourt buzzer beater.

With this loss on Thursday night, New York’s record in Game 1 of the Finals fell to 0-6 in franchise history. The Liberty, who had the best regular-season record, were left shaking their heads after the game.

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The Minnesota Lynx made a remarkable comeback to defeat the New York Liberty 95-93 in overtime on Thursday night in Game 1 of the best-of-five series.

The last few seconds of regulation were filled with action. Courtney Williams made a four-point play with 5.5 seconds left, giving Minnesota its first lead. Shortly after, Breanna Stewart went to the free-throw line for New York, but she missed her second shot, which could have secured the win.

In overtime, Minnesota managed just enough to become the first team in WNBA playoff history to win after being down by 15 points with less than 5 minutes remaining.

“It was the craziest thing I’ve ever been a part of,” said New York guard Courtney Vandersloot, who was also in the last overtime game in the Finals in 2021 when she played for Chicago. “We had chances, they had chances, of course we wish we just executed better, wish the ball rolled a little bit differently.

That happens. I think this is a great learning experience for us. You know, this is hard. I’m not gonna lie to you guys. This is hard.”

Game 2 is on Sunday, giving New York a couple of days to recover from the painful loss.

“I think it’s all about controlling our emotions,” Vandersloot said. “This is an emotional time. It’s stressful. I keep saying that the lights are bright and these are the kind of things that you don’t want to shift a series. Because it’s difficult, and I think that the best way we can go about this is realizing that it’s OK to feel the way we feel.

“It’s hard. It wasn’t fun to lose that way. But, you know, moving on and moving forward, this is just part of our journey. This is just part of the story. And this is something that we can talk about one of two ways at the end.”

The game seemed like it might have a different outcome in the first 10 minutes. New York came out strong against Minnesota, scoring 32 points in the first quarter. The Liberty built an 18-point lead in the first half and were ahead by 15 with under 5 minutes to go in regulation before Minnesota made their comeback.

“We are the first team in WNBA playoff history to be down 15 and come back and win the game. So that ranks really high,” said Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve, who has won four WNBA championships with the Lynx. “I think it defines our team in terms of being able to get through difficult times. … You have to be mentally tough and resilient.

You have to look inward and not blame other people, and give each other confidence. And we were that team. You know, thrilled that we could hang in there.”

The Lynx took their first lead thanks to Williams’ historic shot. According to Elias, it was the first four-point play in WNBA history in either the regular season or playoffs in the last 10 seconds of a game that gave that team the lead.

“The basketball gods were on our side tonight,” said Williams, who scored 23 points.

New York could have been finished, but Stewart was fouled just before the buzzer. After a long review by the officials to confirm the foul happened before the clock ran out, they gave her two free throws.

The two-time MVP, who has an 84% success rate from the foul line, made the first shot, but the second one bounced off the rim, and the game went to overtime.

The extra period started slowly, but Minnesota built an 88-84 lead while New York missed its first six shots. Jonquel Jones finally got the Liberty on the scoreboard with a corner 3-pointer with 1:38 left.

Williams quickly responded with her own 3-pointer, and the teams exchanged baskets in the next minute. Sabrina Ionescu’s steal and layup brought New York to 93-91 with 32.9 seconds remaining.

Then Jonquel Jones stole the ball at midcourt and scored to tie the game just four seconds later. Minnesota ran down the clock before Napheesa Collier hit a turnaround shot in the lane with 8.8 seconds left, giving the Lynx a lead they would not give up, while Stewart missed a layup at the buzzer.

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“First, I want to say I have a lot of respect for ‘Spoon,” general manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “We’re very appreciative of the competitive teams, the resilient teams, the spirit she brought to us on the court every night. As an organization, we just felt it was time to make a change.”

Pagliocca spoke at the groundbreaking for a new practice facility near Midway International Airport, just south of Chicago.

The Sky let go of Weatherspoon two weeks ago after finishing with a 13-27 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. This was despite strong performances from rookie post players Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

The next coach will be the team’s fourth since they won the WNBA championship in 2021.

“We’re actually here to talk about the practice facility,” Sky co-owner and operating chairman Nadia Rawlinson said. “I have tremendous affection personally, tremendous love, for ‘Spoon and what she’s done for the franchise. But today’s really about the future and where we’re going.”

She added that the Sky are “looking to move quickly” in their search for a new coach.

Chicago hired Weatherspoon in mid-October 2023. Former coach and general manager James Wade left during the previous season to join the Toronto Raptors as an assistant coach and was temporarily replaced by Emre Vatansever.

A few weeks after hiring Weatherspoon, the Sky promoted Pagliocca to general manager. He had spent four years in player development and assisting the head coach, which created an unusual situation since the coach was hired before the GM.

“I don’t know if it contributed to the decision at all, but obviously, it’s rare that a GM is hired afterward,” Pagliocca said. “But we made it work as long as we could.”

Pagliocca recognized that the front office needed to repair some relationships with the players because of the decision to fire Weatherspoon.

Several players showed their support for their former coach on social media. Reese, who, along with Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, helped attract record ratings and attendance after their rivalry moved from college to professional basketball, posted on X that she was “heartbroken” and “lost for words.” She described Weatherspoon as “an unsung hero in my life” who didn’t deserve to be let go.

“I really respect their feelings for ’Spoon,” Pagliocca said. “I had a great friendship with her. I get it. There are players that she had a great connection with. She cared about them a lot. They cared about her a lot. Everything has calmed down quite a bit.”

He mentioned that the team’s relationship with Reese is “in a good spot.”

Center Elizabeth Williams expressed that she has “a great love” for Weatherspoon but did not comment on whether she agrees with the decision.

“It’s more up to what ownership and the organization think is best,” Williams said. “We’re in the business of just moving forward.”

Pagliocca dismissed the notion that Weatherspoon was difficult to work with, saying he didn’t believe she was tough “at all.” He stated that the Sky “will be as forthright as we can” with candidates about why they let Weatherspoon go, but there are “private issues” they want to keep confidential.

Regarding potential candidates who might worry about joining an organization that fired a coach after just one season, Pagliocca said, “It’s a good question.

We felt like it was time to make a change. The next coach that comes in here we would like them to stay for a longer tenure.”

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Just a few seconds into the session, Mila, who got to stay up late for this special occasion, became restless and was taken away by her dad, Collier’s husband, Alex Bazzell. Even as her toddler protested and cried to be held again, Collier stayed calm and composed, just like she does during games.

“What makes Phee special is the consistency and the way she shows up every single day,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “Phee is always the same: her work ethic, her demeanor, her passion for improving. She’s improved every season. She’s just been incredible, and every game it’s more than scoring how she helps our team.”

Collier’s performance in Game 5 of the semifinals on Tuesday was classic Collier. She scored 27 points on 10-for-16 shooting, grabbed 11 rebounds, and had four assists, four blocks, and one steal in 37 minutes, leading to an 88-77 victory that took Minnesota to the finals for the first time since their last title in 2017.

The Lynx will face the New York Liberty in Game 1 on Thursday. “She’s a great player. She made plays on both sides of the ball. She led her team all night.

She was aggressive,” said Connecticut’s DeWanna Bonner, who often matched up with Collier at the power forward position. “She’s been having a great year all year, so I didn’t see that stopping this game. When she’s in rhythm, it’s tough to stop.”

Finishing fifth in the league for scoring and third in rebounding during the regular season is an impressive achievement. Add her WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award, and she is truly a generational talent in a time when the league’s star power is at an all-time high.

But what makes Collier stand out is her humility and unassuming nature, traits she had long before becoming a mom and taking most of the 2022 season off.

She’s a versatile talent off the court, an Olympian with Team USA who has teamed up with her former college teammate and current Liberty star Breanna Stewart to start a 3-on-3 league called Unrivaled.

This league is set to begin competition in January and will offer six-figure salaries with equity stakes for players. However, Collier is often one of the more overlooked stars in the WNBA, as she has never advanced this far in the playoffs and does not play for one of the league’s top teams.

“I’ve played with so many great players, and Phee is so different, it’s crazy,” said Lynx point guard Courtney Williams. “She is so coachable, from anybody. It does not matter. She just wants to be great.

She shows up every day in her humility and the way she talks to people and the way she carries herself, it’s actually insane. Like this girl’s a bona fide superstar. They don’t act like that. A lot of superstars do not act like that, and the way she shows up and she cares, it’s different. When your leader and your superstar moves like that, it’s easy to trickle down.”

At times, Reeve and her staff have to encourage Collier to be more aggressive in finding her shot instead of relying too much on outside shooters, whom she greatly supports.

“The fact that we have worked hard and we genuinely just love each other so much, it just makes it all the sweeter and it makes you want to win for them, too,” Collier said. “It’s not just like you want to get the accolade of winning a championship; you want to do it for your teammates as well.

I think that makes the ride that much sweeter. You want to keep playing because you want to stay together, knowing that every year looks different. This team will never be the exact same again, so not only do we want to win a championship, but we don’t want to leave each other yet.”

The 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year has come a long way since her time at UConn, where she entered the league as a relatively small post player without exceptional ball skills.

Now she can consistently score off the dribble, make 3-pointers, and excel in rebounding and defense. Each season has brought improvement, including this one, where she met Reeve’s challenge to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

“She doesn’t need us to tell her. She knows what she needs to get better,” Reeve said. “I still think she’s got more ways to improve, and that’s what MVPs do, great players do. They never feel like they’ve arrived. They just keep getting better and better, and that’s what Phee has done.”

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So far, the team has met her expectations, winning the Commissioner’s Cup in June and making it to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017, when they last won one of their four championships.

“We had a way about us that we played for each other,” she said. “Didn’t know what it would translate into.”

Now, the Lynx are just three wins away from achieving a WNBA record fifth title. They are currently tied with the Houston Comets and Seattle Storm for the most championships in league history.

However, they will face the New York Liberty, who are eager to win their first championship. Game 1 is set for Thursday night.

The Liberty have reached the Finals six times since the WNBA started in 1997, but they have not yet secured a title, including a loss to Las Vegas last year.

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The Liberty reached the WNBA Finals for the second consecutive year after defeating the two-time defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, in the semifinals. They have appeared in the championship round five times but have lost each time.

The Lynx made it to the Finals for the first time since 2017 when they won their last of four championships during a seven-year period. Minnesota had to play five games to reach the Finals, winning the final game against Connecticut at home on Tuesday night.

Game 1 of the best-of-five Finals is set for Thursday night, leaving the Lynx with little time to rest and prepare for the Liberty.

“Talk about the schedule, who cares. Nobody’s going to feel bad for us,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. “Got to go hooping right away and we’ll do that.”

These two teams faced each other for a title earlier this year when Minnesota won the Commissioner’s Cup championship in June.

New York is eager for a championship after coming close against Las Vegas last season. The Liberty reached the finals in three of the league’s first four years but lost to the Houston Comets each time. They also lost to the Los Angeles Sparks two years later.

“We haven’t done anything yet,” said Breanna Stewart, who scored 19 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and made five assists and four blocks in the win over Las Vegas that secured their place in the Finals. “This was a tough series, an emotional series, for a number of different reasons (there’s) just the feeling of not satisfied.”

The Liberty have carried a chip on their shoulder all season and used that motivation to achieve the best record in the league, which earned them home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

“We went to the Finals last year,” Stewart said, “and we didn’t do nothing.”

The Lynx are not intimidated by New York, having won two out of three regular season meetings and the Commissioner’s Cup championship.

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Collier scored 27 points, shooting 10-for-16, and grabbed 11 rebounds. Courtney Williams added 24 points and played well on both offense and defense to help the Lynx beat the Connecticut Sun 88-77, making it to the WNBA Finals for the first time in seven years on Tuesday night.

Collier, who is the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, also had four blocks in a strong all-around performance.

“She’s improved every season. She’s just been incredible. Every game, it’s more than scoring how she helps our team,” coach Cheryl Reeve said. “When she plays like the MVP, we’re tough to beat.”

After the game ended and the crowd was cheering, Collier went to hug Lindsay Whalen, a Hall of Famer and former Lynx star who played on the first four championship teams. “I definitely want to do her proud,” Collier said.

Kayla McBride scored 10 of her 19 points in the first quarter for the Lynx, who will now face the top-seeded New York Liberty in Game 1 on Thursday night. The best-of-five series continues with Game 2 in New York on Sunday afternoon, and Minnesota will host Game 3 on October 16.

The Lynx finished second in the league, just two games behind the Liberty during the regular season, and they have won three out of four games against New York this year, including the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup on June 25.

For the Sun, DiJonai Carrington scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Brionna Jones had 16 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Sun only shot 38.5% from the field (25 for 65) and made 19 turnovers, which the Lynx turned into 22 points.

“They just kind of punched us in the face, and we got shellshocked and then we couldn’t fight back,” said DeWanna Bonner, who scored 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting.

The Sun were eliminated in the semifinals for the fourth time in six years. They lost in the finals in the other two seasons, 2019 and 2022, when Williams was part of the team that still hasn’t won the franchise’s first title.

Williams, who is in her first year with Minnesota, was determined to make an impact from the start. The passionate ninth-year point guard played a key role on both offense and defense, driving to the basket, pushing the pace during fast breaks, and bothering the Connecticut ball-handlers. Williams scored her highest points in a playoff game since 2019 and also contributed seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals.

She was 6 for 6 in the first half.

“When you start a game like that, you kind of know the hoop’s feeling big, you’ve got the super green light,” Williams said. “I think that’s the confidence that Cheryl gives us.”

The Lynx built a lead as large as 21 points in the second quarter, which was six points more than their biggest lead in any of the first four games.

They had a slow start to the second half, but the Sun’s poor shooting helped keep the Lynx in front, until Alanna Smith hit a 3-pointer to break a 4:22 scoring drought.

Then, Williams stole the ball from Bonner as she drove toward the basket and quickly scored a layup, increasing the lead to 58-41. Collier followed with a 3-pointer to finish a 12-0 run.

Connecticut had eliminated Minnesota in the decisive Game 3 of the first round last season. Since winning Game 5 of the WNBA Finals in 2017 for their fourth championship in seven years, the Lynx had a record of just 1-4 in winner-take-all playoff games.

The atmosphere at Target Center matched the importance of the moment, with a lively crowd that included Whalen, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones, and two members of the state’s congressional delegation, Rep. Angie Craig and Sen. Tina Smith.

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However, Sunday’s 76-62 win wasn’t the moment the Liberty had been dreaming of.

They are just three wins away from making that dream come true and will have home-court advantage in the best-of-five series against either the Connecticut Sun or Minnesota Lynx. The finals start on Thursday.

“We went to the finals last year,” Breanna Stewart said. “We didn’t do nothing.”

The Liberty have spent nearly a year focusing on last year’s finals loss to a short-handed Las Vegas team and worked hard to establish the best record in the league. Coming up two wins short of a championship won’t be enough this year.

So, while beating the Aces was satisfying, it’s not the title they want.

The Liberty also carry the weight of their history. They reached the finals in three of the league’s first four years but lost each time to the Houston Comets. They also lost two years later to the Los Angeles Sparks.

Maybe this is the year they finally succeed.

One big advantage of finishing the series against Las Vegas in four games is that it gives New York extra time to rest while the Sun and Lynx prepare for a winner-takes-all Game 5 on Tuesday. The winner will then have to travel from Minneapolis.

“This playoff schedule is extremely condensed,” Stewart said. “If you go to Game 5, you have one day to prepare for Game 1 of the finals. That’s insane.”

Insane could also describe Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, which is attracting large, lively crowds filled with celebrities, including famous courtside fan Spike Lee.

Now that the Liberty are back in the finals, the excitement is expected to grow even more.

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Ionescu bounced back from a rare poor performance, scoring 22 points. Almost a year after the Aces ended the Liberty’s championship hopes, New York returned the favor on Sunday by defeating Las Vegas 76-62 to move on to the WNBA Finals.

As the top-seeded team, the Liberty will have home-court advantage in the championship series, facing either the Connecticut Sun or Minnesota Lynx, who will compete in Game 5 on Tuesday.

This marks the Liberty’s sixth appearance in the finals, but the team is still searching for its first championship title.

“We haven’t done anything yet,” said Breanna Stewart from New York, who contributed 19 points and 14 rebounds. “This was a tough series, an emotional series for many reasons. But we’re going to the finals and hosting Game 1 and Game 2. We’re ready to go. Just the feeling of not (being) satisfied.”

New York lost in four games to a weakened Aces team on October 18, 2023, and turned that painful loss into motivation. The Liberty have been the strongest team this season, going 6-1 against Las Vegas in both the regular season and playoffs.

Ionescu acknowledged that the Aces “made us a better team,” showing respect for how tough it was for Las Vegas to win back-to-back championships.

However, the Aces’ celebrations after last season’s victory definitely motivated New York’s determination, especially when coach Becky Hammon made a comment about Stewart’s performance during the victory parade.

“We talked our crap, they heard and they get to talk their crap,” Hammon said on Sunday. “It’s part of the game. It’s not personal. I can talk crap all I want. At the end of the day, I have mad respect for (coach) Sandy (Brondello).

Sandy coached me. Me and Sandy go way back. Sab, Stewie, I have mad respect for those players. I think Stewie is phenomenal.”

The Aces, whose record 12-game home playoff winning streak came to an end, were aiming to make more WNBA history.

Last year, they became the first team since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02 to win back-to-back championships, and they were trying to be the first team to win three titles in a row since the Houston Comets won four straight from 1997 to 2000.

“It’s hard,” said A’ja Wilson, who led the Aces with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocked shots. “Everybody wants to beat you. You’re everybody’s Super Bowl. (The loss) sucks, it stings, but I’m very proud about the group that we had.”

In addition to Ionescu and Stewart, Jonquel Jones scored 14 points despite being in foul trouble for most of the game, while Leonie Fiebich added 11 points.

For Las Vegas, Kelsey Plum (17 points) and Tiffany Hayes (11) also scored in double figures alongside Wilson.

The Aces struggled against a Liberty front line that was strong inside, getting out-rebounded 48-27. Aces center Kiah Stokes missed her second game in a row due to a concussion.

Ionescu quickly showed that this game wouldn’t be like Game 3 for her. She averaged 24.5 points in the playoffs before that game but scored only four points on 1-of-7 shooting on Friday night, not scoring until the fourth quarter.

This time, Ionescu hit a corner 3-pointer just 3:04 into the game. She ended the first quarter with 12 points, making all four of her shots, including three 3-pointers.

The Liberty were only ahead by two points going into the fourth quarter but then outscored Las Vegas 23-11 in the final period to pull away. The Aces made just 32.8% of their shots for the game, including 7 of 30 from beyond the arc.

“To hold Vegas to 24 points in the second half is pretty impressive,” Brondello said. Now, unlike last year, it’s the Liberty celebrating as they leave the opposing floor.

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Thomas scored 18 points, had 11 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Sun past the Minnesota Lynx 92-82 on Sunday in their semifinal series. This win sets up a winner-take-all fifth game on Tuesday night in Minnesota.

“Both of these franchises have been here before. We have many players on our team who understand what it takes, and tonight’s effort isn’t enough,” said Connecticut coach Stephanie White.

“We expect them to make changes. We’ll adjust as well. It’s about players stepping up, making extra efforts, and finding something inside that helps you come out on top.”

The winner will advance to face the Liberty in the WNBA Finals, which start Thursday in New York. Earlier this season, the Lynx and the Liberty competed for a championship, with Minnesota winning the Commissioner’s Cup.

Harris returned to the starting lineup for the first time since injuring her ankle in Game 1 against Indiana. She led the Sun with 20 points, as they aim to reach the Finals for the third time in six seasons, still seeking their first WNBA championship.

White informed Harris about her starting role during the morning shootaround. After playing only seven minutes in Games 2 and 3, she was able to contribute for 30 minutes on Sunday.

“Stay composed, be poised, and be ready when your number is called,” said Harris, who didn’t score in her limited time during Games 2 and 3.

Napheesa Collier did everything she could to help Minnesota win, ending the game with 29 points and 13 rebounds.

“We’re not happy with how we played in the last two games. Our offense helped us win last time, but if that’s not working, we need to depend on our defense,” Collier said. “Our defense hasn’t been good the last two games, so we need to go home and protect our court. We’re both fighting for our season, so we have to play with that kind of intensity.”

Minnesota is aiming to reach the Finals for the first time since 2017, when they won their fourth championship in seven years.

The Sun came back from a seven-point deficit at halftime thanks to Thomas and Harris. The game was tied at 61 before the Sun scored seven of the last nine points in the third quarter, leading 68-63 going into the fourth.

Harris made a 3-pointer with 5:48 left, pushing the lead to 10 points and ending any chance the Lynx had to win the series on Sunday. Minnesota could only get within eight points for the rest of the game.

“Typical AT, she’s a stat stuffer who steps up in big moments,” White said. “We put the ball in her hands a lot; she made plays for herself and for others. We rely on her a lot on both ends of the floor. We got a lot from her and will continue to need contributions from everyone as we move forward.”

Collier helped the Lynx take a seven-point lead after the first quarter, and they were up 47-41 when DiJonai Carrington stole the ball from Natisha Hiedeman and scored.

Hiedeman responded by hitting a 3-pointer from just inside halfcourt right before the buzzer, giving the Lynx a 50-43 lead at halftime. Collier scored 14 points in the first half, while Hiedeman added 12 against her former team.

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However, she recognized that if Las Vegas wanted to return to being champions, they couldn’t remain stagnant.

“We’ve never done exit meetings,” Hammon said, reflecting on her third season, which was the first without a championship title. “We’ve done exit partying. So we’re going to have to get together and figure it out, but obviously we have to get better. We have to really take a sharp look at ourselves in the mirror, see our shortcomings.

“You’ve got to make the moves necessary, whatever that means, to put (out) the best product we possibly can. It’s not going to be the same group probably next year. It just won’t. And I’m sad about that because I really like that group.”

New York used the Aces as motivation to become the team that lifts the trophy at the end of the season. Last year, it was Las Vegas that celebrated on the Liberty’s home court.

Now the situation has changed, and Hammon often mentioned this season that her team didn’t play with the same drive that helped them become the first team since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02 to win back-to-back titles.

She pointed out that she hoped this loss would inspire her team to work hard to get back to the top.

But it’s not just about determination; the Liberty exploited weaknesses in the Aces’ front line. A’ja Wilson was named MVP for the third time, but she needed support to compete against a Liberty frontcourt featuring Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, who together scored 33 points and grabbed 20 rebounds on Sunday.

The Aces also faced inconsistent performances from their backcourt. Point guard Chelsea Gray had to take time to recover from a foot injury she sustained during last year’s WNBA Finals. In Game 4, she had some good moments, contributing six assists and scoring seven points.

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The Lynx’s standout player scored 26 points, leading Minnesota to a 90-81 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night, giving them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series.

“Everyone has an off night and I try to contribute in other ways to help the team,” said Collier, who managed only nine points with a 3-of-14 shooting performance in Game 2.

She has worked hard all season on both offense and defense, and the league’s runner-up for MVP believed that her poor shooting in the previous game was just a fluke.

As Connecticut tried to make a comeback late in the game, Collier made three key plays that shifted the momentum and secured the win.

With Minnesota ahead 81-73 and 3:03 remaining, she scored, then made a deflection on defense, and finished by assisting Alanna Smith for a 3-pointer that stretched the lead to 13 points.

“It’s crunch time, I knew I had to be aggressive especially in one-on-one coverage,” Collier said. “Then, you know, just being the same on the other side, we really had to be aggressive. They were playing with desperation at the end.”

Game 4 is set for Sunday in Connecticut, where the Lynx aim to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017. That year marked the end of Minnesota’s four championships within seven years. If needed, Game 5 will take place in Minnesota on Tuesday night.

Collier scored 16 points in the first half on Friday night and was aggressive from the beginning. Minnesota led by seven after the first quarter and was up 48-36 at halftime, thanks to Collier making seven of her 10 shots in the first 20 minutes.

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Las Vegas took charge with a 16-point run in the third quarter and held the Liberty scoreless for 7:36, winning 95-81 to narrow New York’s lead in the semifinal series to 2-1.

The Liberty will have another chance to finish off the Aces on Sunday. If Las Vegas wins that game, a deciding Game 5 will take place on Tuesday in New York.

This victory marked the Aces’ 12th straight home playoff win, breaking the WNBA record that was previously held by the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-04) and Sacramento Monarchs (2003-06).

Las Vegas finally defeated the Liberty for the first time this year. New York had won all three regular-season games and the first two matches in this series.

“This is when teams are most dangerous, when their backs are against the wall,” said Breanna Stewart, who led the Liberty with 19 points. “They’re going to throw everything at you. They came out and did what they were supposed to do tonight.”

Jackie Young topped the Aces with 24 points, Kelsey Plum added 20 points, A’ja Wilson contributed 19 points and 14 rebounds, Tiffany Hayes scored 11 points, and Chelsea Gray had 10 points along with seven assists. The Aces shot 52.1% overall, including 40.6% from the 3-point range.

Aces coach Becky Hammon expressed frustration about the officiating concerning Wilson, this season’s MVP for the third time. Wilson has taken only 10 free throws in the three games, including just two in this match.

“It’s ridiculous and I’m freakin’ tired of it,” Hammon said. “If you do the minutes she’s played to the free throw attempts, it’s one free throw probably every 25 minutes. With as much as she’s touching the ball and as much as she’s in the paint — it’s not like she’s out there chucking 3s — and how she puts it on the floor. She attacks closeouts, and she gets bumped constantly, and I’m tired of it.”

In addition to Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally each scored 11 points for the Liberty, while Leonie Fiebich added 10 points.

Sabrina Ionescu, who had been averaging 24.5 points in the playoffs, managed only four points on 1-of-7 shooting. She didn’t score until a minute into the fourth quarter when she made a technical free throw.

“We were trying to not let her get downhill at us,” Hammon said.

Las Vegas also stepped up their defense in the paint. After being outscored by 20 points in the lane in Game 2, the Aces flipped the script in this game with a 42-28 advantage.

“We knew they wanted to get into the paint,” Gray said. “They were killing us inside. Whether it was layups, post-ups, (offensive) boards, we knew coming into this game that was going to be our starting point, not on the offensive end.”

The first half was back-and-forth, but the Aces took control in the third quarter, turning a 57-53 lead into a 73-53 advantage.

New York only scored six points in that period, and coach Sandy Brondello called two timeouts in an attempt to stop the Aces’ momentum. Las Vegas increased their lead to 78-55 early in the fourth quarter, finishing with a 21-2 run.

The game felt balanced at the start of the second half. The first 30 minutes included 18 lead changes and eight ties, with Las Vegas leading 52-49 at halftime.

“We’re a way better team than what we showed,” Brondello said. “Even that first half we were only down by three; it just didn’t feel good.”

The Aces played without Kiah Stokes, who had a concussion toward the end of Game 3. Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was seen sitting courtside next to teammate Dereck Lively II, coach Jason Kidd, and general manager Nico Harrison.

The Mavericks were having their training camp in Las Vegas this week. Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, were also in attendance.

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Hayes got 38 out of 67 votes from a panel of national media. Leonie Fiebich from New York came in second with 21 votes. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough from Washington and Marina Mabrey from Connecticut were the next two in line in the voting.

This is the fifth time in the last six seasons that a player from Las Vegas has received this award.

In her 12th season in the WNBA and her first with the Aces, Hayes played in 33 out of Las Vegas’ 40 regular-season games.

She came off the bench a career-high 28 times and started five games. To qualify for the award, a player must come off the bench in more games than they start.

Hayes averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this season. She also made 40% of her 3-point shots. She joined the Aces a few weeks into the season, six months after she announced her retirement from the WNBA.

Hayes received the award on the court before the Aces faced the Liberty in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals.

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A national group of sportswriters and broadcasters gave Clark 66 out of 67 votes in the results announced on Thursday. The other vote went to Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

“I am incredibly honored to be named Rookie of the Year, but more than that, I am grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this past season — my family and friends, my teammates, the Fever organization and everyone who cheered us on all season. I am so proud of what we accomplished and so excited for what the future holds,” Clark said in a statement.

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick from Iowa, averaged 19.2 points and a league-best 8.4 assists per game, helping the WNBA set attendance records and gain mainstream attention.

She had a bit of a rough start to the season but found her rhythm and became an All-Star starter. The unanimous AP Rookie of the Year led the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, finishing with a 20-20 record after starting 1-8.

“I’m a tough grader. I feel like I had a solid year,” Clark said after the Fever were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. “For me, the fun part is like I feel like I’m just scratching the surface and I’m the one that’s nit picking every single thing I do.

I know I want to help this franchise. … I know there’s a lot of room for me to continue to improve so that’s what excites me the most. I feel like I continue to get a lot better.”

Clark was not selected for the U.S. Olympic team, which disappointed many of her fans, but she showed afterward that she could have made an impact. The Fever guard averaged 24.7 points and 9.3 assists in her first 10 games after the Olympic break, leading Indiana to an 8-2 record.

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The Aces are fighting to save their season against New York, while the Sun are looking to finish off the Minnesota Lynx.

The two-time defending champions, the Aces, are down 2-0 in the best-of-five series against New York. Meanwhile, the Sun split their first two games in Minnesota.

Despite the tough situation, the Aces are not panicking, even though they need to make a historic comeback to reach the Finals for the third year in a row.

“At the end of the day, we have neither lost nor won a championship. Nothing has been won tonight,” said Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon. “Do we have an uphill battle? Absolutely we do. All New York did was do what New York should do — defend their home court. It’s a series, we intend on pushing it five games. We got to take it quarter by quarter. Be solid on the defensive end.”

No team has ever come back from an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-5 WNBA playoff series.

“I love being in the history books, might as well try and start there,” said Aces guard Chelsea Gray. “That’s going to be our mentality. We must win for our series to continue.”

On the other hand, New York says they haven’t achieved anything yet. The Liberty managed to defend their home court and need just one more win in the next three games to eliminate the Aces. The series will move to Las Vegas for Game 3 on Friday. If the Aces win that game, Game 4 will be on Sunday.

“Being up 2-0 is great, but we haven’t won anything,” said Sabrina Ionescu, who scored 24 points in the 88-84 win. “Everyone knows that. Did what we were supposed to do, protect home court. Win two at home. We’re not patting ourselves on the back, talking about how happy we are. We didn’t come to win two games at home and be satisfied, we’re a hungry group.”

The post The Las Vegas Aces’ attempt to win their third consecutive title faces a setback against the New York Liberty, while the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx are tied in the WNBA playoffs appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Collier, who had scored 80 points in the two-game sweep of Phoenix in the first round, managed only nine points on 3-for-14 shooting. She led the Lynx with 12 rebounds and five assists, willing to let her teammates take the lead against a tough opponent.

“We’ve got to match their energy. In the first game, they were chirping and chatting, so you have to give it back to them,” Williams said. “Playoff basketball, man.”

Alyssa Thomas scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and provided seven assists for the Sun, who struggled with their shooting, hitting just 5 of 20 from 3-point range. DeWanna Bonner added 17 points, while Marina Mabrey contributed 15 points on 4-for-14 shooting after scoring 20 points in the first game.

“We weren’t happy with how we approached the first game. I think we played OK, just enough to lose by 3. We knew we had to step it up and support each other,” said Smith, who played with Williams for Chicago last year.

Connecticut will host Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday. If needed, Game 5 would take place in Minnesota on October 8. New York currently leads the defending champion Las Vegas 2-0 in the other semifinal series.

The Lynx never lost two home games in a row this season, finishing with a 30-10 record as the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Their 73-70 loss in Game 1 clearly motivated them for a fierce response in this physical matchup that sometimes felt more like football than basketball.

Myisha Hines-Allen made an off-balance bank shot from the corner just before halftime, giving the Lynx a 36-30 lead and some extra energy as they headed to the break.

“They were the aggressor tonight. They were aggressive on the defensive end. They were physical. They wouldn’t let us get into our offense. They responded to every run,” said Sun coach Stephanie White.

Smith, known for her shot-blocking skills and playing for her fourth team in four seasons, has revived her career in Minnesota under coach Cheryl Reeve after being released by Indiana two years ago.

She hit a 3-pointer early in the third quarter, giving the Lynx a 41-30 lead and prompting a timeout from Connecticut.

Williams scored 11 points in the third quarter, contributing half of her team’s total and shifting the frustration more onto the Sun in the second half after the Lynx had their own challenging moments earlier.

Reeve has won four WNBA titles with a legendary team that is now gone, and this is the first real playoff test for the current players.

“I believe to be successful you do have to experience adversity. You have to get through the adversity, go through it, go through the lumps, bumps, all of that to get through the promised land,” Reeve said. “That’s the only way. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.”

The two top defensive teams from the regular season were on full display during a tough first quarter, where the first 14 shots missed the mark and both teams had two turnovers in less than four minutes.

Collier faced constant double-teams and started the game 1 for 6. The Sun worked hard to not only keep the four-time All-Star from her favorite spots but also to get under her skin.

Mabrey applied extra pressure at one point when she and Collier were fighting for a loose ball near the paint, leading to a stare down between the two players.

“It’s playoffs, so it’s going to be physical; it’s going to be tense. It’s win or go home,” Bonner said. “Everybody wants it, so emotions are high. It’s just two competitive teams going after it.”

Later in the second quarter, Kayla McBride pushed her forearm into Mabrey’s neck while driving to the basket. McBride received a technical foul after both players, who played at Notre Dame two years apart, exchanged words and bumped into each other on their way back.

McBride scored 11 points for the Lynx, helping them recover from a rough start where they shot just 2 for 15 from the field, even though Collier struggled to find her rhythm.

“We got into our switches. We tried to make catches difficult. We tried to make shots difficult. But certainly they showed as a team why they’ve been successful. They’re so balanced,” White said.

“Yes, we were able to limit Phee, but they got off on the 3-point line and that’s something we have to remedy. We’ve got to keep them off the offensive glass.”

The post The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Connecticut Sun 77-70 in Game 2, leveling the WNBA semifinals appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Ionescu scored 24 points, and the Liberty won against Las Vegas 88-84 on Tuesday night, taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series.

“Being up 2-0 is great, but we haven’t won anything,” Ionescu said. “Everyone knows that. We did what we were supposed to do, protect home court. Win two at home. We’re not patting ourselves on the back or celebrating. We didn’t come to win two games at home and be satisfied; we’re a hungry group.”

Game 3 is on Friday night in Las Vegas, where the two-time defending champion Aces will try to avoid being defeated by the team they faced in the WNBA Finals last year.

“We protected home court. We want to go to Vegas,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. “We play well on the road, and they play great at home.” History favors New York.

No team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit to win a best-of-five playoff series in WNBA history. Only Phoenix managed to force a Game 5 in 2018 against Seattle.

“It’s a series for a reason; there’s no championship won off two wins,” Aces forward Alysha Clark said. “I’ve had a lot of playoff experience where I’ve been up 2-0 and down 2-0. The series is not over.”

The game was tied at 81 when Ionescu made a jumper with 1:15 left, giving New York a two-point lead. Both teams had opportunities before Ionescu fouled Tiffany Hayes with 16.9 seconds remaining after a jump ball.

Hayes made the first of two free throws, bringing the score to 84-83. New York grabbed the rebound, and Ionescu was fouled with 11.6 seconds left. She made just one free throw, making it 84-82.

Las Vegas had a chance to tie the game, but the ball went out of bounds on the sideline with 10.5 seconds left. After New York challenged the call that the ball belonged to the Aces, the officials changed the decision and gave the Liberty the ball.

Ionescu, who scored seven of the Liberty’s final nine points, then made two free throws to give her team a two-possession lead. “In the big moments, she steps up and doesn’t shy away from the moments,” Liberty center Jonquel Jones said.

A’ja Wilson responded with a jumper with 5.6 seconds remaining, but Breanna Stewart hit two free throws less than a second later to secure the win.

“It was close down the stretch, but they made more plays than us,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said.

Hammon had mentioned after Game 1 that Tuesday’s game was “do or die.” “Did I say it was a must win? I was lying,” the coach said after Tuesday’s game, laughing. “Trying to bring the drama.”

Stewart ended the game with 15 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Wilson scored 24 points, and Jackie Young contributed 17 for the Aces.

The Liberty were ahead 69-62 going into the final quarter before the Aces came back, tying the game at 81 with Clark’s 3-pointer at 1:31 left.

After a tough start in Game 1, the Aces took a 27-22 lead after the first quarter, thanks to a strong opening by Chelsea Gray. She had only four points in the Game 1 loss, and Hammon said she would talk with her star guard.

Gray responded by playing aggressively, scoring 10 points in the first quarter.

The teams traded leads, and Las Vegas was ahead 40-37 with 2:33 left in the half. Then, Ionescu made two 3-pointers, with a three-point play by Kayla Thornton in between, giving New York a 46-40 lead at halftime.

This drew loud cheers from the sold-out crowd, which included celebrities like Carmelo Anthony, Alicia Keys, Robin Roberts, Colin Kaepernick, and Gayle King.

Liberty legend Teresa Weatherspoon was also in attendance. She had been let go as the coach of the Chicago Sky last week, and fans gave her a big ovation when she appeared on the video screen in the fourth quarter.

It’s not just fans attending the games. Game 1 of the series had an average viewership of 929,000 on TV, making it the most-watched WNBA semifinal in 22 years.

The Aces lost center Kiah Stokes with 9.5 seconds left in the third quarter. She was trying to chase a loose ball out of bounds when she fell hard to the ground after committing a loose ball foul.

She was on the floor for a few minutes before being helped to the locker room. The team reported she might have a concussion.

“It’s a head injury right now,” Hammon said. “We’ll wait and see; I don’t have a lot of information for you. We’ll be monitoring her very closely.”

The post The New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 88-84, taking a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

The draft is set for December 6, and the Valkyries will begin their season next year.

Teams can protect up to six players, meaning those players won’t be available for Golden State to select. All other players on a team’s roster can be chosen by the Valkyries.

Unrestricted free agents must be marked on a team’s list and can be either on the protected or unprotected list.

The Valkyries can only pick one player from each team and can choose players without worrying about the league’s salary cap. However, Golden State must stay under the cap when the player contract signing period starts in February.

While this expansion draft is fairly straightforward, the one next year when Toronto and Portland join could be more complicated. Many players’ contracts will expire, and a new collective bargaining agreement is expected to raise salaries.

A large number of players, who are not on rookie contracts, will become unrestricted free agents, making it harder for teams to decide who to protect.

The last expansion draft took place in 2008 when the Atlanta Dream entered the league.

The WNBA hasn’t revealed where Golden State will pick in the upcoming college draft next April. The Dream had the fourth pick in the 2008 draft before trading it.

The Valkyries have appointed Ohemaa Nyanin as their general manager and already have over 17,500 season ticket deposits.

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DiJonai Carrington added 13 points, while DeWanna Bonner had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun.

Napheesa Collier, who had an impressive average of 40 points in the first round of the playoffs, led the Lynx with 19 points and nine rebounds. Bridget Carleton scored 17 points, and Kayla McBride added 12.

Game 2 of the best-of-5 series will take place on Tuesday in Minneapolis.

“It’s a long series for a reason. We have all the faith in the world that we’ll perform better on Tuesday night and hopefully come out with a win,” Carleton said.

In their first-round sweep of Phoenix, the Lynx shot 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range, scoring over 100 points in both games.

However, the game against the Sun was different. The Sun had the best defense in the league this season, holding Minnesota to just 41.5% shooting and making only 5 of 20 three-point attempts. In the fourth quarter, the Lynx struggled, shooting 4 for 18 from the field and scoring only eight points.

“That’s just what our group does. This is a team and a franchise … that has hung our hats on defense,” Sun coach Stephanie White said. “We had to be disruptive. We had to try to force them into uncomfortable shots.”

Mabrey started the fourth quarter with her sixth three-pointer of the night, and Carrington scored on a putback, tying the game at 62 with seven minutes left. Bonner then hit a corner three and added a layup after blocking a shot from Collier, giving the Sun a three-point lead.

The post Marina Mabrey’s six three-pointers propelled the Connecticut Sun to a 73-70 victory against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs semifinals appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

“I think I’ve just kind of grown from it, had a lot of time to reflect on it,” said Stewart, who was dealing with her father-in-law’s death from cancer right before last year’s series. “How I can be better.

How to handle things collectively better. I don’t forget who I am and what I can do. … That wasn’t my most proudest, but I’ll continue to be better now.”

Game 2 of the best-of-5 series is set for Tuesday night in New York. “Do or die, you have to win Game 2,” said Aces coach Becky Hammon. “No other way around it.”

The two-time defending champions have only trailed once in a series in the last two years, which was against Seattle when they were also down 1-0. The difference was that they played at home for the first two games.

“We had to beat them three games in a row. We had our backs against the wall before,” Hammon said.

Kelsey Plum scored 24 points, and A’ja Wilson added 21 for the Aces.

“It’s a loss, that’s the only thing I see,” Plum said when asked about her scoring. “A lot of things I can do better individually and help my teammates collectively.”

This game was a rematch of last season’s WNBA Finals, which the Aces won in four games, including clinching the championship in New York. The Liberty said they’ve carried the pain from that loss as motivation all season long. New York had the best record in the league and secured the top seed in the playoffs.

Last season, the Aces were the No. 1 seed, so New York had to play the first two games of the Finals there. The Liberty returned home down 0-2 and were unable to recover.

New York started strong behind Stewart and led 28-21 after the first quarter. Las Vegas got closer at 37-34 with 4:11 left in the half, but New York ended the second quarter with an 11-4 run to lead by 10 at halftime.

Stewart, who scored 20 points in the first 20 minutes, contributed six points during a key stretch. She made eight of her 10 shots in the first half.

“I think I wanted to come out and set the tone, be aggressive and take what the defense was giving me,” Stewart said.

The Liberty started the third quarter strong, scoring the first five points and extending their lead to 62-44 with a 3-pointer from Stewart. After a timeout, the Aces responded by scoring the next 12 points, closing the gap to six.

Courtney Vandersloot ended New York’s scoring drought with a layup, which helped the Liberty regain a nine-point lead by the end of the third quarter.

Las Vegas stayed competitive, trailing 75-67 until Sabrina Ionescu hit a 3-pointer with 7:34 left in the game. She quickly turned to point at Spike Lee, who was sitting courtside in her jersey.

In Game 2 of the opening round series win over Atlanta, the famous basketball fan had given Ionescu a high-five that felt like “New York was injected into my veins.”

Ninety seconds later, Ionescu made another 3-pointer that excited the packed crowd. Las Vegas couldn’t get closer than eight points for the rest of the game.

Ionescu finished with 21 points, while Jonquel Jones added 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Liberty.

“We came out, it’s Game 1, we wanted to play with a sense of urgency and protect our home court,” said Liberty coach Sandy Brondello.

This is the first time in league history that the finalists from the previous season faced each other in the semifinals. The league changed its playoff format in 2016, allowing the top eight teams to make the postseason regardless of conference.

Minnesota faced Los Angeles in the 2018 first round after those two teams had met in the WNBA Finals the previous two years.

The post Stewart and Ionescu guide the New York Liberty to an 87-77 victory in Game 1 against the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

The Liberty have stated that they are using last season’s loss as motivation this year but are not focusing too much on the defeat in four games.

“We’ve got some unfinished business,” New York guard Sabrina Ionescu said. “We’re going to play our best basketball because we’ve got a lot of basketball left in us.”

The Aces were the No. 4 seed but have been performing much better in the last month, winning nine out of ten games before the playoffs and sweeping Seattle in the first round.

Their only loss during that stretch was against New York, but league MVP A’ja Wilson did not play in that game because she was resting her foot. The Aces managed to come back from a 20-point deficit in that game and almost surprised the Liberty.

Neither team is putting much emphasis on that previous matchup.

This is the first time in the league’s history that the finalists from the previous season meet in the semifinals. This wasn’t possible until 2016 when the league changed its format to allow the top eight teams to compete, regardless of conference affiliation.

“Obviously the goal isn’t just to win in the semifinals, so that’s something that’s I think kind of weird because we’re in a rematch of the final series, which is a little bit unheard of,” Ionescu said. “This is a team we have to get through in order to get to a finals again.”

Minnesota and Los Angeles played in the 2018 opening round after meeting in the finals the year before. The Lynx won the title in 2017 but lost to the Sparks in 2018.

The post The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty are set to face off in the WNBA semifinals after competing for the championship last year appeared first on Sports Al Dente.