From playing high school basketball in Queens, New York, to building her stardom at the University of Connecticut and winning not one but two NCAA championships, Bird’s greatness, her artistry as a point guard, and her impact as a pioneer of the women’s game deserve all the flowers and more.

“I’m going to be courtside every season; I’m going to be cheering this team on, giving them the support they deserve,” Bird said, per The Athletic. “I’ll always support this franchise no matter what, so it’s really not a goodbye.”

As the only player to win WNBA championships in three different decades, winning in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020, Bird’s resume also includes being the WNBA all-time record holder for assists—3,234 and counting—as well as a five-time Olympic gold medalist, a four-time FIBA World champion and a five-time EuroLeague champion. The SLAM 228 coverline sums it up perfectly: Bird is an icon.

As we all continue to witness her greatness this season, here’s a look back at some of Bird’s legendary moments throughout her career.

2002: Rookie Season:

During her rookie year, Sue was the only player on the Storm to start all 32 games and quickly emerged as a standout— she became the Storm’s all-time single-season record holder with 191 assists that year. Along with Tamika Catchings, Bird was one of the first rookies to be named All-WNBA First Team in League history.

2004: Bird wins her first WNBA championship

“I think for me, what I’ll always represent it’s not the points or assists. It’s the winning, and it’s the longevity. The winning in different decades, it speaks to being able to stay on top of your game. Something Richard Jefferson said on ESPN recently that is the hard part.”

As she continues to reflect on her WNBA career, Bird’s prominence began early on. In ’04, the Storm made their first-ever Finals appearance in WNBA history and went on to face the Connecticut Sun in the Finals. The first two games were close, but after Game 3, the Storm made it happen and captured their first championship title. It would be the first of many.

2010: Game-Winner in the 2010 Western Conference WNBA Finals:

After a stunning performance in Game 1 against the Dream, Bird and the Seattle Storm faced off against the Phoenix Mercury in the Western Conference Finals. Bird’s clutch shot-making ability continued in Game 2, and with the game on the line and only 2.8 seconds on the clock, Sue Bird caught a pass by Tanisha Wright and his the shot to end the game, 91-88.

2016: Seattle Storm vs. Atlanta Dream:

The game-winners continued against the Dream in 2016. With 13 seconds left on the shot clock and about 15 seconds left in the game, Sue hit a clutch corner three to end the game, 84-81.

2017: Sue Bird Named All-Time Assist Leader

Against the Washington Mystics, Bird became the WNBA’s all-time assist leader with 2,600 assists. In the same game, Bird became one of only two players to post 13 assists and zero turnovers in one game.

2018: Electric Semifinals Performance

Bird suffered a broken nose before Game 5 of the semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, but that didn’t stop her. The masked-up Bird scored 14 of her 22 points in the fourth quarter to help rally the Storm past the Mercury, winning 94-84.

2020: Sue Bird Covers 228

Approaching season 19 of the WNBA, Sue Bird graced her first-ever SLAM cover.

“Maybe that’s my game. It kind of comes slow, and then it hits you with the verse,” Bird told SLAM. “It’s a slow, subtle song that you can work out to, an R&B song that you can actually get hype to.”

2021: Sue Bird on SLAM 232 Cover

Sue Bird continued to ink her name into the record books all season long, from becoming the first WNBA player to record at least eight assists in a game after turning 40 (and the fifth player in either the NBA or WNBA to do so alongside John Stockton, Karl Malone, Steve Nash, and Michael Jordan). She became the first Storm player to ever hit the 3,000 career assists mark and went on to win her fifth gold Olympic medal in Tokyo.

Bird also appeared on the cover of SLAM 232 alongside Skylar Diggins-Smith, Nneka Ogwumike, and Diana Taurasi.

2022: Bird’s Final Regular Season Home Game

On August 7, Sue Bird made her final regular season game against the Las Vegas Aces to a sold-out arena of fans that honored the WNBA legend.

2022: Seattle Storm Earn Franchise-Record Against the Chicago Sky

Against the Sky, Bird led the Storm with eight assists in a 111-100 win. The legendary matchup saw the Storm tie a franchise-record for points, made field goals (44), and set the WNBA record for assists (37).

Off the court, Bird has used her platform to be an activist on racial issues, LGBTQ+ rights, and pay equity. She has helped create space for women by women.

After announcing that this season was her last dance, many players and coaches around the basketball community have commented on her success. One of which was Geno Auriemma, Bird’s head coach at UConn, who saw her ability to achieve greatness from the moment he witnessed her play. 

“You knew there was something unique about her,” Auriemma said, per CT Insider. “Everything about her was quick. Her feet were quick. Her hands were quick. Her mind, her eyes, her pull-up jump shots. There was just this way that she played basketball—never rushed, never seemed like she was in a hurry, but there was a quickness about her that I had not seen very much of. She was fast, and she was quick, and she was smart.”

Even former teammate and current head coach of the Seattle Storm Noelle Quinn talked about Bird’s leadership and her game. 

“She’s a legend,” Quinn told the Seattle Times. “That says it all, really. I can go on — She’s been our leader on and off the court. She’s a class act. She’s done it the right way. She’s always put the team first. She represented this organization the way you want, and now it’s our turn to say thank you and pay our respects to one of the greatest players in our game.” 

Says former teammate Lauren Jackson, who had her No. 15 jersey retired in 2016: “What she’s been able to do in her career on and off the court has been phenomenal, and I don’t think there will ever be anyone like her,” she said. “I think the legacy that she’s left on the sport and that she’ll be leaving on the sport is enormous. But I’m really excited to see what she does next.”

Despite the loss, Bird’s final regular season home game against the Aces was exceptional. Climate Pledge Stadium was sold out with more than 18,000 people, the largest in franchise history.

Sue Bird’s lasting legacy on the game of basketball is a testament to her greatness. Thank you, Sue.

Photos Via Getty Images

The post ‘Thank You Sue’: Looking Back at Sue Bird’s Legendary Moments Throughout Her Career appeared first on SLAM.

On Thursday, Russia confirmed that negotiations were underway between Washington D.C. and Moscow on a possible prisoner swap. The United States proposed a deal to exchange Griner and fellow American prisoner Paul Whelan for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia was “ready to discuss” a potential deal last week. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ivan Nechayev said Thursday that the negotiations began after Lavrov’s statement.

“Instructions were given to authorized structures to carry out negotiations,” Nechayev said per Axios. “They are being conducted by competent authorities.”

The post Russia Confirms Negotiations Are Underway For Brittney Griner Prisoner Swap appeared first on SLAM.

The Aces had four 20-point or more scorers for the first time in franchise history. The four included were A’ja Wilson (24 PTS), Chelsea Gray (22 PTS), Kelsey Plum (22 PTS), and Jackie Young (20 PTS).

This is the fourth time in WNBA history that four players score 20 or more points.

Speaking of more franchise records, Plum hit three triples to extend her single-season record for the most threes in a season. She had now hit 105 total three-pointers this season. Plum is now third in WNBA history for most three’s in a single-season behind the legendary Diana Taurasi, who set the top two marks in 2018 (106) and 2006( 121); both are Phoenix Mercury records.

Wilson added 14 rebounds for her League-leading 16th double-double of the year, tying her with Natalie Williams for the franchise record.

The Aces will play the top-seeded Chicago Sky on Thursday, August 11.

The post The Aces Set Multiple Franchise Records in Win Against the Dream appeared first on SLAM.

“In that locker room, we knew that we had the opportunity to make the playoffs for the second year in a row, but we want to go deeper. We want to finish sixth, and once the playoff starts, it’s a new season. Anything can happen.” Wings coach Vickie Johnson said per ESPN.

The Wings securing the sixth seed leaves only two spots left in the WNBA playoffs, which begin next week.

Once again, the WNBA playoffs system has changed this year. It will consist of the top eight teams playing with no byes. Every team will begin to play in the first round with the standard bracket format, which has the No. 1 seed vs. the No. 8 seed, the No. 2 seed vs. the No. 7 seed, the No. 3 seed vs. the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed vs. the No. 5 seed. The bracket will not be re-seeded after the first round.

The current playoff clinched standings:

1. Chicago Sky (25-8)
2. Las Vegas Aces (23-10)
3. Connecticut Sun (20-11)
4. Seattle Storm (20-13)
5. Washington Mystics (20-14)
6. Dallas Wings (17-16)

The Five teams still in contention for the remaining two playoff spots are the Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and the Los Angeles Sparks.

The Phoenix Mercury might have an uphill battle with Diana Taurasi’s untimely season-ending quad injury, which was announced Monday. The Mercury (14-19) still has a chance of clinching a playoff spot as they rank eighth right behind the Atlanta Dream (14-18).

The post Dallas Wings Secure Sixth Playoff Spot; Two Spots Remain appeared first on SLAM.

Griner was also fined one million rubles, roughly $16,300 US. dollars. Griner pled guilty to her alleged crimes nearly a month ago ahead of her trial, but the judge of her case still decided to hear out the circumstances of her case. Griner’s team hoped that entering a guilty plea would help facilitate a prisoner exchange.

Brittney Griner has been sentenced to 9 years by a Russian court, per @TJQuinnESPN.

We love you BG, and we are with you. pic.twitter.com/QBa0AvfkzW

— WSLAM (@wslam) August 4, 2022

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken later proposed a high-stakes exchange to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Blinked proposed the swapping of Giner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned for espionage, for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout. However, according to Bloomberg, Russia was reportedly leaning towards rejecting the proposed high-stakes prisoner swap unless another Russian prisoner was included

Before the verdict was announced, Griner made a final appeal saying she had no intention to break the law by bringing vape cartridges with cannabis oil into Russia. Griner flew into Moscow in February to play basketball in the city of Yekaterinburg.

“I never meant to hurt anybody,” Griner said. “I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population. I never meant to break any laws here. I made an honest mistake, and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn’t end my life here.

U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement on the verdict,

“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”

The post Brittney Griner Sentenced to Nine Years in Russian Prison appeared first on SLAM.

Our good luck charm @laurenej15 x #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/xWoZWPNOOW

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 4, 2022

Jackson spent her entire 12-year WNBA career in Seattle, won two titles, and was named MVP three times. Jackson attended a Storm game for the first time since returning to Seattle for her jersey retirement in 2016. Jackson also wanted to watch her former teammate Bird play before the WNBA legend retired.

“What she’s done in her career on and off the court has been phenomenal,” Jackson said about Bird. “I don’t think there will ever be anyone like her. The legacy she’s left and will be leaving on the sport is enormous.” 

Reunited and it feels so good! @S10Bird @laurenej15 pic.twitter.com/r29vSofhnk

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 4, 2022

Stewart, who scored a season-high 33 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, was serenaded in “M-V-P” chants after the game. Even before her electric performance, the three-time MVP recognized Stewart’s greatness.

“Stewie is just incredible; as a professional athlete, she’s evolved into the best player in the world,” Jackson said. “What she can do inside and outside, there’s no one better than her. She’s great.”

For Stewart, it was an honor to have the person she grew up watching watch her play.

“To me, LJ is a legend and one of the best to ever do it,” Stewart said. “The fact that we have similar paths after me being drafted by Seattle and trying to take anything I can from her game and add it to mine. Growing up, she was one of those players that I looked up to just because of the versatility and inside-out game.”

The post Lauren Jackson Showers Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird With High Praise appeared first on SLAM.

Even without their star player Arike Ogunbowale, who ranks third in the League in scoring at 19.9 points, who is out with an ankle injury, the Wings still managed to get the job done.

Mabrey movin' mad pic.twitter.com/EEvaNdMKXl

— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 3, 2022

Marina Mabrey and Teaira McCowan stepped up for the Wings. Mabrey scored a season-high of 26 points, and McCowan followed up with 20 points and 12 rebounds, her third straight double-double outing.

Double at your own risk pic.twitter.com/bS7tCYTqDK

— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 3, 2022

For the Sky, Kahleah Copper led Chicago with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Azurá Stevens, Allie Quigley, and Emma Meesseman each scored 14 points.

With less than two weeks left in the regular season, the Sky holds a one-game lead over the Las Vegas Aces in the League’s . The Wings truly needed this win in order to fight for a playoff spot Dallas was able to move 1 1/2 games ahead of the Phoenix Mercury who lands at seventh place.

Now the Wings need to lock in and focus on winning the next couple of games to secure one of the final three playoff spots.

The post Dallas Wings End Chicago Sky’s Franchise-Record Home Win Streak appeared first on SLAM.

“I knew the majority of [players] weren’t gonna make it,” Cannon said per Just Women’s Sports. “I wanted everyone to know that when one door closes, there’s always another opportunity.”

Not being selected in the 2011 draft opened another opportunity for Cannon to play overseas. In 2017 she proved her star power by leading her team Chevakata Vologda with 31 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.

Cannon’s grind paid off, and in 2017 she was offered a contract by the Phoenix Mercury. After spending a season with the Mercury and playing overseas, Canon was able to sign around The W with different teams. In 2020 she signed with the Aces; in 2021, she signed hardship contracts with the Suns and the Fever and found her way back to Indiana for the 2022 campaign.

“If you are willing to work at your craft and willing to get better,” Cannon said. “Then go overseas. You can still make money; you can still make a name for yourself. Somebody will eventually see you,” says Cannon.

“It’s only 144 spots. So, when you’re called upon, you just gotta be thankful. Take the opportunity for what it is. For me having that opportunity with Connecticut, it led to me having an opportunity with Indiana. Take it and run with it,” Cannon explained.

Cannon and Fever will return to action with a road game against the Fever on Wednesday.

Photos Via Getty Images

The post How Emma Cannon’s Overseas Journey Landed Her a Spot in the WNBA appeared first on SLAM.

Hartley’s injury occurred during the third quarter of Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Lynx. Hartley came down and twisted her left leg after trying to save a loose ball from going out of bounds.

Hartley signed a rest-of-season contract with the Sun on July 18 after she was cut from the Indiana Fever. She’s been averaging 4.6 points, 0.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game during the three games she’s played with the Sun.

“I think she fits well into our system, and just the way that she played, like when you saw her out there with us, it just looked like she had been with us before. So we appreciate that energy, and we were so excited about what the future for her and with our team. But ultimately, right now, it’s about her getting healthy and focusing on her body and us just giving her that love and support, which is all we can do right now. Definitely, our hearts go out to her,” reigning MVP and teammate Jonquel Jones said per CT Insider.

Hartley will be recovering from her second major injury in the last two years; she tore the ACL in her right leg playing with the Mercury during the WNBA bubble in 2020.

“It’s terrible,” teammate Courtney Williams said. “She worked so hard to get back, right. Just her story and her process, and to get here and she was gonna be such a big factor in what we were about to do and trying to accomplish.”

With Hartley out, the Sun signed Kiana Williams Wednesday to a seven-day contract. The Seattle Storm drafted Williams was drafted 18th overall out of Stanford during the 2021 WNBA Draft.

Williams is set to be available on Thursday when the Sun hosts the Storm.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Bria Hartley Out For Season After Tearing ACL appeared first on SLAM.

While Plum and Wilson were outstanding, Chelsea Gray showed out and helped lead her team offensively in order to provide perfect scoring opportunities for the Aces. Gray was named MVP.

“At the end of the day, you can talk about the numbers and this and that, but she wins games, and that to me should be the most important thing,” Plum said of Gray, per ESPN. “She’s the MVP tonight, but she has been leading our team the whole season. I feel like, to be honest, she doesn’t get the love and credit she deserves, and I’m really, really glad that people saw that tonight.”

Earlier this month four of the Aces starters and coach Becky Hammon were honored at the 2022 WNBA All-Star weekend. However, Gray wasn’t among them. Even Plum kept it real that Gray deserved the recognition.

“She got snubbed this year,” Plum said. “I felt like we deserved five All-Stars. I know that’s not easy. She’s a competitor. She leads our team, and when we need plays down the stretch, Chelsea consistently makes big plays.”

Gray, who dropped 19 points, along with five assists, and four rebounds in Tuesday’s matchup, was quick to credit her team for the dub.

“My team balled out today. We hooped,” Gray said. “I know I’m the MVP right now, this should go to them right there. Super proud of this team and everything we accomplished.”

Along with the win, each player on the Aces were awarded $30,000 for winning, while Gray won an additional $5,000 for being named MVP.

Photos via Getty Images

The post Las Vegas Aces Win the 2022 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, Chelsea Gray Named MVP appeared first on SLAM.

The excitement wasn’t just in the win itself, but the way Sun players Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, and DiJonaiCarrington worked together to secure the dub. It was a special day for Carrington in particular, who reached her career high of 18 points in just 18 minutes of playing. Carrington also secured seven rebounds and one steal.

Carrington’s prior career-high came against the Liberty back in September; Carrington scored 14 points.

Jones tied her season high of 21 points, and Thomas followed up with 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and a season-high of six steals.

By the fourth quarter, the Suns had pulled away from the Liberty with a 27-5 run and an 80-57 lead. In the last ten minutes, the Liberty scored 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Sun.

Even though the Sun was without Jonquel Jones, who averages 15.1 points and nine rebounds, the Sun’s defense held the Liberty to 36.4 percent shooting and 18 turnovers.

The Sun is expected to play against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday.

The post DiJonai Carrington Reaches Career-High With Win Against the New York Liberty appeared first on SLAM.

Griner has been detained in Russia since February 17. Multiple athletes and stars have posted the hashtag WeAreBG to raise awareness towards the efforts to bring Griner home.

“We talk about ‘We Are BG’ and what that means to us. Just trying to embody her spirit carry her legacy on, and just stay alert for her as far as what we can do in our efforts to help bring her home and really get that message out there,” Griner’s Mercury teammate, Skylar Diggins-Smith said.

For all WNBA players speaking out and shining a light on bringing BG home has been their top priority both on and off the court.

“I think the W does a great job; we have Brittney Griner masks,” Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale said. “We have 42 on our shirts, and I’m sure the rest of the league and people are wearing things with BG.”

Every single player for the second half of Sunday’s game wore Griner’s name and No. 42 on the back of their jerseys.

“Wearing the jerseys was a statement to show that we are BG. Yes, we have the shirts and the pins but BG is one of us. She’s our sister and, at the end of the day,” 2020 MVP A’ja Wilson. “We are going to do whatever we can to amplify the platform that we have to make sure that everyone is doing what they need to do to make sure that she gets home safely.”

The post WNBA Stars Honor Brittney Grinner During All-Star Weekend appeared first on SLAM.

Sykes was drafted seventh overall in 2017 by the Atlanta Dream, where she received the nickname “Slim” by former head coach Michael Cooper.

“He gave it to me in training camp ’cause I had on all black leggings. He was like, ‘God dammit, slim. You just slim. You would wear black when you that skinny” Sykes explained.

Before arriving at the Dream, Slim was hit with her first significant battle her freshman year at Syracuse when she tore her ACL. For most athletes, that’s when fear and anger kick in, but for Sykes, it was a realization.

“I’m a freshman; I’m starting all these things. And boom, I get hit with my first ACL tear. I’m like, OK, I need to take basketball seriously,” Sykes said.

Sykes worked on coming back from her injury by going to rehab twice a day. She continued to work, but the second battle looked just like the first when Sykes tore her ACL again.

“Once that second one happened, I’m like, you need to sit down. You need to get more in tune. Talk to a therapist. That second one definitely saved my career because there were definitely some things I was missing,” Sykes explained.

Sykes worked on herself mentally and physically to improve not only as a player but as a person.

Her efforts are showcased in her game today; the two-time WNBA All-defensive teams player and 2021 steals leader is currently leading the WNBA in steals with 2.1 per game while averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 18 games for the Sparks.

The post Brittney Sykes: Two Knee Injuries ‘Saved My Career’ appeared first on SLAM.

“I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” Griner said, according to Reuters.

“I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare,”

This was Griner’s second court appearance since her trial began last Friday. Griner has been detained in Russia since February after authorities allegedly found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. If convicted, Griner could face up to ten years in prison for large-scale transportation of drugs. 

The White House said President Joe Biden called Griner’s wife on Wednesday to assure her he’s doing all he can to get BG released. Biden and Griner’s wife spoke after Biden read a handwritten letter from Griner. The eight-time All-Star wrote that she fears she won’t return home.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned Thursday that “attempts by the American side to make noise in the public — don’t help the practical settlement of issues.”

Griner pleading guilty is not expected to end her trial; the judge will continue to read the entire case into the record, which can go on for a few weeks or even months. Reports say the guilty plea was a strategy to help facilitate a prisoner swap that could bring BG home. 

Griner’s lawyer told reporters they hope for the most lenient sentencing possible.

The next court hearing is scheduled for July 14.

Visit WeAreBG to learn more about what you can do to help.

The post Brittney Griner Pleads Guilty to Drug Possession and Smuggling appeared first on SLAM.

Taurasi and Bird embark on this moment together as they did back in college when they won the national title for Connecticut in 2002. From college to the WNBA, they both have had legendary careers. 

Taurasi is a ten-time All-Star and the WNBA’S all-time leading scorer. Bird is a 12-time All-Star and has won four WNBA championships. 

These two future H alls of Famers will be the second WNBA athletes to grace the cover in NBA 2K history. The first WNBA athlete on the cover was Chicago Sky’s Candace Parker on NBA 2K22. 

“It really is an incredible feeling to see your hard work memorialized on the cover of a game like NBA 2K23,” Taurasi expressed. “There are so many kids that dream of pursuing a professional basketball career, and they can now also dream of being on the NBA 2K cover, whether they want to play in the NBA or WNBA.”

Along with showing future hoopers that anything is possible, Bird and Taurasi have partnered with 2K Games to help kids around the country begin their journey. The two pledge $100,000 to Every Kid Sports, a national nonprofit that helps children play recreational youth sports, allowing kids the opportunity to join youth basketball programs across the country. The donation will also cover registration fees for low-income families. 

“I’m honored to be on the cover and even more honored to use my legacy to provide these opportunities for the next generation.” Bird explained. 

The post Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi Set to Make NBA 2K23 appeared first on SLAM.

Brunson’s jersey joins Lindsay Whalen and Seimmone Augustus. 

Brunson played 15 seasons in the League, and her last nine were with the Lynx. Brunson is the only player in the League with five titles. She helped the Lynx win four WNBA championships in the 2010s and was a member of the 2005 Sacramento Monarchs title team. 

Brunson truly dominated in her career, finishing as the all-time League leader in total rebounds (3,356) and offensive rebounds (1,166). 

“It’s an honor; we always talk about when I was a player, kind of having my head in the sand and just focus on the goals. Focus on the task at hand and what we need to accomplish. Look at all we’ve done; I already did everything I needed to do, so now it’s just an opportunity to sit back and enjoy everything, all the moments that we made,” Brunson said.

No. 32 seemed to be the lucky number for the Lynx. Aerial Powers scored a career-high 32 points, as the Lynx dropped a season-high 102 points. Moriah Jefferson and Racheal Banham scored 13 points each, and Sylvia Fowles was on fire with 11 rebounds and eight points. Sunday night was even more special for assistant coach Brunson after Minnesota secured the 102-71 dub.

Brunson will now look up in the Target Center and see her No. 32 jersey hanging high, representing all the hard work she put in and continues to put in for the Lynx organization. 

The post Minnesota Lynx Retire Rebekkah Brunson’s Jersey appeared first on SLAM.

Powers started the game off strong by scoring 19 points in the first half giving Minnesota the edge that handed the Lynx a 20-point lead. Entering the third quarter, Powers kept the pressure as she helped lead Lynx going with a 16-6 run. 

Powers didn’t stop there; she kept pushing, finishing the game with six rebounds (two offensive boards) and four assists. It was evident that Power’s teammates wanted the dub just as bad as her. Moriah Jefferson and Rachel Banham scored 13 points each, and Sylvia Fowles scored eight points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. 

The Lynx’s worked together to ensure a season-high scoring total. Shooting 50 percent from the field, hitting 12-3 pointers, and outrebounded the Aces 53-25. While this game was season-high for the Lynx, it was the opposite for the Aces. 

The Aces couldn’t seem to set the court on fire offensively against the Lynx and marked a season-low of scoring. The Aces are one of the top teams this WNBA season and came into the game averaging 89.9 points per game, League-leading, but the Aces couldn’t seem to find their rhythm.

“We’ve had our struggles,” Powers explains, “But now we’re starting to turn a corner. To beat a team like that, the way we did. It shows you where our team can go,” Powers said. 

The post Aerial Powers Drops Career-High 32 Against the Las Vegas Aces appeared first on SLAM.

The other nine players included are Margo Fydek, Lisa Leslie, Deanna Nolan, Temeka Johnson, Courtney Vandersloot, Chelsea Gray, Sherly Swoopes, Sabrina Ionescu, and Candace Parker. 

“If it wasn’t for my teammates, I definitely wouldn’t have got it,” Jefferson said, “I didn’t realize I had seven rebounds at the time, and everybody was yelling at me. So at that point, I just started flying everywhere to try to get a rebound, and it worked out.”

Jefferson recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists during Minnesota’s 92-64 win over the Wings. Jefferson not only finished with her first triple-double but also posted the first in franchise history. The accomplishment came after Jefferson’s teammate, Aerial Powers, told the team on notice that Jefferson only needed three rebounds to accomplish the feat.

“I put everyone on notice. She only needs three. Y’all box out and let her get the rebound,” Powers said. 

When Jefferson completed her last rebound for the night, her teammate was just as excited as she was.

“We’re really happy for her to fly around and get some rebounds,” Coach Cheryl Reeve said, “It’s awfully special for Mo. Obviously, it’s her former team. There’s some motivation there,” Reeve mentioned. 

Jefferson is averaging 13.4 points, 5.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 30 minutes per game. The Lynx host the Aces on Friday, looking to win consecutive games for the second time this season.

The post Moriah Jefferson Joins Elite Company With Triple-Double Against Her Former Team appeared first on SLAM.

The players selected include Ariel Atkins, Kahleah Copper, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Dearica Hamby, Natasha Howard, Rhyne Howard, Jewell Loyd, Brionna Jones, Emma Meesseman, Arike Ogunbowale, Alyssa Thomas, and Courtney Vandersloot.

2022 WNBA ALL-STAR RESERVES:

Ariel Atkins, Kahleah Copper, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Dearica Hamby, Natasha Howard, Rhyne Howard, Jewell Loyd, Brionna Jones, Emma Meesseman, Arike Ogunbowale, Alyssa Thomas, Courtney Vandersloot. #WNBA |

— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) June 28, 2022

Howard, the rookie out of Atlanta, will make her All-star game debut while the Chicago Sky send a mob over with their championship core all making an appearance. The Sky will be represented this year by Kahleah Copper, Courtney Vandersloot, Emma Meeseman, and Candace Parker, who was voted in as a starter. 

The All-Star starters were announced on June 22, including Candace Parker, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, Nneka Ogumike, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu. The captains for the All-Star Game are A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. WNBA legend Sue Bird joins Team Wilson as a co-captain, while Sylvia Fowles will join Team Steward.

Wilson and Stewart pick their teams on Saturday afternoon, with the starters chosen first and then the 12 reserve players. Since Wilson led in fan voting, she will have the first pick on Saturday. 

The post Kahleah Copper, Skylar Diggins-Smith Headline 2022 WNBA All-Star Game Reserves appeared first on SLAM.

Charles was with the Mercury after signing as a free agent in February, but the franchise and Charles agreed on a contract divorce on Saturday. 

“We are excited to add one of the premier players in our league to our roster; Tina is a prolific scorer who brings veteran experience and adds depth to our front court. We look forward to seeing the immediate impact she can make for our team,” Storms Coach Noelle Quinn said. 

According to ESPN, Charles was reportedly deciding between the Storm and the Mercury but ultimately chose Phoenix because of the role they were offering her. However, it seems as though that didn’t pan out after Charles and the Mercury agreed on a buy-out. 

Charles set two records in Phoenix, making the top five for the All-time scoring list and her incredible 3500 rebound record, but she also scored the fewest points in her career. Charles only averaged 14.8 field goal attempts per game in 16 games, the fewest since her rookie season in 2010. 

Charles led the WNBA in scoring back in 2021 after averaging 23.4 points per game while on the Washington Mystics. It’s clear that Charles wants to get back on top by being an active player and a high scorer. Most importantly, she wants to win a WNBA championship, which the Storm has the potential to do. 

The post Tina Charles Headed to Seattle Storm appeared first on SLAM.

Griner has been detained in Russia since February due to alleged possession of a vape cartridge with hash oil in it. The State Department declared that Griner had been wrongfully imprisoned back in May. 

“It’s not even how great she is as a player, but that’s a person,” Wilson explains. “That’s someone’s wife, and she can’t communicate with them. And I just pray every day that she comes home and she’s just healthy because it’s so much deeper than the physical — it’s the mental, it’s the emotional, and anyone that knows BG knows her spirit; it’s probably the best thing about her”

Just moments ago A’ja Wilson was asked in the post game conference, how she felt about seeing Brittany Griner on television today for the first time, listening to what she had to say. Very emotional and powerful stuff. #FreeBG #BritneyGriner #WNBA #WNBATwitter #LVAces pic.twitter.com/V587VghuTu

— Jose V. – Straight Bet Sports (@Jose_Volonte) June 28, 2022

According to Griner’s lawyer Aleksandr Boilkov, Griner is set to remain detained until the trial is officially over. The start date is just under three days, beginning on July 1. 

Wilson began to mention that over everything, she hopes Griner’s spirit will remain intact. 

“Yeah, she can put the ball in the hoop. But her spirit, I would hate to see that stripped away from her. So I pray, I pray so much for BG, and I hope we can bring her home, but the outlook was so hard to look at today,” Wilson mentioned right before breaking down in tears. 

Many athletes and teams around the League have continued to show support for bringing Brittney home through Instagram posts, tweets, speeches, and post-game interview.

The post A’ja Wilson On Brittney Griner’s Impending Trial: ‘I Pray So Much For BG’ appeared first on SLAM.

Bird was drafted in 2002 and had been playing and winning titles for three decades, winning a state and a national title in high school, two at UConn, and four championships with Seattle. For Bird, it’s been more than winning that’s made her proud; but it’s been her ability to play the game for so long. 

“I think for me, what I’ll always represent it’s not the points or assists. It’s the winning, and it’s the longevity. The winning in different decades, it speaks to being able to stay on top of your game. Something Richard Jefferson said on ESPN recently that is the hard part,” Bird said. 

Over the past couple of years, questions have arisen on when exactly Sue Bird would retire. Bird herself didn’t know until looking at this season’s Seattle Storms schedule.

“It was really heading into this training camp, heading into the season. I saw our last game against New York was June 19th. And I thought, ‘oh, man. That’s going to put a little pressure on this.’ And as that inched closer, I realized, being from New York,  I wanted to share that with my friends. I wanted to share that with my family,” Bird explained. 

That night against the Liberty was filled with respect, honor, and applause for legend Sue Bird. During pre-game, a video was dedicated to Bird with staff and players from the Liberty, family, and friends. Leaving Bird with a beautiful memory as she continues to finish out this season. 

The post Sue Bird Puts Her Career in Perspective Amidst Final Year in WNBA appeared first on SLAM.

The other six starters include Sabrina Ionescu, Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, Jonquel Jones, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. An incredibly talented and fire list for this year’s All-Star game. 

It’s a bitter-sweet moment in WNBA history with four-time WNBA champion Bird retiring after the 2022 season. She was the most selected player for the AT&T All-Star game, earning 13 selections. 

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that Brittney Griner would hold a place as an honorary starter. The Phoenix Mercury center has been selected for the AT&T All-Star game six times before and will be there in spirit for her seventh selection. 

The League’s head coaches will vote for the 12 reserve players. Coaches will vote for three guards, five frontcourt players, and four players from either position. The announcement will be made Tuesday, June 28. 

The captains will pick their All-Star rosters on Saturday, July 2, from the eight starters and the 12 reserves that the coaches voted for.  

The post WNBA Announces Starters For 2022 All-Star Game appeared first on SLAM.

Despite a 41-point first quarter from Las Vegas and a 28-point deficit, Chicago proved they would be fighting champion after taking down the League-leading Aces, 104-95. The Sky came back after outscoring Las Vegas 53-33 in the second half. Courtney Vandersloot led Chicago’s historic effort with a 25-point and eight assist performance.

“No matter what’s going on in a game, we believe we have a chance to win,” Vandersloot said. 

The historic game was a fast-paced affair that led to a record-tying nine players finishing the night with at least 15 points.

Vandersloot’s wife and backcourt mate, Allie Quigley (13 points and seven dimes) credited the Aces’ playstyle for the track meet vibe of the game and talked about how it felt as they chipped away at Las Vegas’ lead.

“They’re such a fast-paced team and so are we, there wasn’t time to worry about the next play or even the score. It was just, ‘OK, just keep chipping away, chipping away’” Quigley said. 

Chicago’s all-around teamwork helped them secure the dub. The Sky handed out 34 assists, the third most in WNBA history. Among players like Vandersloot and Quigley, Candace Parker had a 17-point and 10 rebounds double-double, and Azurá Stevens followed up with a season-high of 19 points. 

The post Chicago Sky Send a Message With Historic 28-Point Comeback Against Las Vegas appeared first on SLAM.

During the Mercury’s 94-71 loss to the Lynx, Charles became the first player in WNBA history to contribute at least 6,850 points and 3,500 rebounds. Charles collected seven rebounds against the Lynx, which helped her reach this milestone in history. 

𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Tina Charles is now the only player in the @wnba with at least 6,850 points and 3,500 rebounds. pic.twitter.com/jLlfnhjOV2

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 22, 2022

Last week, Charles scored a season-high 29 points and reached the top five of the all-time scoring lists, surpassing Cappie Pondexter with 6,863 points. Charles and her teammate Diana Taurasi remain the only two active players in the top five all-time scoring list. Now with 3,500 rebounds, Charles sets her mark on the game. 

Charles’ rebounding skills are nothing new and have been solidified since she’s entered the league. Charles established rookie records for most rebounds in a game with 23 and double-doubles in a season with 22. Charles became the all-time leading rebounder with 1,243 rebounds as a member of the Liberty.

Charles also won three straight rebounding titles from 2010-2012 and earned a fourth crown in 2016.

It’s likely that Charles will continue to make WNBA history this season as her two most significant milestones have been separated in a week. Charles is just 30 points away from moving up the ranks on the all-time scoring list as well.

As her career continues, Charles shows that she can play and work hard to achieve greatness. Phoenix returns to action on Thursday with a road game against the Lynx.

The post Tina Charles First WNBA Player With At Least 6850 Points and 3500 Rebounds appeared first on SLAM.

One landmark case allowed Parker to go from a young girl ballin in the suburbs of Chicago to a McDonald’s All-American that thrived at the University of Tennessee, and then a No. 1 draft pick for the WNBA who’s played her way to a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career during her 13-year career. Parker is amongst the countless women in America that made the most of the opportunities she got after Title IX was enacted 50 years ago.

Since Parker was young, her parents instilled a belief that she could be anything she wanted. Even people like her college basketball coach, coach Summit, showed Parker to fight for what she deserved regarding inequality. Parker witnessed the differences between male and female athletes very quickly. 

“But I always saw it, whether it was in travel or when I got to college and saw it in the stipends or the size of the [national championship] ring. You see it in representation and marketing- the billboard outside the arena are football even though we won eight national championships,” Parker explained.  

Though Parker experienced some negatives under Title IX, she also credits it for giving the career opportunities that she could’ve never imagined. Opportunities that led to Ace winning two WNBA championships with a Finals MVP earned two MVPs and was named to six All-Star teams during her Hall-of-Fame-worthy 13-year career in LA and Chicago.

“I would not be sitting here today without Title IX. And I thank those that paved the way for me and provided me with the opportunity for the world to even look at me and say that I could be not just a player but a broadcaster. That I could sit there and speak about sports,” said Parker.

The 50th anniversary marks both improvements and accomplishments for Title IX but, most importantly, gives people like Parker room to tell their stories.

The post Candace Parker Speaks On the Significance of Title IX in Her Life appeared first on SLAM.

Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings to the win with a team-high 27 points, followed by Marina Mabrey (21 points) and Allisha Gray, who had 20. 

Gray also got her first double-double after securing 12 rebounds on Sunday. Coach Vickie Johnson said she told Gray that her defensive effort must be consistent regardless of her matchups playstyle or if she respects who she’s guarding.

“You don’t fall back. You don’t bring your defensive effort down because of their style or the respect part of it. I was very happy for her, but she made it known that she needed one more rebound. ‘Coach, you got to put me back in; I need one more rebound,’ so I said alright, I got you,” Johnson said.

The Dallas Wings were on fire beyond the arc, too, knocking down at least 10 threes for their third straight game while tallying at least 20 assists for the sixth time this season. 

Johnson was asked during postgame about the improvement of the Wings from last season to this season and acknowledged the offensive and defensive changes. 

“We’re becoming a good team. We’re becoming what we can. We have stats – team, individual, game – we’re not there, but we’re becoming that. And once we become that, then that’s when we’re going to be very scary to deal with.”

The Wings, 8-8, remain the third seed in the Western Conference and have now won back-to-back games at home.

The post Dallas Wings Make Franchise History Against Los Angeles Sparks appeared first on SLAM.

For over forty years, Lee has been at the forefront of making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. At the age of 95, her age hasn’t stopped her activism; even back in 2016, when she was 89-years-old, Lee walked from Fort Worth, TX, to Washington D.C. to show her support. Finally, like many others, Lee can officially celebrate Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday on June 19th.  

Hosting Lee before the holiday weekend was crucial not only for Coach Vickie Johnson but also for her players.

“It was great for my players to see such great history. She is someone who has experienced so much in life and has fought for other people. She has done what God has placed us on this earth to do — and that is to serve other people,” Johnson said per TheNextHoops. 

The players got the chance to talk about what needs to change, gain insight, and most importantly, be inspired by Lee’s legacy. One of which was forward Satou Sabally.

“We have to protect each other, protect humankind. She said that it isn’t going to happen in a day, but over time you can change minds and use the power we have in our hands. Pay attention to homelessness, schooling, and education. Be involved in rallies and walks and celebrate Juneteenth but also know the history that America is laid on.” Sabally said. 

The WNBA has continued to make efforts to change and bring attention to social injustices. This relates to Opal Lee’s actions of being able to think outside yourself and fight for something greater.

The post The Dallas Wings Host the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth appeared first on SLAM.

Charles officially moved past Cappie Pondexter’s 6811 points and clinched the fifth spot on the list after scoring a season-high 29 points against the Fever, setting her at 6829 points. 

This five-time WNBA All-star has been making her mark since she was drafted in 2010. She was WNBA Rookie of the Year and set the all-time rookie records for the most rebounds in a game (23) and double-doubles in a season (22). Charles is also the first player in WNBA history to record three 20/20 games.

In the 2021 WNBA season, Charles was the leading scorer in the League with 23.4 points per game. 

At 33-years-old, Charles is used to setting records and shaping history. As of Wednesday, Charles and her teammate, Diana Taurasi, is the only two active players in the top five. The winning mentality Charles possesses was something she mentioned when she first signed with the Mercury back in February. 

“I wanted to be around winners,” Charles said in February when she first joined Phoenix, per Arizona Sports. Not just winners, [like] the team record, but winners. Individuals that take their job seriously. Who puts work first, who is all about being in the gym, players that you have to kick them out the gym in that sense. And I know that about Skylar. I know that about BG. And I know that about Diana.” 

History Makers in Phoenix

Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles are the only two active players in the top five on the @WNBA’s all-time scoring list. #4TheValley pic.twitter.com/kZh2pk1Pls

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 16, 2022

Charles gets to share the joy and winning with her teammate as she continues to make history in Phoenix.

The post Tina Charles Moves to Top Five On All-Time WNBA Scoring List appeared first on SLAM.

This month is the 50th anniversary of Title IX, so this story on a really great @WNBA player who’s also a really great mom at the same time seems fitting.

The basketball journey of @IndianaFever guard Bria Hartley (@Breezyyy14) and her very funny, 5-year-old son Bryson pic.twitter.com/9YIwAEQ7Hf

— Taylor Tannebaum (@TaylorTannebaum) June 13, 2022

The 29-year-old point guard found out she was pregnant with Bryson during her third year in the League while playing for the Washington Mystics. She continued playing up until she was about five months pregnant.  

“I didn’t really tell anyone,” Hartley explained to Taylor Tannebaum of WHTR Sports. “Back then, old CBA [collective bargaining agreement], we didn’t have any maternity coverage, I wasn’t sure if I’d get all my salary, and it was only my third year, so I wasn’t really making that much money or anything, so I wanted to make sure I got it all.” 

Hartley says people constantly told her that she wouldn’t return the same. They were right; Hartley believes she’s been playing her best ball since becoming a mom. The season after her son was born, 2018, to be exact, she dished out 3.6 assists per game, good for 121 total assists. She also hit 36 three-pointers on 30.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc, the second-most she made in a season. 

Bria & her son Bryson putting in work at shootaround today pic.twitter.com/6bdkt42ZS0

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 10, 2022

Throughout her basketball journey, Bryson has been experiencing it all. He’s been with Bria since she played in New York, Phoenix, the WNBA bubble in Tampa, and Istanbul, Turkey, where Hartley plays overseas. At five-years-old, Bryson has gotten most of the experience of being a professional athlete by sitting through film and meetings with his mom and her teammates.

“I think I just wanted to change that stigma,” Hartley says about being a hooper and mom. “Now it’s just like; he’s watching. Sometimes you have your days where you’re kinda not in the mood, but at the same time, you have to be an example for him. You’re not gonna have your best days all the time; you gotta keep pushing, you gotta keep moving forward.”

Hartley continues to set an example for Bryson and the world that you can be both a professional basketball player and a mom. 

The post Bria Hartley’s Journey of Balancing Basketball and Motherhood appeared first on SLAM.