The Captain's Speech

The Commissioner’s Cup is the WNBA’s annual in-season tournament and runs from June 1 to June 17, with the championship game played on June 30. Each team plays an in-conference opponent once, and the team with the best winning percentage moves on to the final. Point differential is used as a tiebreaker.

The championship winning team is awarded $500,000, which amounts to $30,000 per player. The players on the losing team receive $10,000 each.

There is also a charitable element involved. Each team has partnered with a non-profit organization and is playing on their behalf. For every Cup game won during pool play, $3,000 is donated to charity. For every Cup game lost, $1,000 is donated. If they win the championship, the donation is $10,000, while the runner-up receives $5,000.

It’s a fun tournament that gives each game a quasi playoff-feel.

Pancakes in Portland

The cool thing about having two expansion teams enter the league this season is that there are new fanbases who are able to make their mark and create their own culture and rituals. In a short period of time, Portland has done just that.

The crowd at the Moda Centre is called, “The Fire Pit” and have entered the conversation as one of the best places to watch a basketball game.

On May 30, during a home game against the Indiana Fever, a section of their fans held up laminated pictures of pancakes. Why? Well, Fire centre, Megan Gustafson, has a pet corgi named, Pancakes, who has become a fan-favourite.

Incredible. I love that the fans did this. It’s fun. It’s unique. It’s thoughtful. It immediately builds a connection between the fans and the players, which is important, especially in the early days of a franchise.

Around The W in 7 Days

Below are game results from May 29 – June 4. If I didn’t write a recap, it’s because I didn’t have a chance to watch the game.

May 29

Results
Phoenix Mercury 68-75 New York Liberty
Los Angeles Sparks 92-87 Washington Mystics
Minnesota Lynx 79-58 Chicago Sky
Atlanta Dream 86-66 Portland Fire

May 30

Seattle Storm 72-93 Toronto Tempo
Seventeen days after the Tempo defeated the Storm for their first win in franchise history, the two teams met again and the outcome was the same. Toronto jumped out to a 21-10 lead after the first quarter and, while Seattle cut the deficit to one point at halftime, Toronto was able to pull away in the third quarter, thanks to their strong defensive effort, as well as a 19-7 run to end the frame.

Julie Allemand returned to the lineup for Toronto, after missing five games with a hip injury. The team has missed her two-way abilities. Instead of reclaiming her spot in the starting lineup, she came off the bench.

Kiki Rice remained in the starting five, as it’s a role at which she’s been excelling. Rice was once again fantastic in this game. She had active hands on defence, deflecting and stealing passes, and finished on the other end with layups. Rice has opened eyes this season and her performance in this game solidified her as one of the leading candidates for the Rookie of the Year award.

Also of note for the Tempo: Marina Mabrey hit three three-pointers in the first half and joined the Top 25 All-Time Made Three-Pointers list in WNBA history.

The Tempo were 31/33 from the free throw line.

The Storm scored 26 of their 36 first half points in the paint, but were held to only 10 paint points in the second half. Natisha Hiedeman and Jordan Horston were bright spots for the Storm. Scoring remains an issue for them, though; they rank 14th out of 15 in point-per-game with 76.4. This should change when Dominque Malonga and Ezi Magbegor return to the lineup.

Box Score
TOR – Marina Mabrey: 18 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast
TOR – Kiki Rice: 17 pts, 6 reb, 4 stl, 9/9 FT, +24
SEA – Natisha Hiedeman: 18 pts, 7 ast, 7-12 FG
SEA – Jordan Horston: 15 pts, 4 reb, 4 stl

Los Angeles Sparks 81-84 Connecticut Sun
Second-year guard, Leila Lacan, made her season debut for the Connecticut Sun and stepped right into the starting lineup. In a corresponding move, the team waived Hailey Van Lith; she then returned on a developmental deal.

Lacan is an exciting young player, who made an immediate impact in her rookie year. Her defensive play stands out – she averaged 2.2 steals-per-game last season – as does her ability to get to the basket on the offensive end. Her three-point shooting needs to improve (21% in her career) but she does so many other positive things on the floor that it’s not a big deal at the moment.

In this game, Lacan scored the first 7 points for the Sun (she finished with 12 points), as the team got off to a hot start. They were very connected on the defensive end. This is a young team, but I like their upside a lot. Aneesah Morrow was relentless on the boards, once again. She registered her seventh double-double of the season.

Also of note for the Sun: Brittney Griner scored her 6000th career point. She’s the 18th player in WNBA history to do so.

The Sparks were without Kelsey Plum (ankle sprain) in this one. While everyone in the starting lineup reached double digits in scoring, it wasn’t enough to beat the Sun. The Sparks went six minutes in the 4th quarter without scoring a field goal. That’s where this team really missed Plum. She’s someone who can get to the rim and get an easy bucket.

Box Score
LA – Ariel Atkins: 16 pts, 4 reb, 4 stl, 3 blk
LA – Rae Burrell: 16 pts, 5 reb
CON – Aneesah Morrow: 17 pts, 14 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
CON – Kennedy Burke: 14 pts, 6 reb, 2 stl, 3 blk

Indiana Fever 84-100 Portland Fire
It was the second game of a back-to-back for Portland, but they were in control of this game from the jump. The Fire went on a 19-2 run in the first quarter and kept the pressure on all night. It was as if the Fever didn’t know what hit them.

I don’t know how many times I’ve said it, but Carla Leite is fearless when it comes to attacking the basket. What a point guard. What a leader. Bridget Carleton – the first pick in the expansion draft – is proving this season that she is more than just a spot-up three-point shooter. She can drive the basket and finish, or find an open teammate with the pass.

In her 8th season in the WNBA, Megan Gustafson is finally getting the opportunity to show what she’s capable of on the floor. She was a perfect 8-8 from the field in this game and led all scorers with 22 points.

The Fire are a fun bunch to root for. They were deemed expendable by their former teams and are now proving how valuable they are.

The Fever were a step slower all night. They didn’t make their first three-pointer until there was 43.9 seconds left in the first half. Caitlin Clark committed her 4th foul, just 2 minutes into the third quarter, and finished with only 6 points. Nothing was going right for them.

Indiana should’ve been the fresher team going into this game, but they were out-hustled at every turn. When the shots aren’t falling and the opponent is giving more effort, you’re not going to win games in this league.

Box Score
IND – Aliyah Boston: 18 pts, 7 reb
PDX – Megan Gustafson: 22 pts, 8-8 FG
PDX – Carla Leite: 18 pts, 12 ast
PDX – Emily Engstler: 16 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast

May 31

Las Vegas Aces 91-81 Golden State Valkyries
The Aces took a 43-41 lead into halftime and head coach Becky Hammon told the sideline reporter that she wants her team to put a full 40 minutes together. Well, they did. They started the third on a 7-0 run and A’ja Wilson took over the game, helping the Aces to a 72-54 lead entering the final frame.

Jackie Young hit a three-pointer to reach 3,500 career points.

This was the 150th win in Becky Hammon’s coaching career. She is the second fastest coach to reach that mark, needing only 205 games.

Gabby Williams led the way for the Valkyries, with 20 points. As a team, they shot the ball well from three-point range (16-35; 46%), but struggled with two-point field goals (9-39; 23%). That’s an odd statistical comparison. Maybe they should’ve shot even more threes?

Box Score
LV – A’ja Wilson: 28 pts, 15 reb, 4 b, 11-22 FG
LV – Jackie Young: 23 pts, 7 reb, 9 ast
GS – Gabby Williams: 20 pts, 4 reb
GS – Janelle Salaun: 16 pts, 4 reb

June 1

Minnesota Lynx 111-77 Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury have struggled out of the gate, after reaching the WNBA Finals last season. This was their sixth straight loss and eighth in nine games. Their defence was unable to stop the Lynx in this one, allowing Minnesota to shoot 64% from the field and 59% from three.

Minnesota’s backcourt duo, Olivia Miles and Courtney Williams, combined for 23 of the team’s 35 first quarter points.

The Phoenix Mercury signed guard Lexi Held after she was waived by the Toronto Tempo early in the week. Held spent last season with the Mercury before the Tempo selected her in the expansion draft. She played 15 minutes and scored 5 points.

Box Score
MIN – Courtney Williams: 30 pts, 5 reb, 13-20 FG
MIN – Olivia Miles: 19 pts, 4 reb, 9 ast, 3 stl
PHX – Kahleah Copper: 18 pts

Other Result
Seattle Storm 56-79 Dallas Wings

June 2

Connecticut Sun 75-91 Atlanta Dream
Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon found themselves in early trouble foul for the Dream – 3 fouls apiece, one minute into the second quarter. That put pressure on the guards to produce, which they did. Rhyne Howard had 22 points and 5 threes by halftime, and when she wasn’t scoring, Allisha Gray was.

The Sun kept it close, though, and only trailed 50-49. Leila Lacan once again stood out for her ability to use her speed off the bounce to get to the rim and dish to open teammates. Aneesah Morrow had another tremendous game and posted her league-leading eighth double-double.

The Dream pulled away in the fourth quarter. It was evident that the Sun haven’t found their go-to finisher yet, whereas Atlanta have a surplus of options.

Box Score
CON – Aneesah Morrow: 21 pts, 13 reb, 2 blk
ATL – Rhyne Howard: 36 pts, 3 stl, 12-14 FG, 8-19 3FG
ATL – Allisha Gray: 36 pts, 7 reb

Chicago Sky 72-90 Washington Mystics
Washington was without Sonia Citron, who suffered a left foot sprain in their last game against the LA Sparks.

The Mystics have a big lineup that is relentless; they’re always on the glass. Rookie Cotie McMahon has stood out this season as a physical player who is not afraid to attack the basket. She reminds me of Alyssa Thomas, a little bit. When she gets downhill, you don’t want to be in front of her.

The Chicago Sky really miss Rickea Jackson, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. She was the focal point of their offence. Now, they’re searching for someone to fill that role. Skylar Diggins and Kamilla Cardoso will put up points, but the team needs offence from other sources.

Perhaps, rookie Sydney Taylor could be a contributor. She was a bright spot off the bench for the Sky in this game, scoring 15 points. Two games ago, she had 27 against the Tempo. It’s a lot to put on a rookie, but the Sky must be pleased with what they’re seeing from her.

Some other notes from this game:
Natasha Cloud scored 0 points in 24 minutes for the Sky.

Each team scored 16 points in the paint in the first quarter.

Box Score
WSH – Shakira Austin: 17 pts, 8 reb, 3 stl
WSH – Kiki Iriafen: 15 pts, 11 reb
CHI – Kamilla Cardoso: 12 pts, 13 reb, 5 ast
CHI – Sydney Taylor: 15 pts, 4 stl

Las Vegas Aces 79-69 Los Angeles Sparks
The Aces were without Jewell Loyd and Chennedy Carter, who were both nursing leg injuries, while the Sparks were without Kelsey Plum (ankle) for the third straight game.

This was a rough night for the Sparks, who shot 31% from the field and 26% from three. The only player who had any sort of rhythm was Rae Burrell. Dearica Hamby only scored 2 points and those came from the free throw line. It’s a minor miracle the Sparks only lost this game by 10 points. They really miss Kelsey Plum.

One fun note about the Sparks: their video coach on the bench (the personal holding the laptop in the second row who is responsible for telling the coach if they should challenge a call) has a mini stop sign that they hold up to tell the coach they should not challenge. I thought it was really smart. The arena is loud. Just hold up a stop sign so nothing gets lost in translation.

As for the Aces, I’m constantly impressed by how quickly they turn their defence into offence. They waste no time in trying to score. A’ja Wilson dominated the game on both sides of the ball. She moved into 4th all-time in blocks.

Box Score
LV – A’ja Wilson: 25 pts, 15 reb, 3 stl, 5 blk
LV – Jackie Young: 16 pts, 9 ast, 4 reb
LV – Chelsea Gray: 12 pts, 11 ast, 4 reb
LA: Rae Burrell: 22 pts, 8-14 FG
LA: Nneka Ogwumike: 12 pts, 12 reb

Other Result
Portland Fire 77-95 Golden State Valkyries

June 3

Toronto Tempo 82-97 New York Liberty
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello made her return to New York after spending four seasons with the Liberty, where she posted a record of 107-53, including one WNBA Championship. She received a warm welcome, as did Nyara Sabally, who was also with the Liberty for four seasons.

The Liberty took advantage of the Tempo’s lack of size very early on. Jonquel Jones led the way in the first quarter with 12 of the team’s 17 points. In the third quarter, they hit a bunch of threes and pulled away, despite the Tempo getting 15 points from Marina Mabrey in the frame.

Toronto trailed by 21 points with 5:45 left in the fourth quarter, but cut the deficit to 11 with 4:20 left. They had hope! And then New York crushed it. They were just too good.

With just 1:33 left in the game, Kiki Rice landed awkwardly after her layup attempt was blocked, and immediately grabbed her left ankle. She hopped off the court to the locker room. Because this was a Commissioner’s Cup game, point differential matters, which is why she was still on the court near the end of game, even though the win was out of reach.

The official word is that Rice has a Grade 2 left ankle sprain. There is no immediate timetable for her return.

This is a devastating loss for the Tempo. Rice had stepped into the starting lineup, as a rookie, and was making an impact. Her future is so bright. She had fans ready to support her bid for Rookie of the Year. And now this happens. It’s so unfortunate.

Box Score
TOR – Marina Mabrey: 17 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast
NY – Jonquel Jones: 22 pts, 17 reb, 2 blk, 4-7 3FG
NY – Breanna Stewart: 19 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast
NY – Marine Johannes: 15 pts, 3-6 3FG

Other Result
Phoenix Mercury 72-68 Seattle Storm

June 4

Results
Atlanta Dream 71-83 Indiana Fever
Golden State Valkyries 84-87 Minnesota Lynx

Stat Stuffers

Here are some stat lines that stood out in games I did not have the chance to watch.

Pauline Astier (NY) vs. PHX: 16 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast

Nneka Ogwumike (LA) vs. WSH: 20 pts, 11 reb

Dearica Hamby (LA) vs. WSH: 14 pts, 7 reb, 9 ast

Shakira Austin (WSH) vs. LA: 25 pts, 10 reb

Olivia Miles (MIN) vs. CHI: 17 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast

Angel Reese (ATL) vs. PDX: 18 pts, 12 reb, 5 ast

Flau’jae Johnson (SEA) vs. DAL: 16 pts, 10 reb

Caitlin Clark (IND) vs. ATL: 17 pts, 7 reb, 8 ast

Olivia Miles (MIN) vs. GS: 28 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast, 8-11 3FG

Nifty IX

This is a list of nine players – three starters, three reserves, and three rookies – who did something in a game this week that stood out to me.

Starters
1. Leila Lacan (Connecticut Sun)
2. Megan Gustafson (Portland Fire)
3. Carla Leite (Golden State Valkyries)

Reserves
4. Julia Allemand (Toronto Tempo)
5. Satou Sabally (New York Liberty)
6. Janelle Salaun (Golden State Valkyries)

Rookies
7. Laura Juskaite (Toronto Tempo)
8. Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx)
9. Cotie McMahon (Washington Mystics)

Final Seconds

The Minnesota Lynx currently have the best record in the WNBA at 9-2, despite being without last year’s runner-up for MVP, Napheesa Collier, who is still receiving from double-ankle surgery. On top of that, the team lost important players in the offseason like: Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman, and DiJonai Carrington.

And it hasn’t mattered one bit.

One big reason for that? Rookie point guard, Olivia Miles. In 11 games, she is averaging 17.2 points, 6.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. This week, she made eight three-pointers in a game against the Golden State Valkyries, which is a rookie record.

What was even wilder to me was the fact that she’s only made 11 three-pointers all season. Eight of them came in one game.

Miles already looks like a veteran on the court and the Lynx are going to be even more dangerous once Collier returns to the lineup.

It is still early in the WNBA season, but one of the biggest stories so far is the success of the two expansion franchises – Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. Both teams are over .500 and occupy playoff spots. Again, it’s early, but it’s not nothing. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch the season play out and see if both teams can be in the top eight when all the dust settles.

Let’s get to some game recaps!

Around The W in 7 Days

May 22

Results
Dallas Wings 69-86 Atlanta Dream
Golden State Valkyries 82-90 Indiana Fever
Connecticut Sun 69-77 Seattle Storm

May 23

Minnesota Lynx 85-75 Chicago Sky
With Lynx’s superstar Napheesa Collier sidelined until June after undergoing ankle surgery, the team needed others to step up and fill the void of their MVP candidate. Natasha Howard has done just that. Howard is averaging 17 points and 8.3 rebounds, while shooting 66.7% from the field, in six games.

In this game, Howard had 22 points and 9 rebounds at the half. When Collier returns to the lineup later in the season, this will be a formidable front court duo.

Azura Stevens made her season debut for the Chicago Sky – her second stint with the organization – after missing the first five games with a knee injury. She finished with 6 points and 3 rebounds, in 16 minutes. As they ease her into lineup and increase her minutes, I could see Stevens eventually starting alongside Kamilla Cardoso.

The Sky trailed for most of the game, but cut the deficit to 3 points in the 4th quarter, as they converted 24 Lynx turnovers into 29 points. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Lynx kept making their shots and came out with the win.

Box Score
MIN – Natasha Howard: 26 pts, 14 reb, 5 ast
MIN – Courtney Williams: 17 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl
MIN – Olivia Miles: 14 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast
CHI – Skylar Diggins: 13 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast

Portland Fire 99-80 Toronto Tempo
In the first battle between the two expansion teams, the Fire came out on top, with their first road win in franchise history.

Nyara Sabally returned to the starting lineup for the Tempo, after being sidelined with a neck injury. Sabally is the anchor of the defence and is a presence in the paint. Her absence was missed.

The Tempo got off to a good start, thanks in large part to Marina Mabrey and Kiki Rice. Mabrey’s ability to find her open teammates is an underrated part of her game.

There wasn’t enough offensive contribution from the rest of the team, however.

The game was tied at halftime, but the Fire pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Tempo 55-36. Canadian Bridget Carleton scored 15 points and was a +25 for the Fire. Emily Engstler was a rock on the defensive end, with 4 blocks.

Box Score
PDX – Emily Engstler: 16 pts, 7 reb, 4 blk
PDX – Carla Leite: 15 pts, 3 reb, 9 ast
PDX – Bridget Carleton: 15 pts, 4-8 3FG
TOR – Marina Mabrey: 19 pts, 5 reb, 8 ast
TOR – Kiki Rice: 19 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast

Los Angeles Sparks 101-95 Las Vegas Aces
Cameron Brink got the start for the Sparks, in place of Nneka Ogwumike, who was out with a hand injury.

Kelsey Plum got off to a hot start against her former team, shooting 4-4 from three and finishing with 14 points in the first quarter. The way she’s able to accelerate and decelerate, as she drives to the basket, is a thing of beauty. The players tasked with guarding her would probably disagree.

It was a high-scoring, back-and-forth game. The Aces had three players score 20+ points, including Chennedy Carter, who had her 4th such game of the season. Just a reminder, Carter is doing this while coming off the bench.

Box Score
LA – Kelsey Plum: 39 pts, 9 ast, 12-17 FG, 6-7 3FG
LA – Cameron Brink: 16 pts, 8 reb
LV – A’ja Wilson: 24 pts, 15 reb, 4 ast, 4 blk
LV – Chennedy Carter: 23 pts, 4-4 3FG
LV – NaLyssa Smith: 22 pts, 9 reb

May 24

Dallas Wings 91-76 New York Liberty
Sabrina Ionescu made her season debut for the Liberty after missing the first five games of the season with a left foot injury. The team has been able to stay afloat without her thanks in large part to rookie point guard, Pauline Astier.

The Liberty held a one point lead at halftime, but the Wings blew the doors open in the second half, outscoring New York, 48-32. Rookie Azzi Fudd had the best game of her young career and dominated the third quarter with 17 points. She was everywhere on the floor, affecting the game with steals and threes.

Box Score
DAL – Azzi Fudd: 24 pts, 3 std, 2 blk, 6-12 3FG
DAL – Paige Bueckers: 24 pts, 6 reb
NY: – Sabrina Ionescu: 11 pts, 5 reb, 7 ast
NY – Breanna Stewart: 14 pts, 11 reb
NY – Satou Sabally: 20 pts

Washington Mystics 85-97 Seattle Storm
The third overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, Awa Fam, made her highly anticipated debut. Fam played just over 20 minutes and scored 10 points. It was just one game, but you could see what all the hype is about. Her footwork and soft touch around the rim really stood out. The sky is the limit for this 19-year-old prospect.

Her teammate, Natisha Hiedeman, led the way for the Storm and had a huge first half, contributing 18 points, while going 4-4 from behind the arc. Rookie Flau’jae Johnson tied her career-high with 17 points.

The Mystics weren’t making a lot of shots in this game – shooting only 40% from the field – but whenever they started to make a run, the Storm shut it down quickly by putting up points of their own.

Sonia Citron only had six shot attempts for the Mystics. That’s way too low for someone of her skill level. She’s averaging 10.3 shot attempts per game on the season, which is still too low, if you ask me.

Both teams lived at the free throw line. The Storm went 32-34, while the Mystics shot 35-41.

Box Score
WSH – Sonia Citron: 16 pts, 3-6 FG
SEA – Natisha Hiedeman: 24 pts, 5 ast
SEA – Flau’jae Johnson: 17 pts, 6 reb

Other Result
Phoenix Mercury 80-82 Atlanta Dream

May 25

Portland Fire 81-74 New York Liberty
In the second game of a back-to-back, the Liberty were without Sabrina Ionescu, who sat out due to injury management. Guard Marine Johannes stepped up and made 5 three-pointers.

The Fire seemed to take the “build for the future” strategy when it came to the expansion draft. However, they have a lot of talented players who have been overlooked. This team plays hard every single night and if you aren’t ready for them, they will out-hustle you and win.

If you looked at the schedule before the season, I don’t know if many people thought the Fire would walk into the Liberty’s home arena and come away with the win, but they did just that.

The Fire took a 67-65 lead with 3:30 left in the 4th quarter. They also went on a 12-0 run late in the frame to seal the deal. Carla Leite (“Carla Clutch) had a big layup and three-pointer down the stretch.

Leite has done a fantastic job of running the point for this team. I enjoy watching her play. She may look undersized, but that doesn’t inhibit her from doing anything she wants on the floor.

Every team would be thrilled to have Carla Leite as their starting point guard.

Box Score
PDX – Carla Leite: 18 pts
NY: Breanna Stewart: 25 pts, 7 reb
NY: Jonquel Jones: 12 pts, 11 reb, 4 ast, 4 blk
NY: Marine Johannes: 16 pts, 6 ast, 5-9 3FG

Other Result
Connecticut Sun 70-97 Golden State Valkyries

May 26

No games scheduled.

May 27

Toronto Tempo 111-104 Chicago Sky
Toronto Tempo rookie Laura Juskaite picked up two personal fouls, just 1:11 into the game and was subbed out for Maria Conde, who proceeded to have a standout 1st quarter. Conde scored 9 points in the frame and made both of her three-point attempts. She finished the game with 12 points.

Marina Mabrey and Nyara Sabally led the way for Toronto. They showed good chemistry, with Mabrey finding Sabally on multiple occasions. I mentioned it before, but Mabrey doesn’t get enough credit for being a facilitator. Defences have to guard her honestly because if they anticipate a pass, she’ll shoot. If they play her too tight, she’ll find an open teammate.

Sabally finished with a new career-high 29 points, while also shutting down Kamilla Cardoso on the defensive end. Cardoso didn’t score her first basket until 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. She finished with only 2 points and 5 rebounds; Cardoso averages close to 13 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Azura Stevens entered the starting lineup for the Chicago Sky, who were without Gabriela Jaquez, due to a knee injury.

Natasha Cloud’s elite passing skills stood out in this one. She was finding her teammates in the narrowest of passing windows, often with a bounce pass. I found myself hitting rewind a couple of times just because I couldn’t believe she found space to deliver the ball.

Rookie Sydney Taylor had a standout performance off the bench, with 27 points.

Box Score
TOR – Nyara Sabally: 29 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 2 stl, 11-14 FG
TOR – Marina Mabrey: 24 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast, 9-13 FG
TOR – Brittney Sykes: 20 pts, 6 reb
TOR – Kiki Rice: 14 pts, 8 reb, 7 ast
CHI – Sydney Taylor: 27 pts
CHI – Skylar Diggins: 23 pts, 9 ast

Connecticut Sun 61-71 Portland Fire
Aneesah Morrow had a strong 1st quarter for the Sun, with 6 points and 8 rebounds, but her team trailed by 10 points at halftime. That all changed in the 3rd quarter. The Sun upped their defensive pressure and came storming back, taking the lead at one point, before entering the 4th quarter in a 50-50 tie.

And that’s when Portland took over. They forced turnovers with their full court press and held the Sun to only 11 points in the final frame.

One thing I’m starting to notice is the Fire have a knack for buckling down and ramping up their intensity in the fourth quarter, while their opponent appears to tire a little bit. Sarah Ashlee Barker is like the Energizer Bunny whenever she is on the floor and her hustle made an impact at the end of this game.

Box Score
CON – Aneesah Morrow: 13 pts, 13 reb
PDX – Carla Leite: 20 pts
PDX – Sarah Ashlee Barker: 4 pts, 11 reb, 3 stl

Washington Mystics 78-64 Seattle Storm
Michaela Onyenwere came out on fire for the Mystics, hitting 3 threes and scoring 11 points in the first 4 minutes of the game. Rookie point guard, Alicia Florez made her WNBA debut, coming off the bench to score 9 points, to go along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. She was impressive.

The Seattle Storm struggled to find offence all night, as they are still without Dominique Malonga and Ezi Magbegor.

As a team, the Storm shot 35% from the field. They went six minutes in the 2nd quarter without registering a point.

Box Score
WSH – Shakira Austin: 18 pts, 13 reb, 5 ast
SEA – Mackenzie Holmes: 9 pts, 10 reb
SEA – Jade Melbourne: 15 pts, 3 ast

Other Results
Phoenix Mercury 74-84 New York Liberty
Atlanta Dream 81-96 Minnesota Lynx

May 28

Results
Las Vegas Aces 87-95 Dallas Wings
Indiana Fever 88-90 Golden State Valkyries

Stat Stuffers

Rhyne Howard (ATL) vs. DAL: 25 pts, 4 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl, 2 blk

Aliyah Boston (IND) vs. GSV: 20 pts, 16 reb

Flau’jae Johnson (SEA) vs. CON: 17 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast

Alyssa Thomas (PHX) vs. ATL: 20 pts, 12 reb, 7 ast

Jordin Canada (ATL) vs. PHX: 11 pts, 7 reb, 14 ast

Jonquel Jones (NY) vs. PHX: 17 pts, 12 reb, 4 ast

Jessica Shepard (DAL) vs. LV: 22 pts, 20 reb, 10 ast

Veronica Burton (GSV) vs. IND: 25 pts, 6 reb, 10-12 FT

Gabby Williams (GSV) vs. IND: 19 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast

Nifty IX

Starters
1. Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks)
2. Carla Leite (Portland Fire)
3. Natasha Cloud (Chicago Fire)

Reserves
4. Zia Cooke (Seattle Storm)
5. Megan Gustafson (Portland Fire)
6. Chennedy Carter (Las Vegas Aces)

Rookies
7. Sydney Taylor (Chicago Sky)
8. Pauline Astier (New York Liberty)
9. Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings)

Final Seconds

This is shaping up to be a very good WNBA season. The playoff race is going to be tight – only the top eight teams in the league get in – as are the races for individual awards. I’ll get into it more in the following weeks, but the Rookie of the Year race between Olivia Miles and Kiki Rice is officially ON and is going to dominant the discourse this summer.

It is an exciting time to be a WNBA fan.

Welcome to another edition of This Week in The W, where I offer my thoughts and insights on the games, players, and headlines from the last seven days in the WNBA.

This week, the Toronto Tempo won their first road game in franchise history, the Dallas Wings coach called out his team, and A’ja Wilson put up 45 points against the Connecticut Sun.

But we begin with some unfortunate news out of Chicago.

Rickea Jackson – Out For The Season

The Chicago Sky acquired Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks in the offseason. Entering her third season in the W, Jackson is a dynamic scorer who was leading the Sky, averaging 22 points-per-game after three games.

Last Sunday, Jackson suffered a torn left ACL in a game against the Minnesota Lynx. She will be out for the season.

Jackson was one of the cornerstones the Sky were building around and she couldn’t have gotten off to a better start to the season. To have it end so abruptly is devastating. Here’s hoping she has a full recovery and picks up right where she left off, next season.

Around The W in 7 Days

Just a reminder: If I watched the game, I wrote some thoughts about it. If I didn’t watch the game, I only posted the score.

May 15

Las Vegas Aces 101-94 Connecticut Sun
The Aces started the game shooting 8-8 from the field, but never really ran away with it, as the Sun kept them within striking distance. A’ja Wilson led the way with 45(!) points. She was outstanding.

There were some standout performances for the Sun, as well. Hailey Van Lith got the start at point guard and finished with a team-high 17 points. Off the bench, Saniya Rivers provided a spark for the Sun. She drained back-to-back three pointers in the third quarter, which energized her team and the home fans.

Box Score
LV – A’ja Wilson: 45 pts, 15-18 FG, 13-13 FT
LV – Jackie Young: 13 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast
CON – Hailey Van Lith: 17 pts, 7-11 FG
CON – Aneesah Morrow: 10 pts, 10 reb

Toronto Tempo 95-99 Los Angeles Sparks
Toronto’s first road game in franchise history didn’t get off to a good start. They trailed, 21-2, just 4:40 seconds into the game. To their credit, they didn’t panic and didn’t give up. They fought back and nearly pulled out the victory.

Kelsey Plum was dictating the pace of the game and carving up the Tempo defence. She helped the Sparks to a 46-38 lead at the half, before entering the third quarter on a 12-0 run.

For Toronto, Brittney Sykes stood out for her ability to get to the basket whenever she wanted. Rookie Kiki Rice got a nice ovation – a “welcome home” after winning the national championship at UCLA just over a month ago – when she entered the game. She continues to look as poised as a veteran. Rice knocked down three three-pointers off the bench.

Laura Juskaite was also impressive for the Tempo. She can stretch the floor as a front court player and is already establishing herself as a key player in the rotation.

This was the first of two games in three days between these two teams. The Tempo finished the game with a lot of momentum and head coach Sandy Brondello did a lot of mixing and matching with player combinations on the floor. They seem to have set themselves up well for Game 2.

Box Score
TOR – Brittney Sykes: 27 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast
TOR – Laura Juskaite: 16 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast
LA – Kelsey Plum: 29 pts, 9 ast
LA – Nneka Ogwumike: 20 pts, 5 reb

Other Results
Washington Mystics 104-102 Indiana Fever
Chicago Sky 83-91 Phoenix Mercury

May 16

No games scheduled.

May 17

Las Vegas Aces 85-84 Atlanta Dream
The Dream were down by 17 points in the 4th quarter, but went on a 16-0 run, and even led by 1 point with 36.5 seconds remaining. The Aces needed a hero.

Enter, Chelsea Gray.

Gray knocked down a jumper in the paint with 3.6 seconds left to give the Aces a one-point lead. However, that left enough time for the Dream to advance the ball and set up a play. The ball was inbounded to Allisha Gray, but Chelsea Gray knocked it out of her hands to secure the victory for the Aces.

One thing that stood out to me about the Aces: they don’t dilly-dally when they have the ball. They put pressure on the defence and look to score as soon as they can.

Angel Reese made her home debut for the Atlanta Dream and finished with 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 turnovers.

Box Score
LV – Chelsea Gray: 21 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast, 5-8 3FG
LV – Chennedy Carter: 20 pts
ATL – Allisha Gray: 25 pts, 9 reb
ATL – Te-Hina Paopao: 19 pts (career high)

Toronto Tempo 106-96 Los Angeles Sparks
Kiki Rice and Laura Juskaite made their first starts of the season. Julie Allemand was out with a groin strain.

Just two days prior, the Sparks led 21-2 less than 5 minutes into the 1st quarter. In this one, the time and score looked a lot different when the Sparks had 21 points on the board. The Tempo led 29-21 in the 2nd quarter.

This game lacked pace and was frequently slowed down by the referee’s whistle. The Sparks were called for 32 fouls – two of their players fouled out – which allowed the Tempo to live at the free throw line; they were 39-42 from the charity stripe.

Brittney Sykes was on fire in this game, once again doing whatever she wanted on offence. Sykes finished with a new career high, 38 points.

For the Sparks, fan-favourite Kate Martin is currently on a developmental deal. That allows her to be active for only 12 games. At some point in the next couple of weeks, the Sparks are going to have to make a decision because they seem intent on having Martin as part of their rotation.

Box Score
TOR – Brittney Sykes: 38 pts, 3 stl, 15-15 FT
TOR – Kiki Rice: 19 pts, 5 reb
LA – Kelsey Plum: 28 pts, 7 reb

Seattle Storm 78-89 Indiana Fever
The Storm were without Dominique Malonga (concussion) and the Fever were without Aliyah Boston (leg) who missed a game for the first time in her professional and collegiate career.

This is merely an observation: the Fever seem to raise their arms up looking for a foul more than any other team in the league. It’s not just the players on the floor who do it, it’s the players and coaches on the bench, as well.

I’m sure if we looked at every play and slowed it down, we could see that they have a legitimately gripe. However, it gets to a point where you just have to keep playing. Do they want the reputation of the being the team that is always on the referees to make a call? I don’t know. That’s what it feels like they are right now. At least in my eyes.

Box Score
IND – Caitlin Clark: 21 pts, 7 reb, 10 ast
SEA – Natisha Hiedeman: 19 pts

Other Result
Chicago Sky 86-79 Minnesota Lynx

May 18

Washington Mystics 69-92 Dallas Wings
After Thursday’s loss to the Lynx, head coach Jose Fernandez called out his team for “selfishness in the locker room”. I like when coaches are honest, but something like that needs to stay behind closed doors. Although, maybe it worked? The Wings won this game by 23 points, had 30 assists (what selfishness?), and the players appear to support their coach.

The Wings did a good job of shutting down Sonia Citron in this game. They forced her to her left hand as often as possible; Citron finished with only 7 points.

Box Score
DAL – Paige Bueckers: 18 pts, 7 ast, 4-5 3FG
DAL – Jessica Shepard: 12 pts, 16 reb, 6 ast

Other Results
Connecticut Sun 82-83 Portland Fire

May 19

Toronto Tempo 98-90 Phoenix Mercury
Nyara Sabally and Julie Allemand were out for the Tempo, which meant they started three rookies – Kiki Rice, Maria Conde, and Laura Juskaite – alongside their million dollar backcourt – Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes.

Mabrey and Sykes each finished with 30+ points, which is the first time a pair of players on an expansion team has done so in the WNBA.

Sykes isn’t known as a three-point shooter, but she made five over the course of two games in LA, and added four more threes in this one.

Mabrey‘s step-back jumper was lethal. She is a big-shot maker and it seems as though Sandy Brondello has given her the green light to get as many shots up as she can.

This was a tight game from start to finish, with 24 lead changes.

The Mercury only shot 4-22 from behind the arc, while the Tempo were 15-36.

Kiki Rice had another good game as a member of the starting lineup. I wouldn’t be surprised if she stays there when Allemand is healthy. She can run this offence and also be an asset on the defensive end. Rice has active hands whenever a player is dribbling by her area of the court.

Box Score
TOR – Brittney Sykes: 31 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast
TOR – Marina Mabrey: 30 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast, 6-14 3FG
TOR – Kiki Rice: 15 pts, 7 reb
PHX – Alyssa Thomas: 17 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast

May 20

Connecticut Sun 80-78 Seattle Storm
The Connecticut Sun won their first game of the season, thanks in large part to 62 points coming off the bench. The starting lineup has felt like a revolving door so far this season, with 10 players having started at least one game.

Entering this game, Aneesah Morrow was averaging a double-double, despite coming off the bench in 4 of the Sun’s first 5 games. She got the start in this one but only saw the court for 6 minutes and 31 seconds.

The Sun selected Nell Angloma with the 12th pick in this year’s draft and, so far, she is looking like a steal. Angloma was one of my favourite prospects available and I’m a bit surprised she fell so far. She does a good job of driving and finishing at the rim.

The Sun took Charlisse Leger-Walker with the 18th overall selection. She looked very comfortable running the point in this game and set a new career high with 16 points off the bench.

Kennedy Burke scored the go-ahead basket for the Sun with 2.8 seconds left, and added one more at the free throw line. Natisha Hiedeman had an open look from three to win the game for the Storm, but missed.

Hiedeman and Mackenzie Holmes had good games for the Storm.

Box Score
CON – Nell Angloma: 15 pts, 7 reb
CON – Kennedy Burke: 15 pts, 6 reb
CON – Raegan Beers: 10 pts, 8 reb
SEA – Natisha Hiedeman: 20 pts, 5 ast
SEA – Mackenzie Holmes: 18 pts, 6 reb

Other Results
Portland Fire 73-90 Indiana Fever
Dallas Wings 99-89 Chicago Sky

May 21

Toronto Tempo 72-100 Minnesota Lynx
The Tempo lost their first two games by a combined 7 points. This one: 28 points. It was a perfect storm working against them. This was the final game of a four-game road trip that started in Los Angeles. They were without their entire starting front court – Nyara Sabally and Temi Fagbenle – as well as guard, Julia Allemand. It’s also really hard to face a team coached by Cheryl Reeve.

The Tempo started out ice cold in the 1st quarter, where 12 of their 14 points came from behind the three-point line. Meanwhile, the Lynx were on fire. They took advantage of the Tempo’s small roster, out-rebounding them 46-25, and scoring 42 points in the paint.

As the deficit grew, so did the Tempo’s propensity to take (and miss) threes. The Tempo were 12-41 from downtown.

Kia Nurse was a bright spot for the Tempo. She came off the bench and scored 23 points in almost 27 minutes. She hadn’t played more than 13 minutes in any other game this season. If Nurse can build off of this game and become a regular contributor off the bench, the Tempo’s roster just got even deeper.

Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles led the way for the Lynx. Miles, who was the second pick in this year’s draft, is a generational talent and already looks so comfortable at the professional level. She is going to be a problem for years to come.

Box Score
TOR – Kia Nurse: 23 pts, 6-11 3FG
TOR – Kiki Rice: 11 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast
MIN – Courtney Williams: 15 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast
MIN – Olivia Miles: 14 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast

Other Results
Golden State Valkyries 87-70 New York Liberty
Los Angeles Sparks 97-88 Phoenix Mercury

Stat Stuffers

Here are some noteworthy performances in games I did not view this week.

Sonia Citron (WSH) vs. IND: 30 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast

Caitlin Clark (IND) vs. WSH: 32 pts, 10 ast

Rickea Jackson (CHI) vs. PHX: 29 pts, 6 reb, 3 blk

Alyssa Thomas (PHX) vs. CHI: 17 pts, 11 reb, 6 ast

Natasha Howard (MIN) vs. CHI: 17 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast

Jessica Shepard (DAL) vs. CHI: 18 pts, 10 reb, 12 ast

Dearica Hamby (LA) vs. PHX: 27 pts, 15 reb

Alyssa Thomas (PHX) vs. LA: 23 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast

Nifty IX

The Nifty IX are three starters, three reserves, and three rookies who stood out to me this week.

Starters
1. A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
2. Hailey Van Lith (Connecticut Sun)
3. Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics)

Reserves
4. Kia Nurse (Toronto Tempo)
5. Mackenzie Holmes (Seattle Storm)
6. Chennedy Carter (Las Vegas Aces)

Rookies
7. Nell Angloma (Connecticut Sun)
8. Kiki Rice (Toronto Tempo)
9. Charlisse Leger-Walker (Connecticut Sun)

Final Seconds

Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like WNBA games are longer than they have been in the last couple of years. The two-hour broadcast window isn’t enough, so if you’re scheduling your PVR/DVR, you need to manually add an extra half hour, or you’re going to miss out on the end of the game.

There are a couple of things I think the league can do to speed up games.

1. Official Reviews
I’m not here to complain about officials. However, I find their reviews take way too long. There are times they show the replay on the broadcast and we, the fan, know what the call is going to be, yet the review at the scorer’s table continues on for a few more minutes. I’m all for getting the call right, but we can’t pause the game for three-five minutes (or longer), every single time there is a review.

2. Free Throws
I think the referees can speed up the free throw process by forcing the players to get on their marks faster, rather than letting each team huddle up before the free throws.

Give everyone 15 seconds to get into place for free throws, or hand out delay of game warnings. Easy.

Those are the two things that stand out to me as areas in which time can be saved. Of course, all the little ticky-tack fouls that are called also slow down the game. I think there needs to be a review – in the WNBA and NBA – of what is actually a foul and what isn’t.

Some contact is so minimal and doesn’t really impede or affect the player it happens to, but is often called. If that’s what both leagues want, then so be it. I just think it’s professional sport and the players should be able to physically jostle with one another, to a degree.

That’s all I have for this week.

Thanks for reading!

The 30th season of the WNBA has officially tipped off, so grab your popcorn and your homemade “Marina Mabrey crash out jar”, and hold on to your seat cushion because the schedule is a sprint, not a marathon.

To borrow the tagline from WrestleMania XX: “It all begins again”, but not in a Maxine Nightingale, “right back where we started from” kind of way.

The WNBA is not where it was before. It has moved forward. This year is different. There is an overwhelming sense of “newness” associated with the W this season. It is a perfect time to become a fan if you aren’t already.

For starters, there is a historic new collective bargaining agreement in place, which allows for million dollar contracts. There are also two new franchises – Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire – joining the league. On top of that, there is a stellar class of rookies coming from the college ranks and overseas, who are ready to take the league by storm.

The WNBA is a fun league to follow. I keep saying it, the women play hard from Game 1. There is no easing into the season, or leaning on the excuse of “we have a lot of time to figure it out”. No. They have 44 games. There is no time to waste.

And it’s that urgency from the players that makes every game feel important. As a fan, I appreciate that.

If you’re new here, I have a format to these, “This Week in The W” posts that is ever-evolving and rarely stays the same for more than a couple of weeks in a row.

I sort of treat it like a cross between a newsletter and a late-night talk show. There are regular segments (categories) that I include, but I might throw something new in there any given week. It depends how creative I am, week to week.

I normally start off with an introduction (you’re reading it), followed by a main story (except this week), before getting into “Around The W in 7 Days”, where I talk about the games I watched this week. If I didn’t watch a game, I only post the score.

And then I have a section called, “Stat Stuffers”, where I list stat lines that stood out to me. Following that is my personal favourite. It’s the “Nifty IX”. These are nine players (3 starters, 3 reserves, and 3 rookies) who stood out to me this week.

Then, there is some sort of conclusion.

It may seem like a lot of work – and it is – but I find it fun.

I hope you find it fun, too.

Around The W in 7 Days

May 8

Washington Mystics 68-65 Toronto Tempo
The atmosphere was electric inside Coca-Cola Coliseum for the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural game. I’ve seen a lot of opening night player introductions in my life, but I don’t recall seeing an entire team look so happy and enthusiastic as their names were being announced. Everyone on the Tempo looked thrilled to be there and appreciative of the raucous ovation the crowd gave them.

Brittney Sykes scored the first two points in Tempo history (regular season). Canadian Kia Nurse scored the first bucket (a three-pointer) for the Tempo in their first preseason game.

By my count, Tempo head coach, Sandy Brondello, used 11 players in the first quarter. She wasn’t wasting any time in getting players into the game and seeing which combinations work.

The Tempo played solid defence, but weren’t knocking down shots on offence. That’ll come. This is a new team; the players need time to learn how to play with one another. Until then, the defence will have to carry them and spur their transition game.

Maria Conde – a 29-year-old rookie from Spain – made her WNBA debut and was on the floor late in the fourth quarter. A sign of things to come, perhaps?

Marina Mabrey left her mark on this game and introduced herself to an entire country in the process. She is a leader, competitor, and a difference maker. I’m calling it now – she’s making the All-Star team for the first time this season.

On the Mystics side, point guard Georgia Amoore made her WNBA debut after suffering a torn ACL in training camp last year.

Shakira Austin – who the Tempo signed to an offer sheet before the Mystics matched – was dominant in this game at the centre position. The Tempo are a bit thin in the front court at the moment, so this game was a bit of glimpse into an alternate universe where we saw what Austin could’ve done in a Tempo uniform.

Box Score
WSH: Sonia Citron: 26 pts
WSH: Kiki Iriafen: 12 pts, 16 reb
WSH: Shakira Austin: 18 pts, 11 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk
TOR: Marina Mabrey: 27 pts, 7 reb, 12-14 FT

Other Results
Connecticut Sun 75-106 New York Liberty
Golden State Valkyries 91-80 Seattle Storm

May 9

Dallas Wings 107-104 Indiana Fever
The last four number one overall picks in the WNBA Draft participated in this game: Azzi Fudd (2026), Paige Bueckers (2025), Caitlin Clark (2024), and Aliyah Boston (2023).

Jose Fernandez made his WNBA head coaching debut for the Dallas Wings, after spending the last 25 years as head coach of the South Florida Bulls women’s basketball team. He missed his sister’s wedding to coach in this game.

Caitlin Clark looks poised for a big year, after playing in only 13 games last season. She looks healthy, strong, and her elite passing skills are sharper than ever. I think she enjoys finding her teammates with a pass as much as, if not more, than shooting logo threes.

The Dallas Wings have a lot of depth on their roster this season. Yes, Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers can carry the load and will lead the team in scoring, but players like Odyssey Sims, Maddy Siegriest, and Jessica Shepard can also score the basketball. Add in some youth with sophomore, Aziaha James, and rookie, Azzi Fudd, and the Wings are looking pretty good.

Box Score
DAL – Arike Ogunbowale: 22 pts, 5 reb
DAL – Odyssey Sims: 20 pts
DAL – Jessica Shepard: 13 pts, 9 reb, 9 ast
IND – Caitlin Clark: 20 pts, 5 reb, 7 ast
IND – Kelsey Mitchell: 30 pts, 11-22 FG
IND – Aliyah Boston: 23 pts

Phoenix Mercury 99-66 Las Vegas Aces
The Aces received their championship rings in a ceremony before the game. A unique feature of their ring is the top can be removed, allowing the players to wear it out in public as a fashion statement, without it being so cumbersome.

This game – which was never close – was a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals, in which the Aces swept the Mercury in four games.

Jovana Nogić– a rookie point guard from Serbia – made her WNBA debut for the Mercury. She looked quite composed and knocked down four of five three-point attempts.

Alyssa Thomas continues to control the middle of the floor. No one wants to guard her. And when they do, she finds an open teammate.

Box Score
PHX – Jovana Nogić: 19 pts, 4-5 3FG
PHX – Alyssa Thomas: 20 pts, 6 reb, 9 ast
PHX – Natasha Mack: 10 pts, 15 reb
LV – A’ja Wilson: 19 pts
LV – Jackie Young: 12 pts, 6 reb

Chicago Fire 98-83 Portland Fire
Carla Leite scored the first regular season basket in Portland Fire history, in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,335 at the Moda Center.

I’m really excited for the opportunity Sarah Ashlee Barker has with Portland as a contributor off the bench. I was shocked when she was the 18th overall pick in the expansion draft in April. I didn’t expect her to be available so late in the process. Going into it, I was hoping Toronto would select her.

Barker didn’t get much playing time in the second half of last season with the LA Sparks. Her numbers don’t jump off the page, either. However, as a rookie, I thought she was fearless when she decided to attack the basket. I also think she can be a good three-point shooter in this league. I believe Barker has a lot of untapped potential and is a perfect fit for the Fire. She’ll bring a ton of energy to every game.

Fun fact: the Fire defence forced two 8-second violations in the third quarter of this game.

The Chicago Sky rebuilt their roster over the winter, keeping only three players from 2025: Kamilla Cardoso, Courtney Vandersloot, and Elizabeth Williams. They brought in veterans, Skylar Diggins, Natasha Cloud, and DiJonai Carrington, as well as younger players, Rickea Jackson and Jacy Sheldon.

At the draft, the Sky selected Gabriela Jaquez with the 5th overall pick. She is a Swiss Army knife on the court and is a perfect fit for this team.

A quick note on Jacy Sheldon: the Sky traded away a first round pick in 2028 to acquire her. The price tag may seem a bit rich if you look at her stats from her first two seasons in the W. But, dare I say, it was worth it? I believe in Jacy Sheldon and have since she entered the league. Now on her fourth team in three years, I think we’re going to see her blossom as a shooter, distributor, and defender. I said last year that she will be a future Most Improved Player award winner. That could be this year.

Box Score
CHI – Skylar Diggins: 21 pts, 11 reb, 7 ast
CHI – Kamilla Cardoso: 22 pts, 14 reb
CHI – Gabriela Jaquez: 10 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
PDX – Carla Leite: 18 pts
PDX – Sarah Ashlee Barker: 13 pts

Other Result
Atlanta Dream 91-90 Minnesota Lynx

May 10

Seattle Storm 89-82 Connecticut Sun
It’s the “Sunset Season” for the Connecticut Sun, as they will be relocating to Houston next year. Without a horse in this race, I just think it’s really unfair to Connecticut and their fans. It feels like the WNBA outgrew their market and wants to cash in on the potential revenue a team in Houston might bring.

How do you turn to those fans in Connecticut and say, “Hey, continue to be a fan of our league!”? You can’t. Not with a straight face, at least. You took their team. The fans should be upset.

If Boston is awarded a future expansion franchise, will that help make things right with Sun fans? I don’t know. But even that possibility won’t happen until 2031 at the earliest, as the league already has Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia lined up to enter the league in 2028, 2029, and 2030.

Anyway…

The Sun claimed point guard Hailey Van Lith off waivers just before the season started. I love this move. There is a lot of opportunity to be had on the Sun and I think Van Lith can take advantage of it. She can be the engine their offence needs.

Seattle lost their top five scorers from 2025 and is building around 20-year-old phenom, Dominque Malonga. They also added Awa Fam and Flau’jae Johnson at the draft, which is the coup of all coups.

In this game, Flau’jae did a great job of attacking the basket, which she was known for in college. Also, it was good to see Lexie Brown on the court, knocking down threes once again. She’s gone through a lot over the last couple of years and looked like her old self in this game – a confident shooter. I’ll always root for Lexie Brown.

Box Score
SEA – Flau’jae Johnson: 16 pts, 6 reb, 9-10 FT
SEA – Lexie Brown: 17 pts, 5-6 3FG
CON – Aneesah Morrow: 17 pts, 16 reb
CON – Hailey Van Lith: 9 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast

Las Vegas Aces 105-78 Los Angeles Sparks
After trying to go the youth movement route over the last couple of years, the LA Sparks brought in three veterans this offseason: Ariel Atkins, Erica Wheeler, and Nneka Ogwumike, who played the first 12 years of her career in LA, before spending the last two with Seattle.

Cameron Brink is entering her third season, having only played in 34 games over the last two years due to injuries. She’s coming off the bench this season, which is a good way to get her re-acclimated. Brink has all of the tools to become a defensive anchor and a scoring threat in the paint. Staying healthy and stacking consistent performances will be the key for her this season.

Kelsey Plum was in attack mode from the jump. She does not stop. That is why she’s one of my favourite players in the league. Her competitive spirit is contagious, even in losing efforts.

The Aces were coming off a 33-point loss the night before and weren’t going to let that happen twice. They were unstoppable in this game, pulling away in the second half, and the Sparks offence couldn’t keep up.

I love the addition of Chennedy Carter to the Aces roster this season. Everyone else is preoccupied with Wilson, Young, Gray, and Loyd – as they should be – which frees up Carter to just get buckets. Carter is my early favourite for Sixth Player of the Year.

Box Score
LV – Chennedy Carter: 22 pts
LV – Jackie Young: 20 pts, 9 ast
LV – Chelsea Gray: 16 pts, 4-5 3FG
LA – Kelsey Plum: 27 pts, 10-18 FG
LA – Nneka Ogwumike: 10 pts, 10 reb

Other Results
New York Liberty 98-93 Washington Mystics
Phoenix Mercury 79-95 Golden State Valkyries

May 11

No games scheduled.

May 12

Results
Atlanta Dream 77-72 Dallas Wings
Minnesota Lynx 88-84 Phoenix Mercury
New York Liberty 96-98 Portland Fire

May 13

Seattle Storm 73-86 Toronto Tempo
The Toronto Tempo won their first game in franchise history in front of their home fans. They really wanted to share this moment at home, as they now embark on a four-game road trip.

The Tempo had four days to prepare for this game, after a rough start in game one. You could tell the players were a lot more comfortable. Their spacing on offence was a lot better and their best players were able to produce.

It’s early days, but I like that the Tempo play with a lot of energy on defence and are still able to push the ball in transition. This is a good foundation for an expansion team to build on.

Rookie Kiki Rice scored her first bucket in the WNBA and finished the game with twelve points. As the season goes along, her role on this team is going to grow and she’s going to be a key contributor when they start racking up the wins (yes, it’s going to come).

Marina Mabrey is the perfect athlete to be the face of a Toronto sports franchise. Put her on billboards all over the city. This is our new hero. She plays with a fire and a swagger that gets everyone in the building riled up. It was great to see her have a great game and ignite the crowd.

In her post-game interview, Mabrey said: “We’re gonna go on the road and get some wins and come back.” What a quote. I love it. Two games into an expansion season and she’s setting the tone that they’re going to let anyone walk over them.

Maria Conde was hyped up as “the best player not in the WNBA” and we started to see why in this game. At 6’3, she’s a versatile player who gives Sandy Brondello the option to use her as a power forward, or a small forward. If they want to play a big lineup that can space the floor, I could see Conde being used at the three more often.

Box Score
SEA – Dominique Malonga: 21 pts, 7 reb
TOR – Marina Mabrey: 26 pts, 6-11 3FG
TOR – Brittany Sykes: 18 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast
TOR – Maria Conde: 16 pts, 8 reb

Indiana Fever 87-78 Los Angeles Sparks
My main takeaway from this game was the Sparks need more outside shooting. They were 2-15 from deep. It can’t just be Kelsey Plum and whoever has the hot-hand on any given night. The Sparks started to make a run to get back into this game, but they were making twos the whole time.

You’re not going to beat the Indiana Fever if you can’t knock down three-pointers.

Kelsey Mitchell is a professional scorer and benefits from teams being hyper focussed on Caitlin Clark, as well as Aliyah Boston in the post. Mitchell won’t fill every category in the box score – she doesn’t need to. Her main priority is scoring the basketball and she does that very well. Look out for her to set a new career high in points-per-game this season.

Box Score
IND – Caitlin Clark: 24 pts, 4 reb, 9 ast
IND – Kelsey Mitchell: 23 pts, 9-17 FG
LA – Kelsey Plum: 25 pts
LA – Cameron Brink: 11 pts, 5 reb, 3 blk

Other Results
Las Vegas Aces 98-69 Connecticut Sun
Chicago Sky 69-63 Golden State Valkyries

MAY 14

Results
Minnesota Lynx 90-86 Dallas Wings
New York Liberty 100-82 Portland Fire

Stat Stuffers

Here are some noteworthy stat lines in games I did not view this week.

Breanna Stewart (NY) vs. CON: 31 pts, 10 reb, 3 blk

Julie Vanloo (NY) vs. CON: 12 pts, 7 reb, 11 ast

Angel Reese (ATL) vs. MIN: 11 pts, 19 reb

Kiki Iriafen (WSH) vs. NY: 20 pts, 12 reb

Alyssa Thomas (PHX) vs. GSV: 19 pts, 9 reb, 11 ast

Angel Reese (ATL) vs. DAL: 12 pts, 16 reb

Pauline Astier (PHX) vs. PDX: 24 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast

Carla Leite (PDX) vs. NY: 21 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast

Chennedy Carter (LV) vs. CON: 27 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast

Natasha Howard (MIN) vs. DAL: 26 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast

Nifty IX

If you’re new here this season, the Nifty IX are nine players who stood out to me this week. Maybe it was a play they made, or a performance they had – something they did caught my attention.

These are the three starters, three reserves, and three rookies who comprise the first Nifty IX of the season.

Starters
1. Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo)
2. Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks)
3. Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever)

Reserves
4. Odyssey Sims (Dallas Wings)
5. Sarah Ashlee Barker (Portland Fire)
6. Lexie Brown (Seattle Storm)

Rookies
7. Jovana Nogić (Phoenix Mercury)
8. Gabby Jaquez (Chicago Fire)
9. Flau’jae Johnson (Seattle Storm)

Final Seconds

Maybe I’m just riding the high of seeing a team from Toronto in the WNBA, but we’re just over one week into the season and I’m ready to say the Tempo are going to make the playoffs.

If they don’t, that last sentence will be wiped from your memory.

But they will. So, don’t worry about that last sentence.

Thank you for reading and I’ll see you next week!