The 2025 WNBA season will be here before we know it, and based on these matchups, the level of competitiveness is going on another level. Speaking of matchups, teams across the W recently announced the official schedule in, arguably, the most creative way we’ve ever seen on social.

From cinematic movie scenes with Ellie to the Suspect trend, here’s a roundup of every announcement, and schedule, that was all over our feeds.

Oh, and here’s some key dates for you to remember. The official schedule can be found here.

April 14:  WNBA Draft

April 27: Training Camp Begins

May 16:  Regular Season Begins

Atlanta Dream

Despite immense cookout vibes brewing in the A, we know food isn’t the only thing cooking. Rhyne Howard, Tina Charles and the Atlanta Dream are definitely in the lab and they’re coming for more in ’25.

Chicago Sky

Suspect knows Kamilla and Angel will dominate together next season. With a new head coach and a full offseason together, expect the Sky to fly.

Connecticut Sun

With the forecast predicting sunny conditions in 2025, Connecticut fans have a reason to smile. One of the grittiest teams in the league are ready to run it back, and this time they think it’s their moment to shine.

Dallas Wings

Teaming up with THE Keith Lee for your announcement is next level. We absolutely need a Dallas food tour next starring him, Arike and, perhaps, the Wings’ future No. 1 pick…

Golden State Valkyries

What can we expect from the W’s newest team? Only time will tell, but definitely tune in to the expansion draft on December 6…

Indiana Fever

With back-to-back Rookies of the Year, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, and an entire squad, this Fever team is going to be as fun to watch as Pictionary with their mascots. Oh, and you already know we’re hyped about them facing off against the Sun at TD Garden.

Las Vegas Aces

The Aces have always been a fun and electric team to watch, and their social media team brought that same energy by making their own W-version of Key & Peele’s Obama Meet & Greet skit. We can’t wait to watch the U’animous MVP and her squad of All-Stars ball out this year.

Los Angeles Sparks

LA is home to some of the biggest record labels and musicians (that new Kendrick album goes crazy) and the Sparks perfectly captured that in their announcement, which was set at a record store. If they can bounce back from injuries and remain together, it’ll be music to their ears that they’re going to get after it next season.

Minnesota Lynx

Speaking of music, the Lynx’s announcement was for the culture. After having their best record in franchise history (30-10), this season will be about carrying that momentum into the new year.

New York Liberty

The Libs said, Oh we’re doing season announcements? Bet, let’s make a MOVIE.

After bringing their first-ever championship to the Mecca, all eyes will be on the Liberty to run it back and dominate next year. With a stacked roster, we know they’ll show out. No lies detected…

Phoenix Mercury

Remember when you’d go to take family portraits at the department store? Well, the Mercury brought back a timeless tradition and delivered these hilarious photos with Tasha, Kah and Sophie.

With looming uncertainty surrounding Diana Taurasi’s retirement, it’s unclear what the future will hold yet for next year’s roster, but still, remaining together will be key.

Seattle Storm

With a roster full of young talent that show out on the court and in the tunnel, the Storm are looking to make next season a movie. Get the popcorn ready…

Washington Mystics

It’s giving music video. The Mystics are ready to hold their own, and with talent like Ariel Atkins and Aaliyah Edwards, the District is bound to turn up on the hardwood next season.

The post 2025 WNBA Season Schedules: Every (Hilarious) Announcement From Each Team appeared first on SLAM.

These are just some of the WNBA players who have had impressive, eye-opening rookie seasons.

Add to that list Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Not since Parker—who went on to be the first and only player to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season—has a rookie impacted the League and everyone and everything around it as much as Clark.

Call it the Caitlin Clark Effect.

SLAM 252 featuring Caitlin Clark is available now.

Record-breaking performances. Game sell-outs across the country. Fans packing up and traveling wherever she goes. More eyeballs than ever on the W. Clark has been the talk of the W.

But there’s a flip side to it, too. Heated arguments and debates on sports talk shows and across social media are nonstop, all about Clark and her effect on the League. Is she getting too much press? Is she being painted as the WNBA savior when there are other players who have been here holding up the League for so long? Depends on who you ask—and the time of day you ask.

One could argue that never has so much pressure been put on a player coming into the League. Expectations were high from the jump, even while Clark was still in college at Iowa. There, she set the NCAA Division I scoring record with 3,951 total points. A lightning quick point guard with fast hands, she also became the Big Ten’s all-time assist leader (1,144) and hit the most three- pointers in a single season with 201. So, coming into the League, all eyes were expectedly on her.

But, ironically, Clark has not said much about the hype and fanfare surrounding her first season in the W. She appears to have chosen, instead, to just play her game and seemingly be content with breaking record after record after record and helping her Indiana Fever team do the same. All the while, she is assisting in a brand of excitement for women’s basketball, the likes of which haven’t been seen in a while.

The list of WNBA records broken by Clark is long and exhaustive. There are almost too many to name. They include setting the WNBA single-game assist record (19) against the Dallas Wings, recording the first triple-double for a rookie in WNBA history against the New York Liberty, and breaking the record for most assists in a season by a rookie.

You can’t leave out tying the rookie single-game three-pointers record—Clark made seven of those early in the season in the Fever’s game against the Washington Mystics. Other records include 21 games with at least 15 points and 5 assists, the most ever in a single WNBA season, and becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record 400 points, 100 rebounds and 150 assists in a season.

Clark was also named to the WNBA All-Star Game in July and finished with 10 assists, the most by a rookie in the prestigious game’s history.

This unbelievable rookie season has also included a not-so-great statistic: She recorded the most turnovers in a debut game in WNBA history, with 10 in the Fever’s opener against the Connecticut Sun. She also has the most turnovers in a single season by any player in WNBA history. There’s definitely work to be done in that department, but overall, the Caitlin Clark Effect can’t be denied.

And it has extended beyond just her individual game.

The Fever clinched its first playoff spot since 2016 and currently sit at No. 6 as we head to print. In addition, the WNBA announced that the 2025 All-Star Game will take place in Indianapolis. The 21st WNBA All-Star Game, set for Saturday, July 19, 2025, marks the first time that Indy will host the League’s midseason showcase.

The Fever—already on an upward trajectory after last year’s acquisition of No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston, along with Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull and NaLyssa Smith—have soared to new heights with the addition of Clark. This starting five earned a playoff spot after going on a hot streak following the Olympic break, rattling off seven wins in eight games. Collectively, they have transformed into a team whose ceiling keeps rising.

Hot shooting from Hull has landed her in first place in the League in three-point percentage (49.2 percent). Mitchell, who has been on her own personal tear this summer, is fifth in three-pointers made this season (96) and ninth in points per game. Clark is the assists leader, averaging 8.5 per game and is first in the League in three-pointers made at 111. Boston is fifth in field-goal percentage (52.8 percent) and eighth in blocks per game (1.3).

In August, the Fever led the entire League in scoring (89.7 ppg) and hit a season-best 100 points in a win against the Chicago Sky on August 30. Indiana also knocked down the most three-point field goals in the month with 72.

On August 16, the Fever beat the Phoenix Mercury 98-89, marking the first time since the 2015 regular season that Indiana has swept its regular-season series with Phoenix. Less than two weeks later, Indiana toppled the Sun, 84-80, for the first time since 2021.

The team’s success has also extended to its coach, Christie Sides, who formally entered the Coach of the Year chat and was named WNBA Coach of the Month for August after guiding the Fever to a 5-1 record. Sides is the first head coach in franchise history to earn the honor.

Clark has racked up accolades League-wide as well. In August, she was named both WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month and WNBA Rookie of the Month. It was the third time she earned Rookie of the Month honors, having also received the recognition in May and July, while marking the first time she was named Player of the Month. She was recently recognized as the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the second time in her young career, and she also leads her rookie class in scoring, assists, steals, free-throw shooting and minutes played. And on September 13, she broke the WNBA’s all-time assists record, previously held by the legendary Ticha Penicheiro.

The player many call the female Stephen Curry has been under the microscope since before she entered the League, and the heat has been turned up all season long. Whether you agree or not, whether you’re a fan or not, Clark has dealt with the pressure, lived up to the expectations (even exceeded them in many ways) and has cemented her name in the sport after only one year as a pro.

The Caitlin Clark experience has only just begun but it’s already in full effect

Buckle up.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Simply Undeniable: Caitlin Clark Covers SLAM 252 appeared first on SLAM.

There’s an elite group of current NBA players who are Nike athletes with signature sneaker lines: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker and Ja Morant. An argument can be made that none of those future Hall of Famers has the best Nike sig on the market at this exact moment. There’s a strong case that Sabrina Ionescu, the New York Liberty sharpshooter, currently holds the heavyweight belt.

Ionescu took the hoops world by storm in college and put together one of the best amateur careers ever. She was the first player in NCAA history with 2,000+ career points, 1,000+ career rebounds and 1,000+ career assists; she shattered the NCAA triple-double record; she broke the Pac-12 (RIP) all-time assist record…and those are merely a handful of her many accomplishments while starring for Phil Knight’s pride and joy, the University of Oregon.

Sabrina’s been killing shit for so long, and it’s scary to think she’s just now entering her prime. She’s proved that she belongs in any conversation in which the greats, men or women, are being discussed. She further solidified that when, after setting the all-time WNBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Contest record in 2023, she went toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry at this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend.

Ionescu fell just 3 points shy of Curry in what was the first-ever NBA vs WNBA Three-Point Contest, but even a blind man could see that Ionescu was right where she belonged—under the brightest lights, front and center on a basketball court, representing both a group of women who’ve arrived and a group of young girls who are on the way.

“Just to be able to have this be the first of this kind of event and come out here and put on a show but understanding what this means,” said Ionescu. “I’m excited to change the narrative and be able to do it alongside the greatest to ever do it.”

It wasn’t just Ionescu’s sweet stroke that captivated the eyes of viewers; her kicks did, too. She was sporting her Nike Sabrina 1s in a clean colorway of Liberty hues.

On a few occasions, Ionescu spoke to the idea of the Sabrina 1s embodying a story about defying those who doubted her ability to play basketball, let alone with boys, when she was growing up.

Well, defy she did. With the Sabrina 1s, Nike and Ionescu laid the foundation of a gold mine for her signature line, as they quickly became one of the more popular on-court picks among the basketball community.

“Not a women’s basketball shoe or a men’s basketball shoe, but just basketball,” Ionescu said to ESPN this year, when describing the Sabrina 1s. “Being able to tell that story and have people authentically buy in and respect that, I think the time is now in terms of wanting that to be pushed.”

Everywhere you look(ed)—high school, college, the WNBA, the NBA, your local basketball gym—you are/were sure to see a fair share of feet in various colorways of the Sabrina 1. The model was the fifth-most played in sneaker in the 2023-24 NBA season, with players clocking a total of 17,209 minutes played in the silhouette.

And if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Ionescu and Nike are running it back and running it up.

Sabrina and the Swoosh launched Ionescu’s second sneaker, the Nike Sabrina 2, along with an apparel collection this past June. Instead of a complete design overhaul, they built upon the first silhouette, maintaining a similar shape, cut and cushion.

“At the center of the collection is the Sabrina 2 signature sneaker, built for players who want to accelerate and cut with quickness,” the brand said. “Nike design teams partnered closely with Sabrina to combine the best of the Sabrina 1 with fresh upgrades that create a sneaker that’s 28 grams lighter and doesn’t sacrifice support, stability or comfort.”

Some of these “fresh upgrades” include a Cushlon 3.0 foam midsole (the first ever in a Nike Basketball sneaker), a Nike Zoom Air Unit in the forefoot, an updated band system around the midfoot and a new “S”-inspired pattern that provides multidirectional traction for quick cuts. Additionally, select colorways will showcase mirror-finished Swooshes, which Nike explains are “an affirmation from Sabrina to the next generation to see themselves in the shoe.”

At first glance of the Sabrina 2, and even the Sabrina 1, it’s obvious where Ionescu’s inspiration comes from. Two sneakers in, and her signature line has drawn early comparisons to Kobe Bryant’s.

Throughout her storied college career and early years with the Liberty, Kobes were Ionescu’s go-to sneaker. The fact that Ionescu’s line is mentioned in the same breath as Bean’s says a lot about the WNBA All-Star’s cultural appeal, but more importantly, her ability and commitment to leading the push to elevate the women’s game to national, and ultimately global, mainstream relevance. It’s a vision she and Kobe shared.

Ionescu first met Kobe in 2019 when he and his daughter Gigi pulled up to watch her Ducks dismantle the USC Trojans. Ionescu developed a close relationship with the Bryant family shortly thereafter. Kobe kept tabs on her throughout the season, often sending words of encouragement as she continued to etch her name in the history books. That summer, Ionescu trained with Gigi and even helped Kobe coach his girls’ team, of which Gigi was a member.

“If I represented the present of the women’s game, Gigi was the future, and Kobe knew it,” Ionescu said during her tribute at Kobe and Gigi’s Celebration of Life service in 2020.

It’s over four years later, and Ionescu still “represents the present.” And at only 26 years old, she represents the future, too. Think Kobe rocking No. 8 for the purple and gold.

“I grew up watching Kobe Bryant game after game, ring after ring, living his greatness without apology,” she recalled. “I wanted to be just like him, to love every part of the competition, to be the first to show up and the last to leave, to love the grind, to be your best when you don’t feel your best and make other people around you the best version of themselves. And to wake up and do it again the next day. So that’s what I did: Wake up, grind and get better. Wake up, grind and get better.”

If you see Ionescu walking through the tunnel before a game, scroll through her Instagram feed or observe her demeanor during interviews, you’ll see a charming personality that everyone likes being around. But underneath that is a fierce competitor who approaches her craft with utmost seriousness and focus, with a long list of results to show for it.

As we go to press during the Olympic break, the New York Liberty are hitting on all cylinders and have the best record in the W by a comfortable margin. Ionescu is averaging 19.8 points, 6.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1 steal playing a career-high 33.7 minutes per game.

Ionescu’s impact on the court is undeniable, and her influence off the court is just as powerful. On the heels of the Sabrina 1 and with the latest release of the Sabrina 2, she continues to push the boundaries and create waves for those coming after her, like fellow Nike signature athletes A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark—each reported to have their first signature sneaker coming soon.

Ionescu is programmed for greatness—all she has to do is continue being confident and unapologetic about who she is and what she brings to the table, just like Kobe.

Ionescu is a blessing to the game of basketball, and her presence will transcend well beyond her playing days, just like Kobe.

Once, while in college, she said Kobe texted her. “Be you, it’s been good enough, and that will continue to be good enough.” He wasn’t lying.

“I wanted to be a part of the generation that changed basketball for Gigi and her teammates,” said Ionescu in her tribute, “where being born female didn’t mean being born behind, where greatness wasn’t divided by gender.”

From her consistently dominant play to the huge success of the Sabrina 1 and now the 2, there doesn’t seem to be a height that Ionescu can’t reach. For the younger generation who wasn’t lucky enough to watch Kobe in real time, just watch how Ionescu, one of his closest mentees, dissects her opponents with a relentless will to excel.

And in her new Sabrina 2s, she’s gonna look magnificent doing it.

Photos via Getty Images and Nike.

The post The Sequel: Uncovering the Inspiration Behind The Nike Sabrina 2 appeared first on SLAM.

SLAM 252 featuring Jewell Loyd is available now.

Before Jewell fell in love with basketball, her world revolved around tennis. She was exposed to basketball because her older brother, Jarryd, played, but tennis was her thing, and she was destined to be a pro. During her early years growing up in Lincolnwood, IL, a suburb outside of Chicago, she played tennis “every single day, for six hours a day,” she says. And chances are, if she had stuck with tennis over basketball, she’d probably be competing in the same US Open match she was heading to watch after shooting her SLAM cover at our office on a cool and sunny September morning.

But one day at the park changed her outlook forever. 

Loyd played at the park all the time as a young kid. “Of course, after my homework,” she’s sure to add. But on this particular day, when she was about 7 years old, two older boys wouldn’t let her play on the basketball court. Jarryd, about 15 years old then, saw what was happening and offered a solution: We’ll play you for the court. So, it was game on. Two-on-two. The first to 10 points wins. It was Jewell and Jarryd’s first time teaming up together.

With the game on the line, the boys double-teamed Jewell, who was inches away from committing a turnover. In doing so, they left Jarryd wide open near the basket. Throw it up, throw it up! Jewell recalls her brother saying.

In dramatic fashion, she tossed the ball backward over her head and toward the rim, and Jarryd caught it for a game-winning flush. “Jarryd was just flying in the air, and it’s the first time I [had] ever seen my brother dunk. We won, and in that moment,” Jewell says, “I knew that basketball was something that I wanted to be a part of.”

She spent the next few years making a name for herself in the parks around the neighborhood. In many ways, this is what shaped her approach to the game.

“You started at Drake Park, and that’s where you play 21, knockout—it’s kind of the beginners’ court. Then you go to Columbia Park and play three-on-three. And then, once you get a squad, you go to Proesel Park and you represent and play five-on-five. So, you kind of have to move your way up.

“Growing up in Lincolnwood was a privilege,” she continues. “Being in an environment like that allowed me to just be myself, and it challenged me in a lot of ways because I was one of four or five girls to play with the guys, and that was a great experience for me.”

By the time she was in high school, Loyd developed into one of the best players in the country. She was a four-year starter at Niles West High School in Skokie and essentially broke every school record, averaging 24.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 3.2 steals and 2.2 blocks for her career.

While in high school, she had the opportunity to be a practice player for the Chicago Sky. Jewell says this experience is what really put her untapped potential in perspective. She had a front-row seat to observe what it takes to play at the highest level. “Seeing their routines and their lifestyle and the games up close opened my eyes to really be like, Wow, I think I could really do this,” she says.

She committed to play for Notre Dame and joined an already-loaded roster led by All-American guard Skylar Diggins. It didn’t take long for Jewell to adjust to high-major hoops; she was ready from the jump. She understood that she wouldn’t be the strongest and most athletic freshman, so she focused on what she could control.

“A lot of it is your body’s still growing and developing. I knew I wasn’t going to be the strongest right away, so I focused on conditioning,” she says. “When I got to college, I was making sure I was in the best shape, and that’s something that’s been with me since leaving college and going to the pros.”

At Notre Dame, Loyd etched her name in the history books as one of the best players in program history. She was a two-time All-American, two-time All-ACC selection, two-time ACC All-Defense selection, two-time NCAA All-Tournament selection and the 2015 ACC Player of the Year. For good measure, let’s not forget she also has a 2013 Big East Freshman of the Year under her belt (before Notre Dame moved to the ACC her sophomore year).

She accomplished all of this in only three years, and in a move not so popular in women’s basketball, decided to forgo her senior year and enter the 2015 WNBA Draft. And to nobody’s surprise, the Seattle Storm drafted her with the No. 1 pick.

Loyd arrived to the W with enormous expectations, not only because of her pure dominance dating back to her high school years, but also because she was tabbed with the nickname “Gold Mamba” by the Black Mamba, the late great Kobe Bryant himself. Now, that’s a lot to live up to. But if there was anyone built to carry that weight, it was Loyd. She embraced the lofty expectations head-on. It’s extremely hard for a No. 1 draft pick to meet expectations; she has exceeded them.

“Throughout [my rookie] year, it was just about understanding who I am, the belief that I could do something, the belief that I could stay in the League and be part of this League and grow the League. I really thought I could do that,” she says.

“And I’m the kind of person where, if I really believe I can do something, it’s probably going to happen. I’ve always been that person since I was young. I’ve never been afraid to say what I want to do, believe it and write it down. And I don’t dream small. I always dream big, and that’s something no one can ever take away from me.”

The Gold Mamba is cut from the same cloth as her namesake. She’s naturally gifted, has a relentless work ethic and is simply willing to do what the average aren’t. But the similarities run deeper than that. Like Kobe, Jewell has an unquenchable thirst to learn.

“It’s pretty cool as a professional athlete to still be learning and building your game up. For me, the best part about the game is that I’m still learning so much about it,” she says. “That’s the best part about life in general—you constantly learn and build, and you don’t know until you make mistakes and you can learn from those mistakes. A lot of people go to the next level, nervous to make mistakes. But you need them; you need a lot of experiences to help you grow and get better.”

Now, it’s Loyd’s turn to pay it forward. As eager as she is to continue learning and acknowledge those who paved the way for her, she understands the importance of mentorship and is now in a position to help guide the next generation of hoopers. She’s been seen working out with USC star Juju Watkins; she’s been very supportive of Seattle Storm rookie Nika Mühl and the exceptional 2024 rookie class; and she makes herself available to any of her younger peers seeking wisdom or advice.

“I understand that I’m here because people helped me. I didn’t get here by myself,” she says. “If it wasn’t for my family, if it wasn’t for the people in my circle, I don’t know if I actually would have been able to go to the next level.”

The honors are plentiful: two-time WNBA champion, six-time All-Star (and 2023 All-Star Game MVP), three-time All-WNBA selection, the 2015 Rookie of the Year and a two-time Olympic Gold medalist, her most recent coming this past August at the Paris Games. And from the looks of things, all of these accolades, aside from Rookie of the Year, of course, should probably be qualified as “and counting.”

The 2023 WNBA season was a contract year for Loyd, and she played like it, averaging a career-best 24.7 ppg (which was also a League-best that season) and 4.7 rpg. Yet, the Seattle Storm struggled as a team and finished with an underwhelming 11-29 record. 

Instead of jumping ship to team up with other All-Stars, she signed a contract extension with the Storm in the offseason, and bet on herself that other players would be interested in joining her in Seattle and building a championship contender. It seemed like Seattle was heading for a rebuild until a pair of elites, Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, hopped on board.

As we go to press, Loyd is averaging 20.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.5 apg and 1.5 spg. More importantly, the Seattle Storm have clinched a playoff berth and are looking to make a deep run. And while they may not be the odds-on favorite, trust us when we say that nobody is looking forward to matching up against them.    

Loyd doesn’t have an in-your-face type of personality but rather a sort of quiet confidence that’s felt by her mere presence more than her words. She doesn’t ask for extra attention, though her game demands it. She isn’t typically the loudest in the room, but when she speaks, you want to listen. She has a wealth of knowledge and insight and is one of the most eloquent and thoughtful people—let alone athletes—you could come across.

Since she was a freshman in high school, Loyd says she’s been asked about the legacy she hopes to leave, and she says her answer constantly changes. This time, though, her answer has nothing to do with the game she loves, one that’s defined her life for the past 23 years, ever since that day at the playground with her brother.

“I just want my legacy to be that I’m a really good person, honestly,” she says. “I’m here to serve. That’s what I want people to understand about me. As much as I receive from the world, I’m going to give that back. And you don’t have to take it, but I’m here to let you guys know it’s all love here.” 

Portraits by Luke Schlaifer.

The post Jewell Loyd Discusses Her Journey to Becoming The GOLD MAMBA | SLAM 252 Cover Story appeared first on SLAM.

Seeing Moore grace the front page of SLAM 217 had me scrambling, the problem was, I couldn’t find her cover anywhere. Sold out on SLAM Goods, not a sniff of it on eBay. It was looking as though anyone lucky enough to grab that coveted first retail run was holding onto it tight… and with good reason.

To say that Maya Moore is one of the greatest female players ever witnessed shouldn’t be a statement that’s thought little of. She has been a champion at every level possible. From High School to College to the WNBA, even on the Olympic stage–titles were secured. Not only that, but the list of accolades that accompanied these championships and medals is almost unimaginable. She’s an undisputed Hall of Famer, and if you’re taking her as your basketball GOAT, I’d be reluctant to argue.

There was something more to Maya Moore’s game than hardware, though. Less tangible than trophies, but with more impact, somehow. A trait not so easy to describe. While she was fierce on the boards and had hands so quick that steals felt like camera tricks, her style of play and scoring ability possessed a majestic quality. A magic. The ‘poetry in motion’ type of magic. The type that gives you goosebumps and watery eyes when replayed in slow-mo. The kind that reminds us of the beauty of the game that we once fell in love with.

As MJ is one of a handful to have had this effect on us previously, it was fitting that Maya would be picked up by Jordan Brand before she even stepped foot on a WNBA court – and when she walked away from it in 2018, she did so in a pair of signature Jordan 10s, and as an icon of the Jordan Family.

Stepping away from the game in her prime was far from insignificant, and wasn’t without purpose. Aside from basketball, Moore had been fighting for social justice long before cries for freedom were allowed to be printed on team uniforms. She was a voice for a suffering community during a time when disciplinary action was taken towards players who refused to be silent in their political views. It was her specific commitment to reform in the criminal justice system that saw her forego the 2019 and 2020 WNBA seasons, and ultimately retire in early 2023. If recent history has taught us anything, it’s that some things are bigger than basketball.

In some ways, Maya Moore’s presence on issue 217 was bigger than SLAM. It burst open the floodgates, with a flurry of female hoopers subsequently hitting the cover, and catapulted our coverage of Women’s Basketball into a new era. Some of the dopest covers we’ve dropped since have featured the likes of Candace Parker, Sabrina Ionescu, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. We’ve also seen three rounds of WSLAM specials. Each drop points us back to Maya Moore’s Mona Lisa smile, quietly confident, affecting change without breaking character.

As a SLAM enthusiast with a deep admiration of Moore’s journey both on and off the court, it was paramount that I added her cover to my collection somehow. It would appease the innate notion we have as humans to somehow align ourselves with those whom we respect – like signed autobiographies, game-worn jerseys and signature shoes – this would demonstrate my allegiance to her cause. Eventually, I went in-house, with a member of the SLAM fam (shout out to Peter Walsh) hooking me up with a personal copy. For me, this could never just exist as another spine on a shelf. It had to be framed and placed in a prime position. It’s to be observed, discussed and remembered… and when the inevitable Maya Moore life-story movie is released someday in the future, I’ll proudly point to Maya on SLAM 217 and will let it be known, just like any true SLAM-head should, that I’ve been down since day one.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post SLAM’s Official Archivist Details Maya Moore’s Excellence and Tracking Down Her Illustrious SLAM Cover appeared first on SLAM.

She’s been faced with the same question that fuels Gatorade’s latest campaign, one that calls back to the heyday of the brand when Michael Jordan was drinking Citrus Cooler Gatorade from glass bottles. She’s been tested, pushed and proven. She’s come out on top, built a dynasty and become an icon. Those tests resonate deeply with A’ja’s journey, those moments of clarity when you have to choose; dig deeper or be satisfied. And A’ja Wilson is never satisfied. 

She points to the 2023 WNBA Finals as proof of the latter. “I think this past championship was something where IT was really tested a lot. You either got it, or you don’t. Your preparation sets you up for this moment,” Wilson tells SLAM.

That perspective was evident in mid-April when she was shooting the commercial that’s being rolled out as you’re reading this. Throwing it back to the late 90s, Gatorade has revived its “Is It In You?” campaign with a 60-second spot featuring A’ja alongside the brand’s elite athlete roster. 

When the brand presented her with the marketing deck that encapsulated the vibes and energy of the revised concept, A’ja was more than hyped. She felt connected. 

“I can’t even voice to you how I’m so excited that we’re taking it back to the vintage, like the old school, the ones that we really grew up on,” Wilson tells SLAM. “Being a 90s kid, growing up and seeing MJ, seeing all the other athletes, and now to finally be in it and be a part of a commercial that I used to watch, and now I’m going to be a part of the family as a whole, it’s been super exciting.”

We got the exclusive that A’ja was joining Gatorade’s elite roster in early May. With the brand’s history of fueling athletes for decades, Wilson wants to showcase the personable side of herself and her fellow athletes. 

“I think when you look at this roster and you look at the things that we do with Gatorade, it’s kind of like ‘yeah we grew up on this, but really we grew up on this. We really became adults on this one beverage and now here we are reppin’ it and it’s just truly amazing,” A’ja tells SLAM. “There’s a lot of people that see our roster and see the accolades and are like, oh my god they’re the elite of the elite. But they may not see we have whole humans that navigate through the world. So yeah, just to see that human side of it, the kid side of it, the tweets of A’ja, like no, they’re still human at the end of the day.”

It’s been nearly 30 years since Gatorade highlighted the IT within their athletes. As the landscape has changed, so has the brand’s mission for its modernized campaign. Today’s athlete journeys through a barrage of external pressures and expectations; from social media to finding the perfect team or training situation in an ecosystem filled with endless opportunities. 

For A’ja, her authenticity as an athlete—and a Black woman—is ever-present. It’s what anchors her to her why. She’s truthful, hilarious, and unapologetically herself. Through the years, she’s navigated these moments with both grace and dominance. Her will has been tested, questioned and praised, and as she explains her mindset and how she focuses on the constructive, the Las Vegas Aces’ team slogan from last season reemerges. 

Stay Poised Through the Noise.

“You can’t really escape it, it’s always going to be there. But the difference between good and great is how you can manage that noise, how you can stay poised through it,” A’ja explains. “What do you do in those moments? How can you be really in tune with yourself? And I think that’s so key even when it comes to Gatorade. You have to be inside yourself, good and centered at where you are so then you can project that out to everyone else.”

Photos via Gatorade.

The post A’ja Wilson Takes Us Behind The Scenes of Gatorade’s “Is It In You” Campaign appeared first on SLAM.

Remember those old black-and-white posters of MJ with his sweat highlighted in Gatorade colors? A’ja is running it back as the new face of the brand, as Gatorade has officially announced that A’ja Wilson has become the latest member of their elite athlete roster. 

“It was huge. I think honestly, it probably hit me when I was at [the] Super Bowl and I did the Gatorade ID activation station,” Wilson told WSLAM of her recent partnership. “It was pretty cool to just see it all come together. I think that’s when it really hit me like, oh no, you’re a Gatorade athlete. You’re amongst the GOATs of people in their respective fields and now I have a name in that. It’s just been a fun, fun ride. I think it’s finally starting to hit me now that I’m starting to see it more and be a part of it.”

Take a still photo from the Finals, wipe out all the hues and highlight a few beads of sweat with strictly orange, of course. Then toss the iconic Gatorade towel across her shoulders. “And instead of champagne, probably just Gatorade bottles because if we go for a three-peat, Gatorade will be my chaser at this point,” Wilson says with a laugh. “So yeah, definitely instead of champagne bottles, maybe some Gatorade bottles and the sweat, just lit.” 

While the brand’s Fruit Punch + Berry flavor has become a frequent staple in the Aces locker room, Wilson’s day one has always been the Orange flavor. From AAU tournaments to playoff press conferences, Orange Gatorade has always been part of her journey. 

“That’s why I was so geeked when I got it [the Gatorade deal] because I’m like, I’ve been drinking this forever. Orange Gatorade will forever be my life. I love that, I love that flavor, it’s No. 1 for me. It really dates back to the high school days.” 

A partnership as authentic as this is rare air. A’ja is the exact consumer that Gatorade has spent decades building its brand around and for. After growing up in awe of Michael Jordan’s commercials featuring glass and canned Gatorade containers, Wilson is now leading the charge for the next generation of tastemakers, just as she has across women’s basketball for years. Her connection to the brand goes back to her days dominating in high school at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, A’ja Wilson has been obsessed with Gatorade. A collection of tweets dating back as far as 2012 paints a pretty clear picture, one that truly represents the passion Wilson lives with on and off the hardwood. 

“#Favoritesnackinthewholewideworld pretzels, a rice crispy treat and an orange Gatorade #heaven #love”. – March 2013.

“Dear gas station, how do you run out of Orange Gatorade?” – June 2012. 

“#100thingsaboutme orange Gatorade is my SHIT!” – July 2012. 

Growing up, Gatorade was Wilson’s go-to bev for every random snack and meal. Not only was the flavor “top tier,” but the brand’s grasp on marketing toward athletes struck a chord with Wilson at an impressionable age. 

“I would be so mad going to restaurants with my parents because they didn’t have Gatorade. I’m just like, what else is there to drink? What am I supposed to drink? Because I felt like that is what fueled great athletes,” Wilson tells SLAM. “It felt like that’s what was pumping in MJ’s veins. It was like, no, I need that in my system.”  

And now, the former 2013-14 Gatorade State Player of the Year will be continuing her legacy alongside the brand that has always been there throughout her journey. 

“This is what you worked so hard for. This is what you wanted to go after. You wanted this. You wanted to be a part of this family because that’s all you knew,” Wilson says as she reflects on what her 18-year-old self would think now. “That’s what fuels greatness. Winning the award, it was cool, it was great, but now you’ve even grown in that case. Like, yeah, you’ve grown on-court but you’ve even grown with the brand. It’s been truly fun just to be a part of it. Even though it’s just the beginning, the best is yet to come.”

Photos via Gatorade.

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Candace Parker officially announced on Sunday that she is retiring from the game after more than a decade. Parker is undeniably one of the most influential, and iconic, players in the history of women’s basketball.

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A champion and seven-time WNBA All-Star, Parker is also a mentor, a mother and an inspiration to many. As we celebrate CP3’s legacy, here’s a look back at some of the legendary moments throughout her career:

FIRST WOMAN TO DUNK IN COLLEGE GAME

Parker set the tone from the jump. Back in ’06 as a freshman at Tennessee, she defied the notion that women can’t dunk and showed the world that she can by becoming the first woman, ever, to dunk in the NCAA Tournament.

TOTAL DOMINANCE AT TENNESSEE

Playing for the late and great Pat Summitt, Parker dominated while suiting up for the Volunteers. Her college resume includes:

• Winning ’06 SEC Rookie of the Year.
• Being the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points.
• Winning ’07 SEC Player of the Year.
• Leading the Lady Vols to back-to-back national championships.
• Averaging 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game.

THE ARRIVAL

Just one day after leading the Lady Vols to yet another NCAA national championship, the Los Angeles Sparks drafted Candace Parker as the overall No. 1 pick in the ’08 draft. Really, that was just the beginning for Parker, who was set to team up with Lisa Leslie.

THE ROOKIE’S REIGN

In her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury, Parker dropped 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists—breaking Cynthia Cooper’s previous rookie record in a debut game.

Her dominance and skillset was undeniable. Parker became the first WNBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same year. She was also pregnant with her oldest daughter at the end of the season.

“I was actually pregnant with [Lailaa] at the end of the year, my rookie year,” Candace told WSLAM for the cover of SLAM 233. “I accepted the MVP and Rookie of the Year trophy with my daughter and then from there it’s just been our journey.”

THE 2016 ‘CHIP

During a season that was dedicated to Summitt, Parker showed up and showed out during the 2016 season. After beating the Chicago Sky, 3-1, they advanced to the Finals for the first time since ’03 and went on to defeat the Lynx and bring franchise’s third-ever title back to LA. Parker was named Finals MVP.

“I remember a lot about that series. Just the grind, the focus, the energy that it took to even get through that series,” the 2016 Finals MVP told WSLAM. “I think it also speaks to my innocence, because in 2008, we had a chance to go to the Finals and we lost on a last-second shot. I had a number of baskets that rolled off the rim. And I think that recognizing that, like, we won off of a rebound putback…And everybody after that is telling us that we’re the best thing ever off of one moment. I think it just kind of speaks to how you gotta stay the course.”

RETURN TO THE CHI

It was the free agency announcement that shocked the world. After an illustrious career in LA, Parker announced she was taking her talents to the Chi, a decision that was as much about family and her life off the court as it was about her career.

“I believe a lot of things come full circle,” Parker told us. “I think just over the course of my career I realized how much important people have meant to my career. Coming back home, I mean, my dad fixed my blinds the other day, we went over to his house for Father’s Day, my mom cooks me pregame, picks up my daughter all the time. Dad brings doughnuts over sometimes for my daughter, like, it’s just, I can go see my grandma. I really respect the time that I moved away from home because I needed it. I needed to establish myself in my home and get away from that, but to come back, who I am now, to really appreciate it.”

In our SLAM 233 cover story, CP3 opened up about her decision to join the Sky, returning home to Chicago and more.

READ HERE

THE 2021 ‘CHIP

History. Not only did Parker play a key role in helping lead the Sky to the 2021 WNBA championship, the franchise’s first, but she was renowned for her leadership—in the SLAM 236 cover story, even former teammate Kahleah Copper praised her for it (read here).

TO VEGAS

Yet again, Parker’s decision to take her talents elsewhere, this time Vegas, was centered around family. Despite injury, Parker’s presence added to Aces’s star studded roster as the team went on to win their second title as a franchise.

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THANK YOU, CANDACE!

The post Looking Back at Candace Parker’s Legendary Career appeared first on SLAM.

If you’re a new fan just tuning in, or an OG needing a refresher, here’s everything you need to know about training camp: from who makes the roster for training camp, roster cuts and more.

Fyi, the start of the regular season is May 14.

When training camp starts:

Training camp is set to begin on April 28. Players will have to lock in and get ready for preseason, which starts on May 3.

How it works:

This year’s WNBA draftees, as well as current players and those who receive an invite to camp will arrive in to their respective teams and begin training. Everyone is competing for a spot.

Who is on the training camp roster?

Teams have already begun announcing their training camp rosters. We’ll update them below:

What happens next?

Not everyone will make the official team roster, as Laeticia Amihere of the Atlanta Dream shares in her TikTok. There are 144 roster spots across the League, with a maximum of 12 spots available on each of the 12 teams.

The date for final roster cuts is May 13.

What if my fav gets cut?

Just because a player is cut from the roster doesn’t mean their hoop dreams are over—or that you should stop supporting your fav. Some opt to go overseas and, even after the regular season starts, there’s hardship contracts as well.

The post Everything You Need to Know About WNBA Training Camp: How it Works, Rosters and more appeared first on SLAM.

Headlined by No. 1 pick and SLAM 249 cover star Caitlin Clark, as well as No. 2 pick Cameron Brink and more, this year’s draft welcomed the arrival of the League’s new, and stylish, rookies.

Let’s take a look back at yesterday’s draft night fits:

Breaking records and making history isn’t anything new for Caitlin Clark. She reportedly is the first athlete, ever, to be dressed by Prada on draft day.

Cameron Brink was runway ready.

Bayou Barbie shining bright, both on and off the court.

Nika Mühl pulled up to the draft rocking grills. Seattle fans, get ready for the tunnel fits.

Rickea Jackson had an ICONIC outfit change during the draft. Rockstar status.

Alissa Pili, who is Samoan-American, paid homage to her tribal heritage. Powerful.

Aaliyah Edwards with the fit AND the bedazzled basketball accessory. Baller.

The beauty is in the details of Dyaisha Fair’s draft suit.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Grills and Formal Wear: The 2024 WNBA Draft Was Full of Fire Fits appeared first on SLAM.

Angel Reese, the Bayou Barbie, began her career at the University of Maryland before transferring to LSU for her junior year. That season, she averaged a double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds while becoming a standout on and off the court—from her social media presence to gracing the cover of SLAM 243 alongside teammate and star Flau’jae Johnson.

“I just wanted to figure out who Angel Reese really is,” Reese told us back in 2023, prior to winning the NCAA championship. “Coming to LSU, I feel like I figured out who I am. I’m able to be myself here. It’s just something I really love.”

The 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year explained her decision to Vogue’s Leah Faye Cooper, which she shared just a week before the start of the NCAA Tournament. “I want to start at the bottom again,” she said on her playing in the WNBA. “I want to be a rookie again and build myself back up; I want to be knocked down and learn and grow at the next level.”

The post The Bayou Barbie is Headed to the W: Angel Reese Declares for the 2024 WNBA Draft appeared first on SLAM.

After a whirlwind matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty that went down to the wire, Vegas are the reigning champs yet again.

Considering the game just ended, here’s a quick recap:

Nah, but in all seriousness, what a game. The final score? 70-69. With a title on the line, the entire Aces roster delivered: from their point gawd Chelsea Gray leading from the sidelines to A’ja Wilson’s pure dominance to the People’s Champ, Sydney Colson with the crazyyyy behind-the-back pass AND delivering the greatest post-game speech.

We won’t say we told you so, but…

Congrats to the M’VPeriodt A’ja Wilson, the Point Gawd Chelsea Gray, Sydney Colson, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, Kiah Stokes, Alysha Clark, Cayla George, Kierstan Bell, Alaina Coates, Candace Parker and head coach Becky Hammon and the entire Aces staff on a historic win. Champs.

Go follow @wslam to keep up with all of the postgame celebrations and more.

The post BACK TO BACK: The Las Vegas Aces are the 2023 WNBA Champions Yet Again appeared first on SLAM.

As we get ready to watch yet another showdown, let’s take it back to what went down on Sunday. Here’s a quick recap to get you hyped before tip-off.

Key Moments From Game 3

A’ja Wilson Rocks All-Black Fit in the Tunnel…Then Drops a Double-Double

It’s okay, we’re all thinking it. No one was gonna try to mess with A’ja Wilson anyways, and especially not after she rocked the all-black fit before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The black Air Force 1’s sent a message: she and the Aces are really ’bout it as they look to solidify another ring.

Despite the loss, Wilson finished with a double-double of 16 points and 11 points.

France Shows Support for Marine Johannès

France has a true “famille de basket-ball,” which in English translates to, “basketball family.” Early in the WNBA Finals, Liberty wing Marine Johannès showed her support for Victor Wembanyama after he won France’s Player of the Year. Tony Parker, and Wembenyama himself returned the favor this weekend. Parker pulled up to Game 3 to chat with the Liberty sharp-shooter in person while Wemby showed his love ahead of his pre-season game by rockin’ a No. 23 Liberty jersey. Game respecting game.

Electric Environment at Barclays

Liberty fans did their thang supporting the hometown team on Sunday, and so did former hoop stars and celebrities alike. There was too many to count: Dawn Staley, who surprised Jason Sudeikis who plays Ted Lasso, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, and four Liberty Ring of Honor members, including Vickie Johnson, Crystal Robinson, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Sue Wicks. If you want to count Becky Hammon, and Rebecca Lobo, six out of the seven were in attendance.

New York showed up for Game 3. We cannot wait to see what is in store for Wednesday night.

Jonquel Jones GOES OFF

The 2021 WNBA MVP has that DAWGG in her. Jones said, “No, no, no, not today” more than just once. She had three rejections in total, including one where she threw what looked like an easy layup into the court-side seats.

Not only did she host the block party in Brooklyn, Jones was out here doing it all: snatching rebounds, dishing dimes to Betnijah Laney. JJ was in her bag and delivered in the must-win game.

Joan Jett Loves Rock and Roll, and the Liberty

It was a win or go home situation for the New York Liberty, and long-time Liberty fan and rock legend Joan Jett was there to see it all. There was no voodoo doll this time, but her presence was all that was needed to help turn the luck into New York’s favor. Will she be at Game 4?

Stewie Blocks A’ja and Kelsey in the Span of a Minute

Breanna Stewart was named to the All-Defensive First Team for a reason. Late in the third quarter with Vegas fighting to get back into the contest, Wilson attempted an elite mid-range fadeaway, but Stewie had other plans. Go watch the clip and then play it back. DID YOU SEE WHAT SHE JUST DID?

New York Becomes Scorching Hot From Deep to Secure the W

Did you think New York was going to miss that many open shots again? Nah, everyone on one. In the last six minutes of the contest, the Liberty dropped five shots from beyond the arc from five different players. Clutch.

Ruby Steals the Show at Post-Game Presser

Stewie’s daughter Ruby was at it again following Game 3 with arguably the best moment of Sunday. The highlight was when Stewie, Sandy Brondello, and Jones were trying to answer post-game questions. Ruby was on the side continuously walking up and down the stairs to the stage. She was a straight up mood.

Photos via Getty Images

The post 8 Key Moments from Game 3: Liberty Host Block Party, A’ja Wilson Rocks Black AF1s Before Dropping Double-Double appeared first on SLAM.

But the battles weren’t just on the court, they were in the tunnel too. From Olivia Nelson-Ododa strutting in Diesel dresses and thigh-high boots to Natasha Cloud putting her tats on full display in her muscle tee’s, hoopers across the W were fully displaying their own individual senses of style. And our girls know a thing or two about how to accessorize. Tiffany Hayes and her iconic bags, Diamond Deshields and her beaded braids, Rae Burrell and her signature sunglasses – our First Team honorees know a thing or two about how to put together a calm luh fit.

When it comes to style, LeagueFits has officially announced the honorary All-LeagueFits Second Team award winners. There’s Dijonai Carrington, who effortlessly a sporty-chic style from cargos and skirts to sneakers and heels. Shatori Kimbrough-Walker’s got exquisite taste in piecing together streetwear look, while Courtney Williams and Arike Ogunbowale are bold and eccentric in their tunnel fits, and on the hardwood. Then there’s Kahleah Copper – the queen of the two-piece set, who knows that accessories are what makes an outfit an outfit.

Let’s get into it. Here are the 2023 All-LeagueFits First and Second Team award winners.

2023 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: FIRST TEAM

2023 ALL-LEAGUEFITS: SECOND TEAM

The post 2023 WNBA All-LeagueFits First and Second Teams appeared first on SLAM.

Then there’s all the storylines in between: the 2022 WNBA MVP vs. the 2023 MVP. The Vegas strip vs. the Big Apple. The first Finals meeting between two coaches that used to drop buckets in the W.

Amidst an exciting expansion announcement by the League, the time is now for women’s basketball. Game 1 will take place in Vegas to an already sold out crowd. We love to see it.

We won’t say we told ya, but the Aces did grace the cover of WSLAM 3 and the Liberty were just on the cover of SLAM 246. Looking back, both squads made it clear that they were ready to prove any and all narratives wrong and play the game their way.

To get you ready for all ‘tings WNBA Finals, check out our coverage below:

LAS VEGAS

NEW YORK

As New York head coach Sandy Brondello stated in her early assessment of the “superteam clash” following their Game 4 win in Connecticut: “We haven’t done it for so long, but we’re playing the champions from last year. I think it’s going to be a really competitive series and hopefully more and more people turn their eyes into the game and we can continue to grow it.”

No matter what happens, something historic is in the cards. “Someone’s making history,” Hammon explained. “It’s either we get the back to back or New York gets their first one. As far as dynasty and all that, we’re (going) on No. 2. Before you get to three or four, you’ve got to get to two. We’re really getting ready for the task at hand and not worried about years down the road.”

We’re hyped for this Finals match up, are you?

REP YOUR SQUAD

It’s not too late besties, there’s still Aces and Liberty Cover Tees in stock, as well as copies of SLAM 246 and more.

SHOP NOW

Photo via Getty Images.

The post 2023 WNBA FINALS Preview: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Game 1 appeared first on SLAM.

Challenges were few and far between before a trip to Connecticut early in the campaign. It was exactly what the ball club needed in order to realize what it was going to take in order to return to where it was last year.

The entire team, ignited by Hammon’s statement following that game made it a mission to take that next step defensively. From June 11 on, nobody has been better.

That theme of a relentless resistance has been paramount to this postseason run so far. While scoring over 90 in three of their last five games, the Aces have not allowed an opponent to net more than 85 points since August 28 at the New York.

With a berth to the Finals on the line, the Aces dug in. The ball pressure was tremendous. With help rotating over led by A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas held one of the W’s most elite scorers, Arike Ogunbowale to just 25 percent shooting in the final 10 minutes.

Up by one with under 1:30 remaining, the defending champions pieced together multiple special defensive possessions. All five players were communicating, and working in unison. It was Hammon’s dream. The Wings did not make a single field goal in the final 4:58 seconds of the contest. The Vegas coach could not help her excitement. Her smile postgame was of a proud coach that saw her team accept the challenge and dominate.

Hammon kept it real after grinding out the close out game on the road. “It just shows you that we can win with our defense. It’s not always going to be a pretty one. These are the ones you actually have to find ways to win.”

She continued, “When the ball’s popping and we’re scoring 90 and 100 points, those are easy ones for us. When we have to win like this and really prove to ourselves that we can win like this, that it’s not about the offense all the time, it’s about rebounding and defense, which we did very well down the stretch.”

If Vegas can continue this kind of defensive efficiency, it will become the second team since 2015 to own a playoff defensive rating under 90. The versatility on this end of the floor starts and ends with back to back WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Wilson. The former South Carolina star was the only player in the W to average two or more blocks per 40 minutes.

You can see it live in action, her emotions on the floor explain to the world truly how much defense means to her. She is on you defensively like your mother with a camera on a family vacation.

It does not stop at No. 22.

Remember the 2020 Seattle Storm championship team? Current member of the Aces, Alysha Clark was a key piece to that side’s success, especially defensively. Bringing in the 2020 All-Defensive First Team forward was an early sign Hammon wanted to focus on defense. It has more than paid dividends. Clark has done everything Vegas has asked of her coming off the bench.

Guess who was the main defender on Satou Sabally in the final 10 seconds of Game 3? It was the Middle Tennessee product.

Don’t sleep on Kiah Stokes either. The 2023 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year tied her career high in steals, and recorded more than 0.9 blocks per game for the first time in three years. Stokes and Clark were the only two Aces’ players with a defensive rating under 96 in more than 20 games played in 2023.

It is all accompanied by Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. The three perimeter players cause constant havoc. Both Young and Plum increased their steals total from 2022 while the “Point GAWDDD” matched last season’s total.

It is the true definition of a complete team. Hammon’s team managed to do that for the most part against Dallas, but the challenge becomes even tougher with the Liberty on tap.

This year’s WNBA Finals and going to be a match up for the ages. We’re hyped, you ready?

Action photo via Getty Images. Portraits by Atiba Jefferson.

The post The Aces’ Defensive Identity Has Elevated This Team to Another Level appeared first on SLAM.

Former Rutgers University standout Betnijah Laney is just that for the New York Liberty. Don’t be fooled by her smile. When she steps between the lines, the versatile wing is prepared to do whatever it takes to win.

She’s also played a pivotal role in New York snapping the franchise’s postseason streak—for the first time in over two decades, the Libs are headed to the WNBA Finals and will match up against the Las Vegas Aces for the championship.

On both ends of the floor, No. 44 is invaluable. On a roster stacked with superstars, including two former MVPs, the Delaware-native is a piece the Liberty cannot do without. Laney netted 20 or more points in each of the final three contests of the WNBA Semifinals against the Connecticut Sun.

Betnijah Laney and the Liberty starred on the cover of SLAM 246. Read the cover story here. 

With her team’s back against the wall on its home floor in Game 2, the former second-round selection showed up. In a must-win game, Laney connected on five shots from beyond the arc, the most she has converted in any game of her career—two of which came in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter.

Through the first two rounds of the playoffs, Laney sits in the top-two of New York’s field goal percentage, three pointers made, and total points. Only three players in the postseason have contributed to more points in the painted area than the 2020 WNBA Most Improved Player.

She was one of just seven players in the entire W this season to have a three-point shooting percentage over 39 percent while taking 1.5 or more threes per contest. The corner is her domain. The result is almost inevitable if you fail to close her out.

“B’s built like this,” Brondello said following the clincher in Connecticut, “I know it was a little bit of a process early in the season. We were trying to work it out how it all combined, but I think we took off when we found “B” getting more integrated into the offense because she’s an amazing scorer. We just didn’t want it to just be “B” the defensive player.”

The defensive side of the ball is the part of the game what she is best known for. In a series against a historically prolific Aces’ offense, Laney’s ability to guard more than one position will be critical.

The 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Final was a perfect example of what she can do on that end of the floor against Las Vegas. The 6-foot wing was tasked with the responsibility of predominately guarding Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray—in the third quarter, No. 44 was locked in when playing halfcourt defense on Plum in isolation, and took on the task of marking up Gray full-court after a Stewart three.

“Whether its guarding the other team’s best player, or making plays, she is someone who knows what she is good at,” Stewart said about Laney following a win over Washington. “To be able to have her on our side is huge for us. She continues to keep playing, giving us that sense of clarity when times get tough.”

Action photo via Getty Images. Portraits by Marcus Stevens

The post The Undeniable Brilliance of Liberty Wing Betnijah Laney appeared first on SLAM.

The eleventh overall selection in the 2014 WNBA Draft has emerged into a bonafide star and an offensive threat on the floor. She seemingly visualizes her next two or three moves before they even happen (and definitely before opponents know what to expect). Behind the back pass from behind the basket? No problem. No-look dime from outside the arc? Walk in the park.

“I try to be that calm within the storm, whether it is a game of runs or in different quarters,” Gray explained after Game 2 on Tuesday night. “It is not always me scoring, or getting assists to my name, it’s calling the right plays and calming everyone down.”

Chelsea Gray and the Aces starred on the cover of WSLAM 3. Read the cover story here.

Her patience, flare, and most importantly her creativity have allowed her to reach the success she has had so far. It is a nightmare to defend. Just ask the Dallas Wings. In Game 2 of the 2023 WNBA Semifinals, CG was dialed-in. There are few in the League that are more terrifying with the ball in their hands in the fourth quarter than Las Vegas’ offensive orchestrator. 

With the Aces up by seven with just under five to play, the “Point Gawd” herself took over. The five-time WNBA All-Star played a major role in 12 of Vegas’ final 18 points, six of which were free throws.

After accumulating five straight points herself, Gray found a wide-open Jackie Young in the paint for an easy score.

Gray isn’t just new to this, she’s stayed true to this her entire career, including in the final six contests of the 2022 postseason, where she averaged over 22 points per game while dishing out double-digit dimes in two of those matchups. 

At the conclusion of the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup Championship, Hammon stressed the importance of Gray’s leadership—not just as player, but the one calling the shots.

“She’s a huge part of what we do. She is the extension of the coach out there. Hell, I’m her assistant. I tell them all the time, ‘If Chelsea calls something and I call something, you listen to Chelsea. So, when the head coach calls something, you run it.’”

As it stands, the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP is seventh all-time in playoff assists, which means that she’s well on her way to eventually climb the rankings—she’s currently behind both Briann January and Candace Parker. 

Until then, we’re all witnessing Gray play the game at the highest level. Salute.

Action photo via Getty Images. Portraits by Atiba Jefferson.

The post Aces Star Chelsea Gray Continues to Prove Why She’s Been Crowned the ‘Point Gawd’ appeared first on SLAM.

“The intersection of music and sports has driven our culture, our athletes and the sport they play. We rely on the impact of music to engage the fans, and share life experiences through the ‘conversation’ of music and beats,” said Terri Jackson, Executive Director of the WNBPA. 

The playlist is meant to inspire and motivate listeners through a power walk, spin workout, or even a work-day and includes everyone from Ashanti and Rihanna to Jhené Aiko and Coco Jones.

“Def Jam Recordings is proud to partner with the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association in celebrating the powerful intersection of music and sports. Together, we will continue to uplift and empower women through the universal language of music,” said LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President, Def Jam Recordings/President, 4th & Broadway.

Through this partnership, the WNBPA and Def Jam Recordings will continue to support and uplift all women.  

Photo via Getty Images.

The post WNBPA and Def Jam Announce Partnership to Celebrate Women in Music and Sports appeared first on SLAM.

Here’s what happened in the NBA and WNBA over the weekend. Let’s get it!

Draymond Green Gets Candid in Interview with Taylor Rooks

Draymond Green recently sat down with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report. The Warriors legend dropped some revealing gems during their interview. Green admitted “the writings on the wall” when he was asked about leaving the Warriors as a free agent.

The two parties have had some incredible highs as four-time champs and a record-setting 2015-2016 regular, but the lows have been low during public spats with head coach Steve Kerr, Kevin Durant, and a controversial altercation with teammate Jordan Poole. When it comes to that infamous moment, Green said their relationship is “a work in progress,” and he’s willing to do the work because he was wrong.

He also said they “definitely moved forward” and that he’s “seen improvements day by day, week by week, month by month.”

TOMORROW pic.twitter.com/avHPFxt6MV

— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) January 13, 2023

Ja Morant’s Challenge to All Rim Protectors: ‘Jump with Me if You Want to Go Viral’

Do not get it confused; Ja Morant will never back down. The former No. 2 overall pick has posterized many a rim protector. Few, if any, were as impressive as Morant’s yam on Jalen Smith. The unbelievable slam was punctuated by Memphis winning their ninth straight game after beating Indiana, 130-112, on Sunday.

Postgame, Morant admitted his thunderous dunk was his best of the difficulty. Morant felt so good about it that he challenged all rim protectors to jump with him if they wanted to go viral.

“It’s what everybody has been waiting for. I finally made it.”

jump with me if you want to go viral https://t.co/3ESSiC3A1w

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 15, 2023

Jonquel Jones is Headed to New York Via Blockbuster Trade

Jonquel Jones is on the move! The 2021 MVP was a part of a three-team deal that will send her to the New York Liberty, while Rebecca Allen and Natasha Howard will be sent to the Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings, respectively. The Wings will also receive Liberty guard Crystal Dangerfield, Kayla Thornton will go to New York, and Ty Harris is headed to Connecticut.

Connecticut will also receive the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft.

JONQUEL TO BROOKLYN?!

Welcome to free agency @RachGall @Winsidr pic.twitter.com/PpZqvW1hgn

— WSLAM (@wslam) January 15, 2023

Nikola Jokic’s Game-Winner Sinks Orlando

Nikola Jokic delivered a stepback game-winner to sink the Orlando Magic 119-116. The back-to-back MVP posted 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists on 8-11 shooting from the field and 1-4 from beyond the arc.

“He stepped back, got the space, and just shot over the top,” teammate Aaron Gordon said per ESPN. “It was a beautiful shot.”

EVERY ANGLE OF NIKOLA JOKIC’S STEPBACK GAME-WINNER pic.twitter.com/007JQYDLas

— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2023

LeBron James Inches Closer to History After Scoring 38,000 Career Points

The King is the second player to score 38,000 career points and is now 364 points away from breaking Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbarr’s career scoring record. James accomplished the historic feat after knocking down a three-pointer from the top of the arc. The four-time MVP posted 35 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in the Lakers’ heartbreaking 113-112 loss to the 76ers.

LeBron tonight:

35 PTS
8 REB
10 AST

Only the second player in NBA history to score 38,000 career points pic.twitter.com/W7DvUvFB7s

— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2023

The post Weekend Recap: LeBron James Makes History and Ja Morant Challenges All Rim-Protectors appeared first on SLAM.

Maya Moore has officially announced her retirement

4x WNBA Champ
2013 Finals MVP
2014 WNBA MVP
6x WNBA All-Star
3x All-Star MVP
2x NCAA Champ

Thank you Maya, for what you’ve done for this game, but more importantly what you’ve done for this world. pic.twitter.com/eyboNiWaYd

— WSLAM (@wslam) January 16, 2023

The four-time champion stepped away from the WNBA in 2019 to help her eventual husband, Jonathan Irons, win his freedom after his 50-year prison sentence was overturned in 2020. Irons married Moore shortly after his release, and they had their first child, Jonathan Jr., in July.

Moore was noncommittal about playing basketball up until Monday. The former MVP put the thought of seeing her play again to rest when she announced her retirement decision on Good Morning America.

“Well, I think it’s time to put a close to the pro basketball life,” Moore said. “I walked away four seasons ago but wanted to officially retire. This is such a sweet time for us and our family. The work we’ve done. I want to continue that in our next chapter. Be home for my community and family. … That’s what I’m moving into. Hanging it up.”

“I think it is time to put a close to the pro basketball life.”

Maya Moore announces her retirement from the WNBA and professional basketball.

via @GMA pic.twitter.com/k3VrAeNFJe

— Sean Hurd (@seanahurd) January 16, 2023

Moore finished her legendary career as a four-time champion, one-time Finals MVP, former MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and two-time national champion with the Uconn Huskies. Moore can be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame as soon as 2024 because she stopped hooping four years ago. She missed the deadline to be on this year’s ballot by a month.

As a former No. 1 selection, Moore matched the hype from her vaunted high school and college career, averaging 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game during her eight-year career with the Minnesota Lynx.

The post Maya Moore Officially Retires From Basketball appeared first on SLAM.

BREAKING: Billionaire mortgage lender Mat Ishbia is finalizing a purchase of the Phoenix Suns, sources tell ESPN. The deal, expected to be completed in the near future, would end the tumultuous tenure of owner Robert Sarver.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 20, 2022

The deal is reportedly worth $4 billion per Woj. Ishbia will be bringing in his brother, Justin, as a significant investor and alternate governor for the Suns, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

ESPN Sources: Ishbia’s purchase price is in the neighborhood of $4 billion. https://t.co/HzH2XSspHp

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 20, 2022

Sarver and Ishbia also released their own official statements. Sarver called Ishbia “the right leader to build on franchise legacies of winning and community support,” while Ishbia said that he’s “honored” to be the “next stewards of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.”

Official: Mat and Justin Ishbia reach agreement to buy majority stake of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury from Robert Sarver: pic.twitter.com/dEe6QGfZJP

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 21, 2022

Sarver has been looking to sell the Suns since he was suspended for a year and fined due to the League investigating allegations of a hostile workplace within the Phoenix front office. The fine and suspension were met with many mixed emotions from players, the players union, and even a chairman of the Suns’ ownership group.

Ultimately, Sarver’s decision to sell won’t go down as infamously as Donald Sterlings’ ouster, but it does clarify that the NBA won’t stand down to allegations of racism and allegations within franchise front offices in the League.

The post REPORT: Robert Sarver Set to Sale Suns to Billionaire Mat Ishbia appeared first on SLAM.

“I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon. 

When news broke of the eight-time All-Star’s freedom, the basketball community rejoiced and sent all BG their best wishes and celebrations.

Griner thanked her family, friends, supporters, and her faith for “keeping her going” during her wrongful detainment in Russia.

“I am grateful to each person who advocated for me, especially my wife, Cherelle Griner, my family, Lindsay Kagawa Colas and Casey Wasserman and my whole team at Wasserman, Vince Kozar and the Phoenix Mercury, the players of the WNBA, and my entire WNBA family, Terri Jackson and the WNBPA staff, my Russian legal team Maria Blagovolina and Alex Boykov, the leaders, activists, and grassroots organizations, Gov. Richardson and Mickey Bergman of the Richardson Center, the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, Roger Carstens and the SPEHA team, and of course, a special thank you to President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary Blinken and the entire Biden-Harris Administration,” she wrote.

Griner’s full statement is below.

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A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

The post Brittney Griner Shares Public Statement for the First Time, and Plans on Competing this WNBA Season appeared first on SLAM.

“I would be hugely disappointed if certainly in five years we haven’t seen our first female head coach in the NBA,” Silver told NCAA reporter Bonnie Berstein on a recent podcast.

If there’s anyone that will be the first to accomplish such a feat in this unknown territory, it’s Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon.

Hammon spent eight years as an assistant coach for Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. She is already the first woman to serve as the head coach in an NBA game in 2020, a game where San Antonio took on the Los Angeles Lakers. After getting interviewed by several teams in the League like the Portland Trail Blazers, the 45-year-old did not receive a head coaching position from any of the teams that interviewed her.

Hammon would then fulfill the head coaching duties in Las Vegas, leading them to their first WNBA Championship during her first season as the head coach.

Hammon will likely be a top candidate to become a head coach in the NBA. Same for Theresa Witherspoon and Kara Lawson. Sooner, rather than later, a woman will break down those barriers.

The post Adam Silver Wants a Female Head Coach in the NBA Within ‘the Next Five Years’ appeared first on SLAM.

Diggins-Smith had a very impressive 2022 season for the Phoenix Mercury, even though she missed games towards the end due to personal reasons. However, in the 30 games, Diggins-Smith started, she averaged 19.7 points per game, 5.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds.

Even though the game misses Diggins-Smith, she has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season as she prepares for the birth of her second child. However, with that being said, we should not be surprised to see her back out on the court hooping when the new WNBA season starts!

The post Skylar Diggins-Smith Adds Emmy Award to Her Resume appeared first on SLAM.

The WNBA superstar’s release has garnered reactions across the W and the women’s basketball world. From her Phoenix Mercury teammates to her many supporters, here’s what the hoops community has said about her return home.

Phoenix Mercury

No more days. She’s coming home pic.twitter.com/HsjbdPfdn5

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) December 8, 2022

Brianna Turner

Thank you to every single person that kept Brittney Griner’s name alive #WEAREBG https://t.co/Ltx4PEFqAK

— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) December 8, 2022

Kia Nurse

BG is coming home!!!!!

— Kia Nurse (@KayNurse11) December 8, 2022

Shay Peddy:

Went from FREE BG to BG is FREE!! Won’t he do it!

— Shey Peddy (@SheyP11) December 8, 2022

Lexie Brown:

Brenna Stewart

Dearica Hamby

Rhyne Howard:

Chelsea Gray

A’ja Wilson:

Jonquel Jones:

Sue Bird:

Eric Wheeler

Sydney Colson:

Griner’s alma mater, Baylor University, also celebrated her release. Kim Mulkey, who coached BG at Baylor, told ESPN: “God is good. Prayers are powerful. Brittney is on her way home, where she belongs. Our prayers remain with her and her family as they recover and heal together.”

Current Baylor coach Nicki Collen added, “After nearly 10 months, we are thrilled and relieved to hear the long-awaited news of BG’s return. Today is the day we’ve been praying for, and we will continue to pray as she reunites with her family and begins recovering from her experience. Baylor family, she’s coming home!”

In addition to players in the W and BG’s former coaches, a range of women’s basketball trailblazers and supporters reacted to the news of her release.

Dawn Staley:

Chiney Ogwumike:

Swin Cash:

Holly Rowe:

Ari Chambers:

The NBA and WNBA also made official statements about Griner being released and heading home to be with her family.

Cathy Engelbert:

The following statement was released in regards to Brittney Griner's return home: pic.twitter.com/p0D0nhaNDW

— WNBA (@WNBA) December 8, 2022

Adam Silver:

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today issued the following statement regarding Brittney Griner: pic.twitter.com/9QFqWIn1a4

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 8, 2022

The post WNBA Players and Coaches React to Brittney Griner’s Return Home appeared first on SLAM.

The WNBA star has been released from Russia detention after a successful prisoner swap exchanging the former champ for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to multiple reports.

BREAKING: Brittney Griner has been freed in a prisoner-swap and is now in U.S. custody. pic.twitter.com/zZlIxNYAEo

— WSLAM (@wslam) December 8, 2022

Griner is now in U.S. custody and will undergo a medical evaluation in the United Arab Emirates. President Joe Biden is expected to hold a press conference at 8:30 in the morning with Griner’s wife, Cherelle, beside him, per the White House.

“She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home,” Biden said at the White House Thursday morning, per CNN. “After months of being unjustly detained in Russia, held under untolerable circumstances, Brittney will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones, and she should have been there all along.”

Cherelle followed up President Biden’s statement and said that her “family is whole” after BG’s release came.

“Today I’m just standing here overwhelmed with emotions, but the most important emotion that I have right now is just sincere gratitude for President Biden and his entire administration,” she said, per ABC.

“It’s a happy day for me and my family,” she said.

Fromer marine and fellow American Paul Whelan was not included in the prisoner swap. He’s been in Russian custody for alleged espionage. The president said that the exclusion of Whelen in the deal “was not a choice of which American to bring home,” and was critical of Russia for “treating Paul’s case differently than Brittney’s.”

U.S. officials went on to say that Griner’s release was “the only deal we could make” and that once it became clear Russia wouldn’t swap for Whelan, the U.S. accepted it, and it became ” a choice to get Brittney or nothing,” according to the official.

Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.

She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022

Griner’s release comes a few months after she was convicted of drug possession and smuggling in August. The controversial ordeal began in February after Russian authorities discovered and arrested her for possessing a vape cartridge containing hashish oil, a.k.a marijuana. After her conviction was upheld, Griner spent time in a harsh Russian penal colony.

The post Brittney Griner in U.S. Custody After Successful Prisoner Swap appeared first on SLAM.

MAY 19TH WHERE YOU AT @WNBA

— WSLAM (@wslam) November 30, 2022

The W’s opening Friday features four games: the Washington Mystics will host the New York Liberty, the Connecticut Sun will play the Indiana Fever on the road, the Minnesota Lynx will host the Chicago Sky, and the Phoenix Mercury will travel to Los Angeles to play the Sparks on the road.

The defending champion Las Vegas will start their title defense on Saturday, May 20, against the Seattle Storm on the road. The Atlanta Dream and Dallas will play in Dallas as well. Saturday will conclude with Connecticut hosting Washington, Indiana will go on the road to play New York, and the Sky will play y the Mercury in Phoenix.

The W will host its 19th All-Star Game on July 15 at a yet-to-be-determined location. The Commissioner’s Cup will run from May 19-July 12, and the championship game will be played Aug. 15. The WNBA’s 40 regular-season slate is four more than 2022 and eight more than 2021. The League will announce its TV and streaming schedule at a later date.

The blockbuster 2023 free agency period will be on Jan. 21, when free agents can start negotiations. Those free agents can sign deals as soon as Feb. 1. The Sun, Wings, Fever, Mystics, and Sparks have all filled in their head coach vacancies going into free agency; the Sun hired Stephanie White, the Wings hired Latricia Trammel, the Fever hired Christie Sides, the Mystics brought in Eric Thibault, and the Sparks hired Curt Miller.

The 2023 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 10, 2023. The Fever holds the No. 1 overall pick.

The post WNBA Releases Regular-Season Schedule for the ’23 Season appeared first on SLAM.

“I just did my treadmill workout downstairs and lifts in the hotel before heading to the studio,” Parker said. “I call it my citizen workout. I was working out six days after we (the Chicago Sky) lost this year. I just wanted to compete at everything, whether it was dominos or beach volleyball. That’s my mentality because I hate losing. So right now, yeah, I’m game.”

“Let’s see if my body feels this way in January or February, but I plan to play. I plan to come back. Last year, it was the reverse. I couldn’t imagine lacing up the shoes again. I could not imagine going through Game 27 on the schedule. Then a switch flipped in February, and I was ready to go. I like to take the offseason and take my time, but right now, I don’t know if I’ve dribbled my last ball on the court.

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Parker is set to become a free agent, but according to Dietsch, Parker will likely only play for Chicago or Los Angeles. During her interview, CP3 spoke about her future in the WNBA, the recently announced documentary about her life, Brittney Griner, and her broadcasting career.

Over her 16-year tenure, Parker has accomplished a Hall-of-Fame career. She’s a two-time champ, 2016 Finals MVP, two-time MVP, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Olympic gold medalist, 2008 Rookie of the Year, seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-WNBA selection, five-time All-Defensive pick, and a member of the 20th and 25th WNBA anniversary team.

The post Candace Parker: ‘I Plan to Come Back’ for 2023 Season appeared first on SLAM.

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗

Head Coach @coachthibault is retiring from coaching the Washington Mystics.

The 3-time WNBA Coach of the Year, 2019 WNBA Champion and winningest coach in WNBA history will continue with the Mystics as our General Manager.

https://t.co/vGX6a2DCci pic.twitter.com/saMvZOJ6ty

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) November 15, 2022

Thibault, 72, will hand off head coaching duties to his son, Eric Thibault, and will now join the front office of the Mystics as the general manager. In a press conference announcing his retirement, Thibault shed recognition to the ownership group that believed in his abilities to bring Washington its first championship in franchise history.

“I will be forever grateful to Ted Leonsis, Sheila Johnson, and the Monumental ownership group for the support and resources they have given us to succeed,” said Thibault. “As well as the lifetime friendships that we have formed, I have been blessed to have worked with so many great players here in D.C. and throughout my career, and I’m excited to still be around the wonderful core group we have returning this coming season.”

Associate Head Coach Eric Thibault has been elevated to Head Coach!!@ET_hoops, who has spent 10 seasons on our staff has helped lead the team to eight postseason appearances, has directed much of the player development in his four years as Assoc. Head Coach.

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) November 15, 2022

Thibault is in the Mount Rushmore of WNBA figures, and his resume speaks for itself. Thibault is the winningest coach in WNBA history after winning 379 games throughout his career with the Mystics and Connecticut Sun.

In three of his 19 seasons, Thibault was awarded the prestigious coach of the year award in 06′, 08′, and 13′. The wins came in bunches, but the epitome of his coaching legacy came from his first championship in 2019.

The Mystics went 26-8 that season and were led by 2019 MVP Elena Delle Donne, Kristi Toliver, and Emma Meesseman, to name a few. That Big 3 set the edge for their Finals series against Thibault’s former Sun team. The Mystics made it to the Finals the year before but were swept by the Seattle Storm. Game 5 of the 2019 WNBA Finals was just a little more significant with the backdrop of trying to win Thibault’s and Washington’s first-ever title.

It was the cherry on top to finally be crowned a champion for Thibault. His role now is to hope his son delivers the same success he has had for the last two decades.

“A special thanks to the wonderful staff we have had throughout our time here – I couldn’t ask for better teammates in this journey,” said Thibault. “I have had so many great mentors and met so many unbelievable people because of the game of basketball – thanks to all of them. Thanks also to our great fans who believed in us when we promised them a championship after all the years of waiting.”

The post Mike Thibault Retires After Legendary Coaching Career appeared first on SLAM.

On Wednesday, Griner’s legal team announced that she was in the process of being transferred to a Russian penal colony to serve her nine-year sentence for alleged drug smuggling. While Griner’s family may not know where she is for some time because “notification is given via official mail and normally takes up to two weeks to be received,” it is well known that Russian penal colonies have far harsher conditions than Griner’s previous jail in Moscow. 

This heartbreaking news sparked reactions from many prominent women’s basketball figures and organizations.

Following BG’s legal team’s announcement, President Joe Biden stated that he is “determined to get her home.”

“My hope is that now that the [midterm elections are] over, that Mr. Putin will be able to discuss with us and be willing to talk more seriously about a prisoner exchange,” Biden said.

U.S. officials made a “serious” offer to Russia to trade for BG’s freedom in June, but the offer was unsuccessful. In a statement Wednesday morning, the White House revealed that despite numerous additional attempts, they had not received a legitimate counteroffer from Russian officials.

“In the subsequent weeks, despite a lack of good faith negotiation by the Russians, the U.S. Government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with the Russians through all available channels,” it said. “The U.S. Government is unwavering in its commitment to its work on behalf of Brittney and other Americans detained in Russia — including fellow wrongful detainee Paul Whelan.”

“Our primary concern continues to be BG’s health and well-being. As we work through this very difficult phase of not knowing exactly where BG is or how she is doing, we ask for the public’s support in continuing to write letters and express their love and care for her.”

“We are thankful for everyone’s support and hope that as we near nine months of detention, that BG and all wrongfully detained Americans will be shown mercy and returned home to their families for the holidays.”

The Women's National Basketball Players Association's Statement Regarding Brittney Griner's Transfer to Russian Penal Colony. pic.twitter.com/mQg0kJ57I3

— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) November 9, 2022

Now, and every day, we continue to pray for BG and her family. Visit WeAreBG to learn more about what you can do to help.

The post Joe Biden Is ‘Determined’ to Bring Brittney Griner Home appeared first on SLAM.

The League’s competition committee recommended the rules changes, and the WNBA Board of Governors approved the rule changes. Both rules will take effect next season and are already used in the NBA.

WNBA coaches are allowed to challenge once per game, regardless of whether the challenge is successful or not. Challenges can be used to get an instant replay review of a foul, out-of-bounds violations, or a goaltending call.

The transition take foul, when a team deliberately fouls a player to stop a fast break, will award one free throw to the team that gets fouled. Anyone on the court can shoot the freebie, and the fouled team gets the ball back. The player who committed the foul will, of course, be assessed a foul.

The post REPORT: WNBA Set to Let Coaches Challenge Plays and Penalize Take Fouls appeared first on SLAM.

In their second season, AU features top women’s basketball talent worldwide, including Lexie Brown, Natasha Cloud, Odyssey Sims, DiJonai Carrington, Courtney Williams, Taj Cole, Evina Westbrook, and Destinee Walker.

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The innovative women’s professional basketball league comprises 44 of the country’s best women’s basketball players. The players compete both on teams and as individuals throughout a five-week season. Athletes earn points on team wins and individual performance, and the top four point earners become team captains for a week. The player leaderboard adds extra flare and excitement to the league because team captains can draft their teams. 

AU complements the WNBA and offers WNBA players an opportunity to stay in the United States year-round. Like many AU players, Smith could have chosen to play overseas. She opted for AU, “so [her] family could see [her] play again,” per Insider. 

Further, AU provided Smith with a much-needed “break.” 

“I went straight from college straight to the WNBA; then it would’ve been straight to overseas,” Smith said. “So I knew, like, as soon as the WNBA ended, I was gonna do AU because it gives you some time to prepare” and then “go compete at a high level.” 

Unlike the WNBA, Athletes Unlimited is built upon an athlete-centered model. Instead of sharing profits with owners, players split league profits or compete on behalf of non-profit organizations through AU’s Athletes Causes program. Additionally, players are empowered to decide on uniforms, roster formation, and league rules.

Only in its second season, AU is making its wave in the women’s basketball world by increasing the visibility of women’s basketball in the United States, uplifting its athletes, and offering the game in a unique format. 

When WNBA stars compete overseas, it’s nearly impossible for fans to follow their path. However, as Smith said, “after the WNBA season, a lot of players go overseas, but you don’t get to really watch them. AU you gives you that opportunity to keep watching and keep following your favorite players.”

The second AU season will take place in Dallas from Feb. 22 to Mar. 26. All 30 games will be accessible to audiences worldwide, including five contests on CBS Sports Network.

The post Allisha Gray and NaLyssa Smith Join 15 WNBA Players on Athletes Unlimited Roster appeared first on SLAM.

According to multiple reports, Griner appeared via video leak from her detention center on Sunday. A three-judge panel of the appeal court in Krasnogorsk, located outside of Moscow, made the decision.

“Brittney is a very strong person and has a champion’s character,” her lawyers said in a statement Monday, per The New York Times. “She, of course, has her highs and lows as she is severely stressed being separated from her loved ones for over eight months.”

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Griner has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17 after authorities at a Moscow-area airport said they found hashish (cannabis) oil in vape cartridges within her luggage. Hashish oil is an illegal substance in Russia, and possession carries a hefty penalty, as we see it is the case with Griner.

BG played overseas during the WNBA offseason and returned to Russia in February to join UMMC Ekaterinburg, her Euroleague Russian team, after a FIBA break. Griner’s sentencing and treatment have drawn criticism and concern from WNBA players who play overseas to supplement their WNBA salary.

After her arrest for illegally possessing less than one gram of the hashish oil, Griner was reportedly investigated for the “large-scale transportation of drugs and went on trial in July. Griner eventually pled guilty to the charges and told a judge she unintentionally packed the cannabis oil while rushing in preparation for leaving Russia. Griner’s legal team said that a doctor prescribed cannabis to her for chronic pain, and medical marijuana is legal in Phoenix.

On Aug. 4, a Russian court found Griner guilty of drug smuggling and illegal possession and sentenced her to nine years in prison. The U.S. state department and White House have opened up negotiations for a prisoner exchange ever since. Earlier this month, the White House said it sent “a substantial offer” on the table and urged Russian authorities to accept it or “bring a strong counteroffer.”

The deal includes a swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for Griner and Paul Whelan, another American arrested and convicted on espionage charges. Whelan was given a 16 years prison sentence in 2020 but has repeatedly denied the charges and asserted his innocence.

The post REPORT: Russian Court Uphold Brittney Griner’s Nine-Year Sentence appeared first on SLAM.

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Miller will be coaching the Sparks for the second time. He worked for the Sparks as an assistant in 2015 before he took over as the head coach of the Sun. According to Galligan, the Sparks are only hiring Miller as head coach despite his additional job as GM of the Sun.

The 2x WNBA Coach of the Year holds over 30 years of coaching experience and an overall record of 426-210 (.67) at the collegiate and professional levels. Sparks needed a proven winner and veteran coach – but most importantly a builder to get the franchise back to contention.

— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) October 21, 2022

Miller is a two-time Coach of the Year and holds an overall record of 426-210 at the collegiate and professional levels. Miller will be tasked with rebuilding the Sparks into a contender. The veteran coach will replace Derek Fisher, who was fired during the regular-season. The Sparks enter free agency looking to re-sign their starters, which are set to hit the open market.

Connecticut is the third franchise to start a coaching search after Dallas and Indiana.

The post REPORT: Sparks Set to Name Curt Miller as their Next Head Coach appeared first on SLAM.

It’s official

The 2023 #WNBA Draft Lottery presented by @StateFarm will take place Friday November 11th at 5:30pm/ET on ESPN2 ahead of the @GamecockWBB and @TerpsWBB college basketball showdown

Read the full release for more details

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 17, 2022

The Indiana Fever, Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics, and Minnesota Lynx will be featured in the draft, with the winner set to secure the top pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft.

The W’s lottery odds are calculated using combined records from the two most recent regular-seasons. Indiana (11-57) has the best chance to land the No. 1 pick (442-1,000) and is guaranteed to at least pick third overall, according to a League statement.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post 2023 WNBA Draft Lottery Set For Nov. 11 appeared first on SLAM.

• Extended, the USA record for most consecutive games, won to 29
• Became the first team to hold an opponent under 50 points in a World Cup semifinal game
• Recorded the largest margin of victory (40 points) in a World Cup semifinal game with 40 points

While Canada was No. 4 in the FIBA world rankings, they quickly became another victim of Team USA’s onslaught in the Cup this year.

Following their sub-par performance against Serbia on Thursday – when they trailed in the first and second quarters for the first time during the tournament – Team USA’s starters came out with a chip on their shoulder. A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Jewel Lloyd, Chelsea Gray, and Alyssa Thomas began the game on a 15-0 tear, holding Canada to only seven points In the first quarter. 

“I think that we weren’t happy with the way that we started yesterday against Serbia,” Breanna Stewart said per ESPN. “There were moments that we played well, but there were a lot of moments that we didn’t, and really making sure that that was the point of emphasis today. It was the way that we started the game, especially with our starters, that five, we wanted to make sure that we set the tone for the entire game.”

Draymond layup package!? High off the glass. (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/tR0g1jE6PE

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) September 30, 2022

Team USA followed the starter’s lead, doubled down on their defensive focus, and held Canada to an eight-point third quarter and 22 percent shooting from the field. The explosive trio of Stewart (17 points), A’ja Wilson (15 points, 12 rebounds), and Kelsey Plum (14 points) outscored Canada 46-43 by themselves.

“I was really pleased with our team’s attention to detail in the scouting report. Canada’s had a terrific tournament,” Coach Cheryl Reeve said. “I wanted them to make sure they understood what they just did and how hard they made it for Canada to score the ball…that was a quality win for us. Our goal is to win a gold medal, and we’re in position to do that.”

The women’s national team will compete for a gold medal Saturday at 2 a.m. ET against China. Team USA won their group play battle with China, 77-63. They are seeking their fourth consecutive World Cup championship.

The post USA Women’s Team Set to Play China in World Cup Final appeared first on SLAM.

However, Team USA has won three straight World Cups for a reason. After Kahleah Cooper went down with an undisclosed injury, the U.S. reeled off a decisive 20-0 run and ultimately beat Serbia, 88-55, to cement their spot in the World Cup semifinals.

“I think that was kind of a moment where we really had to lock in,” A’ja Wilson said of Copper’s injury. “That first quarter kind of stumbled us a little. I know I was kind of caught off guard. We can’t have that. So I think for us and for the rest of the way, we’ve really got to lock in from the jump and understand that we can get whatever we want, we’ve just got to stay the course.”

Semi-Final update

Canada USA will be the first game of the day tomorrow, at 17:00 Sydney time (GMT+10)!#FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/AZ0WQye1bQ

— FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 29, 2022

Serbia, the No. 10 team in FIBA’s ranking, succeeded in executing its game plan to clog up the paint and make the game a grind-it-out physical matchup. Team USA ver Team Servia marked the first time that the Americans were outscored in the pain, 28-26. Kelsey Plum (17 points admitted that Serbia was “more physical than we’ve seen in the whole tournament.”

Team USA’s struggles with Serbia’s physical defense was illustrated by their 17 turnovers, the first time they turned the ball over more than their opponent during the World Cup.

“They had a lot of bodies in the paint,” Alyssa Thomas (13 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists) said. “Rightfully so, with us scoring 94 points in the paint [against Korea], I would do the same. But they focused on that, and we really had to knock down outside shots.”

Instead of relying on the paint to beat the Serbians, Team USA knocked down 11 three-pointers and hit 2-12 free throws. The Americans closed the first half with a 12-0 run to grab a 50-33 lead, and started the second-half with an 8-0 run. Team USA also held Serbia scoreless from the 3:39 mark of the second frame to the 5:15 mark in the thrid, allowing Serbia to score seven points the rest of the third quarter.

“I think we needed this push,” Wilson said. “I think we needed that first quarter to kind of wake us up a little bit because that’s what we’re going to see. It’s going to get tougher from here on out. So I think it was a good game for us to have. It’s also a good game for us to kind of see and toughen it out.”

Team USA will face Team Canada on Friday for the right to play in the gold medal game. The winner of the US-Canada game will play the winner of the Australia-China semifinal.

The post A’ja Wilson: Team USA ‘Needed This Push’ From Serbia Ahead of World Cup Semifinals appeared first on SLAM.

“Kah is just electric,” Stewart told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. “It seems like she just slithers to the basket. She’s able to find these gaps where she gets in and is able to get an easy layup. But she’s a spark. Whenever her name is called, she’s ready.”

Wilson also chimed in, saying, “Kah is very versatile,”

“We need a spark off the bench from her. Even in the starting lineup, she’s just going 100 percent through and through. When it comes to USA Basketball, it’s all about knowing your role, and I think for it to be a rookie, to come in and instantly understand her role, is huge for us. So we play off her energy.”

So far, Cooper has averaged 11 points on 53.8 percent shooting from the field, and 41.7 percent from three, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals while playing 20.0 minutes per game for Team USA.

Team USA Coach Cheryl Reeve also commented on Cooper’s recent play.

“She has been absolutely pivotal to not only penetration that you get, but her defense,” Reeve said. “She’s really taken some players out of games, and so kudos to her. She’s been an important part for us.”

With such high praise and respect coming from both coach and peers, Cooper spoke about what being able to play for Team USA meant to her. Cooper had this to say: coming off a disappointing semifinal loss in the playoffs.

“It was just important that I didn’t miss a beat and that competitor and that fire in me continued to stay lit,” Cooper said. “I think this is special, and this is a big-time opportunity for me.”

One of Cooper’s personal bucket list goals is to win gold as a part of the US Women’s Basketball team, and with this roster, that goal, without a doubt, is attainable. If Team USA can keep dominating, as their recent play has shown, they will likely bring home gold, and Cooper can check an accomplishment off her list.

The post Kahleah Cooper’s ‘Electric’ Play Leading Team USA into World Cup Quarterfinal appeared first on SLAM.

After shattering their record for most points scored in a game and the most points scored in a match by ANY team in the World Cup with 145 against South Korea, they reached another milestone. Defeating Bosnia 121-59, the star-studded squad recorded the USA’s 27th consecutive win, breaking the country’s previous record. 

Team USA has been rolling through this year’s World Cup competition. Seven of the team’s 11 active players scored in double-digits, led by Kelsey Plum with 20 points and seven assists, while Chelsea Gray followed close behind with 16 points and seven assists. Breanna Stewart and Shakira Austin each added 15 points to the team’s total. Austin finished shooting 7-9 from the field in just 13 minutes of action.

The USWNT continues its road to the trophy on Thursday against Serbia.

The post USA Women’s Basketball Breaks Second Record in Two Days appeared first on SLAM.

Dupree was the sixth overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft and played for fifteen seasons in the W. The seven-time WNBA All-Star won a WNBA Championship in 2014 with the Phoenix Mercury.

The news was initially reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

By joining the Spurs’ staff, Dupree is now following in the footsteps of her predecessor and former Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon, who just led the Las Vegas Aces into a new era after winning not only the 2022 WNBA Coach of the Year Award, but the organization’s first-ever 2022 WNBA Championship.

“You’re starting to see a lot of women that are breaking into the NBA ranks and so they’re just like, ‘soak up as much as you can,’” Dupree told TheNextHoops in regard to advice she’s gotten from Dawn Staley and Ervin Monier, who was her coach at Temple. “Obviously, if I need any help from them [Staley and Monier], they’re there. If I need to steal plays and everything else, I have that available as well.”

As the 2022-23 NBA season approaches, Dupree and other female coaches across the League are continuing to pave the way for future generations.

The post REPORT: San Antonio Spurs are Hiring Former WNBA All-Star Candice Dupree as Assistant Coach appeared first on SLAM.

1. A’ja Wilson Pulls Out An All-Time Championship Shirt

The two-time league MVP and now world champion, A’ja Wilson let the public know how she planned on celebrating the victory. She asked in the press conference after the game if fans can take four shots in honor of the Game 4 win. The shirt resembles the early history she has implemented in the league as well as the party-hard characteristic she possesses.

2. The Introduction To The Best Trio

Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray and A’ja Wilson added the spark the team needed to get to this success all season long. Crediting each other’s accomplishments, each of them individually got creative with their dance moves when brought to the podium.

3. Dearica Hamby Announces Baby No. 2 On The Way

Dearica Hamby announced in the parade that her second child will be on the way moments after winning a championship. This pregnancy will leave a special memory to the Aces organization as Hamby still managed to play throughout the four-game series.

4. Owner Mark Davis Embraces The Accomplishment Done By The Aces

Las Vegas Raiders and Aces owner Mark Davis took the stage to congratulate the women that brought home Sin City’s first professional title. Davis was part of the celebration the night they won it all and includes the fans as a big part of this journey.

5. “This is only the beginning”— Kelsey Plum

Once it was Kelsey Plum’s turn to give a speech at the podium, she didn’t hesitate to announce what this victory does for years to come. Claiming they are ‘just getting started’ is quite the confidence coming out of the superstar and all of Las Vegas, but it proves their focus is now to defend their reign.

The post Top Five Moments of The Las Vegas Aces Championship Parade appeared first on SLAM.

The fantastic year has the Aces talking and feeling confident like any champion would in the wake of a banner year like they had. You know what they say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas; for reigning Finals MVP and point gawd Chelsea Gray, that statement couldn’t be more accurate. In fact, the former Duke Blue Devil let it be known right away that she plans on leading Las Vegas to back-to-back titles and seeing everybody at the same championship parade.

“We not done up in this thang, ya feel me? We still going,” Gray said per The Athletic. “That’s one. I’ll see y’all next parade.”

Yo this photo lowkey iconic

(via @tashanreed) pic.twitter.com/vfrdOPSNgV

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 21, 2022

Kelsey Plum also felt the same way during the parade, as did general manager Natalie Williams. Aces owner Mark Davis was happiest of all. Davis has fully invested in women’s basketball after his record-hiring of Coach Becky Hammon and the phenomenal hirings of Williams and team president Nikki Fargas. Davis’ plan to build a 50,000-square-foot facility will be completed in 2023.

“To the greatest fans in professional sports: Las Vegas, we are world champions,” Davis said to the crowd. “It wasn’t an overnight journey. The WNBA and this franchise has been around for 26 years. But, over the years, we’ve had alumni, fans, staff, coaches that helped to build this organization to where it is today, and I want to thank every one of them because you’re a part of this.”

Kelsey Plum’s a lil lit pic.twitter.com/h5eHak4ZeN

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) September 21, 2022

Las Vegas will be a title threat thanks to their young core of talent. A’ja Wilson is 26-years-old, Jackie Young is 25, Plum and Dearica Hamby will be 28. Gray and Riquna Williams will be 30 and 32-years-old respectively; however, both guards have shown that they’re more than capable of firework performances when it matters most. Especially Gray, who won Finals MVP due to her tough shotmaking.

“We don’t play but we still gotta ring!!”

Nah this parade about to be wild @SydJColson pic.twitter.com/miyDBGYS3B

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 21, 2022

Next season, the Aces will look to be the first champions to repeat since the Los Angeles Sparks did it in 2000 and 2001.

The post Chelsea Gray Intent on Defending Championship: ‘See Y’all Next Parade’ appeared first on SLAM.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/ykBrsEoxc0

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) September 21, 2022

Robert Sarver has announced that he’s “beginning the process” to sell his majority stakes in the Suns and Mercury. Sarver is currently serving a one-year suspension after the NBA concluded its investigation into Sarver’s “workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies.” during his 18-year tenure as owner of the Phoenix franchises.

“Words that I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together – and strengthened the Phoenix area – through the unifying power of professional men’s and women’s basketball,” Sarver said in a public statement. “As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and the path to forgiveness. I expected that the commissioner’s one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love.

But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible – that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past. For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury.

BREAKING: In a statement, Robert Sarver writes, in part:

“I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury.”https://t.co/fMhWdDIM5M

— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) September 21, 2022

Sarver’s stunning announcement comes after the NBA players union, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Draymond Green expressed disappointment in varying degrees about his punishment. Green specifically called for the owners to vote Sarver out; James believed the League “definitely got this wrong,” while CP3 tweeted that “the sanctions fell short.”

“I do not want to be a distraction to these two teams and the fine people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world,” Sarver said.

“I want what’s best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, the fans, the community, my fellow owners, the NBA, and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone. In the meantime, I will continue to work on becoming a better person and continuing to support the community in meaningful ways. Thank you for continuing to root for the Suns and the Mercury, embracing the power that sports has to bring us together.”

There were always concerns that Sarver’s stubbornness and desire to paint himself as the victim would make him willing to continue as a pariah in the NBA community, but his decision to sell the Suns and Mercury bails out the league and his ownership peers. https://t.co/LD7o1OYhQ0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2022

Suns vice chairman Jahm Nafaji also came out and called for Sarver to resign as the owner of the Suns and Mercury. Commissioner Adam Silver let it be known that despite the precedent he set in 2015 when the NBA banned Donald Sterling due to his racist remarks, he didn’t “have the right to take away” Sarver’s ownership stakes.

Ownership in Phoenix should be more attractive after back-to-back brilliant seasons where the Suns recorded the best record in the League. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, League execs believe Phoenix could be a monster free agent destination with the proper ownership due to its warm weather climate

The post Robert Sarver ‘Beginning the Process’ of Selling Suns and Mercury appeared first on SLAM.

Coach Becky Hammon had a dominant showing as a rookie head coach, winning 2022 Coach of the Year as a result of her banner year. 

Chelsea Gray won Finals MVP after averaging 18.3 points and 6.0 assists per game on 45 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The Duke alum dropped a game-high 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists on 9-13 shooting from the field on Sunday, Game 4, to beat the Connecticut Sun.

The series-clinching win helped Las Vegas become the first team since the Washington Mystics in 2019 to have two different players winning the regular season and Finals MVP in the same season.

Gray joined her fellow teammate, A’ja Wilson, in doing so. Wilson took home League MVP after averaging 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game on 50.1 percent shooting from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc.

As for Kelsey Plum, she brought home some silverware of her own after her dazzling performance at the WNBA All-Star Game, dropping an All-Star Game record 30 points to take home the All-Star game MVP. 

The three joined Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Thompson from the 2000 Houston Comets team that won the three awards in the same season. Swoopes won League MVP, Cooper won Finals MVP, and Thompson took home All-Star Game MVP.

When you have players capable of being awarded any MVP honor, it is bound to be a recipe for disaster. Although Gray was not selected as an All-Star or All-WNBA team selection, her ability to step up in big moments is what separates her from other stars in the league. The Aces guard proved that on the biggest stage of them all, winning her second championship. 

The post Las Vegas Become the Second Team with Three Different MVPs in One Season appeared first on SLAM.

In May, Plum and Brady first met when the football star attended a game in Sin City between the Sun and the Aces. Plum’s squad also took the victory that day, and Plum showed out, scoring 18 points while dropping seven dimes. When the Aces star saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran in the stands after the game, she came over to introduce herself. 

“Man, you’re a dog; I love you,” said Plum.

The Aces guard then began barking at him. Brady matched her energy and screamed, “Yeah!”  

“We connected,” said Plum.

you just can’t not love @Kelseyplum10 and this team #LVAces #WNBATwitter https://t.co/gqP15bSQqt pic.twitter.com/0TOVTHcf7m

— desiree (@desireexcamacho) June 1, 2022

The post Tom Brady Praise Kelsey Plum and Las Vegas for Title Run appeared first on SLAM.

Typically attracted to Russian leagues by the combination of high salaries and valuable resources and amenities, it has become evident that the costs of going to Russia this season outweigh the benefits. Nearly a dozen WNBA players competed in Russia last year; none are returning.

MVP runner-up Breanna Stewart played alongside Griner in Russia on UMMC Ekaterinburg.

“Honestly, my time in Russia has been wonderful,” Stewart told The Guardian. “But especially with BG still wrongfully detained there, nobody’s going to go there until she’s home. I think that you know, now, people want to go overseas, and if the money is not much different, they want to be in a better place.”

Stewart is headed to Turkey to play for Fenerbahçe this offseason. 

It has been 214 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse @potus @vp , we are paying attention and we are counting on you. #WeAreBG

— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) September 20, 2022

Joining Stewart in their choice to not return to Russia are Jonquel Jones of Finals runners-up Connecticut Sun, Courtney Vandersloot of the Chicago Sky, and Emma Meeseman of the Chicago Sky. Vandersloot will suit up in Hungary, while Jones and Meeseeman will compete in Turkey.

Although she admits her club treated her well, and she formed strong relationships while in Russia, Vandersloot put it plainly:

“The thing about it is, we were treated so well by our club and made such strong relationships with those people, I would never close the door on that,” Vandersloot said. “The whole situation with BG makes it really hard to think that it’s safe for anyone to go back there right now.”

Once again, as long as their sister and teammate are wrongfully imprisoned, Russia is off the table as an off-season destination for WNBA players. In addition to vets like Stewart, Jones, Vandersloot, and Meeseman refusing to return to Russia, young players are electing for other overseas opportunities. Rhyne Howard, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, chose to play in Italy, stating that “everyone’s going to be a bit cautious seeing as this situation is happening”.

Following the 2020-21 season, more than 60 percent of the WNBA’s rostered players went overseas during the offseason. Traveling overseas to supplement their salaries takes players away from their homes and families and puts them at injury and safety risk. With plans to play a record-high 40 games next season and increase postseason bonus pools of money, the League continues to step toward making staying home a possibility.

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

The post WNBA Players Refusing to Compete in Russia This Offseason appeared first on SLAM.

The 12

Our 2022 USA Women’s World Cup Team to chase a fourth consecutive gold medal in Sydney!

#USABWNT x #FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/WnewsZsuw1

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) September 20, 2022

Ariel Atkins and Jewell Loyd are the only other Team USA players besides Wilson, Gray, and Stewart that will play in the World Cup that also played on the Tokyo Olympics teams. Plum will play on her second World Cup team after leading Team USA to Olympic gold with the 3×3 group. Stewie will play on her third World Cup team after winning World Cup MVP in 2018. Wilson and Loyd were members of the 2018 World Cup team.

The World Cup team will be the first in over 20 years not to feature Sue Bird or Diana Taurasi on the roster.

The two WNBA and UConn legends led Team USA to five of its seven consecutive Olympic gold medals and a combined nine World Cup medals. Sylvia Fowles and Tina Charles will also be left off Team USA due to retirement or moving on from national team obligations. Brittney Griner is another notable absence while the United States looks to negotiate her release from Russian prison due to illegal drug possession.

“After we won gold, [Bird] was like, ‘All right, it’s your turn now,'” Wilson told ESPN about Bird passing the Team USA torch, per ESPN. “I’m like, ‘Huh?’ When you really think about it, it’s me and Stewie. Everyone’s gone.”

“I don’t know who’s going to be talking in the timeouts now,” Wilson followed up. “We’ll be figuring it out. But, no, it’s a great thing. They’ve laid a great foundation for us to step in as the next-gen to carry the torch. I am probably terrified, but I’m excited as well just to get back out there with other greats. Let’s go get this gold.”

Shakira Austin, Kahleah Copper, Sabrina Ionescu, Brionna Jones, and Betnijah Laney are Team USA’s newest members for the Olympics or World Cup. Austin is the youngest member of the team and the only player to make it amongst her rookie class and college phenom and defending national champion Aliyah Boston.

The USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee selected the roster, which Connecticut Sun president Jen Rizzotti chairs.

“We’re in a little bit of a transition,” Stewart said. “But it really gives an opportunity for young players to come in and show what they’ve got and help take USA Basketball to the next level — and understand that everybody wants to beat us.

“Nobody wants us to win gold. And still, our goal every time that we are playing is to win the entire thing.”

God is so great to meI made the USA World Cup Team bro….BLESSED

— Shakira Austin (@Theylove_kira) September 20, 2022

Boston, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Rhyne Howard, NaLyssa Smith, and Jackie Young are amongst the most significant final cuts from the women’s national team roster.

“We have been eagerly anticipating the 2022 FIBA World Cup and welcome the opportunities and challenges this competition presents as we face the world’s best teams,” 2021-24 national team head coach Cheryl Reeve said in a news release. “The U.S. roster features some of our game’s brightest stars, and I’m excited to lead this team with the goal of winning a fourth consecutive World Cup for the USA. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who was part of our highly competitive training camp and hope to work with many of them again in the future.”

The Women’s World Cup runs Sept. 22-Oct. 1 in Sydney. Team USA starts group stage play against Belgium on Wednesday at 9:30 P.M. E.T.

The post Team USA Announces 2022 Women’s World Cup Team appeared first on SLAM.

Chelsea Gray was named WNBA Finals MVP after averaging 18.3 points per game and six assists per game on 58 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent shooting from three in four games against the Connecticut Sun.

The Aces already won a regular-season title this season after beating the Chicago Sky for the Commissioner’s Cup, and the Point God was MVP of that game as well. This season is a crowning achievement for Gray after she was controversially snubbed from the WNBA All-Star teams this July. However, Gray couldn’t care less at this point. 

“They can keep that All-Star and that First-Team,” Gray said defiantly. “I got the ring. Know what I’m saying?”

Gray finished Game 4 with a game-high 20 points in the Aces’ 78-71 closeout victory to put a cap on a truly historic postseason. Over ten playoff appearances, the former Duke Blue Devil averaged 21.7 points per game and seven assists per game on  72.7 percent true shooting on 14.4 field goal attempts per game. The Point God scored or assisted on 379 LVA points, the most in WNBA playoff history. Gray shot 54.4 percent from deep and 65.5 percent from inside the arc. 

Gray was expected to bring a championship pedigree to the Aces’ roster; this is her second championship after winning a title with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016.

“I couldn’t have done it without my team. They have been amazing,” Gray said. “I have worked so hard just to be here and hold up the trophy. This is great, but that team trophy is what I’ve been working for.” 

Gray and two-time MVP A’ja Wilson form an imposing duo and have a deep team behind them; more championships in the future would surprise no one. A’ja Wilson said after the clinching win,

“When you got a point guard like Chelsea Gray,” Wilson said triumphantly. “I ain’t worried about a damn thing!”

Gray is signed with the Aces for two additional seasons. 

The post Chelsea Gray: ‘They Can Keep’ All-Star and First-Team Selections After Winning A Championship and Finals MVP appeared first on SLAM.

In July, Hammon was asked by WSLAM about her career and how she planned to lead the Las Vegas Aces into a new era. When Hammon played in the WNBA, she made six All-Star appearances and four All-WNBA Teams. Then in 2021, Becky was named to The W25, a collection of the twenty-five most influential and greatest players in WNBA history.

“Honestly, it’s not like I’m setting out to do these things,” Hammon told WSLAM about barrier-breaking experiences in the NBA. “You show up, you work, you keep working, and you try to do your job to the best of your ability. And those other things just kind of take care of themselves.”

After a turbulent 2021-2022 NBA off-season in which many vacant head coaching positions were filled by candidates who were not Hammon, Las Vegas took their shot and landed their very own Ace. In Hammon’s first year with the team, she not only won a title and Coach of the Year, but her team earned the No.1 overall record; she was head coach of the 2022 All-Star team and won the Commissioner’s Cup Championship as well.

Since taking the reigns in Las Vegas, Hammon not only diversified Las Vegas’ offensive and defensive schemes but most importantly, she helped her team learn to believe in themselves.

“When you take the word ‘encourage,’ which actually means to give courage to another person, that’s what I’ve tried to speak into them every day,” Hammon said per Ballysports. “It’s how much I believed in them and that we could be special if we all do it together.”

Becky also stated that she believes that the first step to any winning culture is accountability.

“First thing that you have to do in building a championship culture is to set a tone of accountability. Bringing people together for a common goal that’s bigger than themselves, and then you’ve got to get the buy-in factor. My buy-in factor on each one of these women has been high, and I think they respond to me well. I try to be very clear with what their job is, what the expectation is,” Hammon said. “Then, everybody is held to the same line in the sense of, you know, nobody is shooting it over two, three people. Play the right way, and everybody wins, and when we win, everything else takes care of itself.”

It’s safe to say that Hammon’s first season as head coach of the Aces has been a success after leading the Aces to their first-ever title and helping A’ja Wilson win her second MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, Kelsey Plum win an All-Star game MVP, and Jackie Young become the 2022  Most Improved Player.

The post How Coach Becky Hammon Built a Championship Culture in Las Vegas appeared first on SLAM.

POINTGAWD. @cgray209 pic.twitter.com/cTFN8SPQLg

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 18, 2022

Gray averaged 18.3 points and six assists per game on 58.0 percent from the field and 45.0 percent from three-point range during the Finals. She scored or assisted on 379 of Las Vegas’ postseason sports, the most in WNBA playoff history, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

“There’s moments in a game where I do not have the ball in my hands, but I’m orchestrating or calling something just because I see it in a different view,” Gray said per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’ve watched a lot of basketball, and I rewatch our games all the time. It’s the little details that make the difference.”

THA #POINTGAWDDDDD has arrived @cgray209 // #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/kZPcwN4TVu

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 18, 2022

Gray concluded an all-time great postseason run, finishing Game 3 with 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists on 2-3 shooting from beyond the arc. For the postseason, Gray averaged 21.7 points and 7.0 assists per game on 61.1 percent shooting from the field and 55.3 percent from three-point range.

“Chelsea Gray is about the smartest basketball player I’ve ever been around — Her IQ is ridiculous,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said after Game 2.

CHELSEA GRAY @cgray209 // #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/xneo5MoiHf

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 18, 2022

Gray was perhaps the best shotmaker in the postseason, hunting out mismatches and hitting contested J’s at every point of Las Vegas’ run to the Finals. Her ability to score from all three-levels has made the Aces’ offense more potent as Coach Becky Hammon built more of the offense around Gray. After the All-Star break, Gray averaged 15.8 points and 6.2 assists per game on 54.3 percent shooting from the field over the final 14 games of the regular-season.

Oh my @cgray209

@espn pic.twitter.com/8YyFoz5dvd

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 18, 2022

Gray and the Aces will celebrate their title in Las Vegas on Tuesday at 5:30 P.M. Pacific time.

The post Chelsea Gray Wins 2022 Finals MVP After Leading Las Vegas to First Title appeared first on SLAM.

THAT’S GAME!!!!!! THE LAS VEGAS ACES ARE YOUR 2022 @WNBA CHAMPIONS pic.twitter.com/HA2gqVJBOh

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 18, 2022

The Aces were led by Chelsea Gray (20 points, five rebounds, and six assists on 2-3 shooting from beyond the arc.) and Riquana Williams (17 points off the bench on 5-9 shooting from long distance.) Kelsey Plum contributed 15 points, three dimes, and three steals. Jackie Young dropped 13 points, and A’ja Wilson followed up with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks.

https://t.co/hVRdHQk7s9 pic.twitter.com/UvvVwON4mA

— Dearica Marie Hamby (@dearicamarie) September 18, 2022

While Game 4 matched Connecticut’s preferred style of play, low-scoring and defense-oriented, the Aces were able to prevail and win a game that the Sun made sure they mucked up in every way possible. The Aces finished Sunday on an 8-0 run to take home their first WNBA Finals. Williams highlighted that run with a lethal stepback over Natasha Hiedeman that gave Las Vegas a decisive 76-71 lead over the Sun.

“You see it. You see it,” Wilson said during the Aces’ on-court celebration. “This is what we’re building. This is what we’re doing. This is it. I’m so happy right now.”

RIQUANA WILLIAMS EVERYONE (via @wnba) pic.twitter.com/0N0xGAsyH1

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 18, 2022

Las Vegas’ title caps off a banner year for the Aces, who took home the Commissioner’s Cup, MVP (Wilson), All-Star Game MVP (Plum), Defensive Player of the Year honors (Wilson), Most Improved Player (Young), and Coach of the Year (Coach Becky Hammon). Hammon is the first in WNBA history to win a title in her first season as a head coach. Hammon worked as an assistant on Gregg Popovich’s coaching staff on the San Antonio Spurs for eight years.

“She’s been absolutely unbelievable, and I guess this legitimizes the way we went after her,” said Davis per ESPN. “I can’t wait to see what these rings are going to look like.”

Hammon changed up Las Vegas’ offensive philosophy this season, challenging the Aces to take more three-pointers than ever. The Aces responded by going 343-951 from beyond the arc, taking 519 more triples than they did last season (162-432). Wilson made 31 three-pointers during the regular-season. Wilson won her second MVP this season and has now added a title and an Olympic gold medal, cementing her place as a WNBA legend by 26-years-old.

All of Las Vegas’ key players are returning next season, giving the Aces a chance to be the first WNBA team to win consecutive championships since the Los Angeles Sparks did it in 2001-2002.

“It’s a commitment to wanting to keep a group together,” said Gray, who also won a title with Los Angeles in 2016. “You think about the teams in the past who kept a core group together, like Minnesota or Phoenix or Seattle, it’s a commitment to excellence and wanting to leave a legacy.

“I think especially with a first-year head coach, our bond got even a little tighter and stronger. For the organization to understand what it takes to not just do it one year, but try to do it multiple years, that’s when you’re talking about a more legendary franchise. Hopefully, that’s what we can be.”

The Aces will celebrate their title run with a championship parade on Tuesday at 5:30 P.M pacific time.

The post Chelsea Gray and Riquna Williams Lead Las Vegas to First-Ever Title appeared first on SLAM.

The 2022 All-WNBA First Team:

• A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
• Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm
• Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces
• Skylar Diggins-Smith, Phoenix Mercury
• Candace Parker, Chicago Sky

Heading the first team are unanimous selections A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. A’ja Wilson adds her All-WNBA selection to her MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. She averaged 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game this season.

Rounding out the first team are Wilson’s teammate Kelsey Plum, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Candace Parker. Plum received her first All-WNBA honor, while Parker received her seventh All-WNBA selection, tying Tamika Catchings and Lauren Jackson for the third most First-Team appearances of all time.

The 2022 All-WNBA Second Team:

• Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun

• Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
• Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota Lynx
• Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks
• Jonquel Jones, Connecticut Sun

With her Second Team selection, Sabrina Ionescu makes her first All-WNBA team in just her second full season in the W. To cap off her iconic career, Sylvia Fowles received her eighth All-WNBA honor. 

A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces and Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones of the Connecticut Sun continue to battle for the WNBA championship. Tune in to watch Game 4 on Sunday, September 18, at 4 pm ET.

The post A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart Headline 2022 All-WNBA Teams appeared first on SLAM.

Connecticut dominated Game 4 thanks to Alyssa Thomas’ historic triple-double outing and their ability to dominate the paint. The Sun scored a Finals record 64 points at the rim, while holding Las Vegas to 26 points. The Sun also recieved a resurgent performance from DeWanna Bonner, who contributed 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals for her best Finals performance yet.

Jonquel Jones followed that up with a team-high 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 8-12 shooting from the field, including 14 points in the paint. When asked about her dominance at the rim, Jones said that “that’s been the M.O. of the playoffs,” while also admitting that Lisa Leslie basically told her that dominating inside will help Connecticut win a championship.

“That’s been the M.O. of the playoffs,” Jones said per the AP. “Even the Chicago series, the team that won the paint, won the game. That’s where it’s done. A long time ago, I talked to Lisa Leslie and she said to win a championship you have to win the paint. I see it now and feel it now. I can go back to that and see she was right.”

Jonquel Jones on advice she once received from WNBA legend Lisa Leslie:
“To win the championship you gotta win the paint.”

— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) September 16, 2022

When Coach Becky Hammon was asked about what Connecticut did differently to beat her Aces, she could only say that nothing was different, “they just did it harder.”

“They didn’t do a whole lot different,” Hammon said. “They just did it harder.”

She also described Connecticut as a “physical and very resilient,” team that came into Game 3 with a “battle-type mentality.” Hammon also straight up admitted that Connecticut “kicked our ass in every way possible.” on Thursday.

“If you could encapsulate Connecticut, it’s physical and very resilient,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said of the Sun. “They have kind of a battle-type mentality, and we didn’t match that tonight, in any category. They just kicked our ass in every way possible.”

"They didn't do a whole lot different. They just did it harder." – Becky Hammon @TheNextHoops #WNBAFinals

— Howard Megdal (@howardmegdal) September 16, 2022

Connecticut will look to tie their best-of-five series up against Las Vegas on Saturday at 4 P.M EST.

The post Jonquel Jones Dominates Game 3 Thanks to Lisa Leslie’s Advice ‘to Win the Paint’ appeared first on SLAM.

Thomas finished Game 3 with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Sun has now won all four of their elimination games in the postseason, beating Dallas in the first round, beating Chicago in Games 4 and 5, and have now beaten Las Vegas in Game 3 to force Game 4.

“We’ve been struggling offensively, and we finally got a game back at home, and my teammates were hitting shots,” Thomas said per the AP. “None of this would have been possible without them.”

Alyssa Thomas gets the first-ever TRIPLE-DOUBLE in WNBA Finals history pic.twitter.com/ps4YVUbsqq

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 16, 2022

When Coach Curt Miller was asked about Thomas and her performance, he lauded Thomas’ toughness and her consistent effort as well.

“What’s remarkable, you guys, is that’s every day. She doesn’t know how else to play,” Miller said. “So if we’re playing and we’re not going 75 percent, or we’re not skeleton, or we’re not doing something 50 percent, if we’re not playing, that’s how AT plays, and that’s what’s different. She’s probably the toughest player I’ve ever coached, but she’s the most consistent player in terms of effort that I’ve ever been around. I know what I’m gonna get every single day. That show she plays, and that’s what makes her special she doesn’t know how to play other than that way.”

“She’s probably the toughest player I’ve ever coached”@CurtMillerWBB speaks about the toughness of @athomas_25 after she erupted for a 16 PTS, 15 REB and 11 AST triple-double #MoreThan pic.twitter.com/r5k4qngheO

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 16, 2022

After Las Vegas got off to a quick start scoring nine of the game’s first 11 points to force a quick Connecticut timeout, that timeout from Miller settled the Sun in and helped Connecticut outscore the Aces 32-10 the rest of the first quarter, including 25 of the opening frames’ final 29 points.

The Sun dominated the paint on Thursday, scoring a Finals record 64 points at the rime while holding Las Vegas to 26 points. Connecticut used that advantage to lead Las Vegas 53-34 with 1:44 left in the second quarter before the Aces reeled off a 9-0 run, including a buzzer-beating triple from Kelsey Plum from just inside half-court. After halftime, Connecticut took the momentum after a quick 5-0 run to grab a 16-point lead they wouldn’t give up.

“Connecticut came in with a better mental approach than we did,” Coach Becky Hammon said. “I don’t know if we thought we were just gonna show up and they were gonna lay down and hand us the trophy, but we should know better by now that’s a team that is very resilient. If you could encapsulate this team, it’s physical and very resilient — and they have a kind of battle-type mentality, and we didn’t match that tonight.”

Las Vegas leads the best-of-five series 2-1, with Game 4 on Sunday in Connecticut.

The post Connecticut Forces Game 4 Behind Alyssa Thomas’ Historic Triple-Double Outing appeared first on SLAM.

Having two Black female executives in a single front office is a rarity even in the WNBA. Fargas is responsible for “grounding the organization in a time of flux,” while Williams is making sure the Aces maintain a stable and promising on-court future.

“When you have two Black women in executive roles, you always talk about, they will be what they see,” Fargas said per Andscape. “When you think about this game being heavily populated by Black and brown faces, but then there’s not the representation of what the League looks like, and there’s not that representation outside of you just being a player. 

“We have to change that narrative.”

two Black women lead the front office of the next WNBA champion – Aces are the only team in the W with that level of representation. a deep dive from ⁦@seanahurd⁩ for ⁦@andscape⁩: https://t.co/37mF7PyWOD

— Jesse Washington (@jessewashington) September 15, 2022

Williams is the second-consecutive Black general manager to lead a WNBA Finals after James Wade, head coach and GM of the Chicago Sky. Over the League’s 26 Finals series, there have only been four instances where consecutive Finals featured at least one team with a Black GM. WNBA legend Penny Toler became the first black GM to win a title after leading the Sparks to three consecutive appearances from 2001-2003, winning back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001.

Fred Williams oversaw the Atlanta Dreams’ Finals appearance in 2013 as head coach and GM, with former coach and GM Pokey Chatman following up by leading the Sky to a Finals appearance. Toler made two more consecutive appearances in 2016-2017 with the Sparks. In total, 10 teams made a Finals appearance while being led by a Black general manager.

Cheryl Smith was the pioneer, leading the Phoenix Mercury to the ’98 Finals as head coach and GM. Toler has the most Finals appearances for any Black GM, winning a title three times out of her five Finals appearances. Should the Aces finish their sweep of the Connecticut Sun on Thursday, it’ll be the first time in WNBA history that two different black GMs won championships in consecutive years.

Williams is the only Black female general manager in the 12-team WNBA. 

Fargas is the only Black executive to hold the title of team president in the WNBA. The only other Black woman in a similar or higher front office role is Keia Clarke, the CEO of the New York Liberty, and Natalie White, the senior VP of the San Jose Sharks. Fargas is well aware of the lack of diversity in front offices around the WNBA and intends to challenge the status quo around the League.

“You are aware of that,” said Fargas, the only Black head coach in any sport while at LSU. “We kind of have to succeed.”

While Fargas is a champion of diversity from her presidential role, she also believes that the mentality must be adopted around the League, starting with ownership. Fargas gave Davis his flowers for hiring and entrusting her with many of the personnel decisions for the organization.

“I think there are so many qualified people out there that may not look like you or just come from a different background,” Fargas said. “You can find them; it’s just, are you looking for them? I’m always looking, but I also believe that we should have diversity within our organization, and that’s what we’ve done.”

Last fall, the Aces leaned on Fargas to balance the franchise after former coach Bill Laimbeer stepped down and former GM Dan Padover left for a similar position with the Atlanta Dream. Her solution was to hire Hammon as the team’s new head coach and then hire Williams as the Aces’ GM in April. She also hired franchise legend Jennifer Azzi, as a chief business development officer.

Fargas also signed Theresa Plaisance, re-signed Riquna Williams and Kiah Stokes, and re-signed 2022 MVP A’ja Wilson to a two-year contract. Williams then reached an extension deal with Jackie Young, the 2022 Most Improved Player, in May, extended Chelsea Gray, negotiated an extension with Dearica Hambyin June, and re-signed Plum in July.

“We wanted them all coming back. They’re incredible young ladies and amazing athletes,” said Williams, who will soon shift her focus to the 2022 WNBA MVP. “This next year, I’ve got to get A’ja Wilson re-signed.”

The Aces are set to potentially conclude the WNBA Finals with a sweep to clinch their first title in franchise history on Tuesday.

The post Nikki Fargas and Natalie Williams Look to Create Change As Leaders in the Aces’ Front Office appeared first on SLAM.

“She makes big plays,” teammate Kelsey Plum said per ESPN. “She wants the ball in big moments. You feel safe when she has the ball.”

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Her tough shotmaking has been a critical reason that Las Vegas enters Thursday’s Game 3 with a 2-0 lead and a chance to sweep the series and win their first title in franchise history. Gray is playing with a level of confidence and swag that makes her the most dangerous player on the court. She’s recorded five 20-point, five-dime games this postseason, one short of the all-time League record, per ESPN.

Heading into Game 3, out of the 124 shots Gray has shot in the playoffs, 96 were contested. She has knocked down 61 (63.5 percent) of those contested shots. Significantly better than the 50 percent she hit on uncontested shots during Las Vegas’ run to the Finals, according to ESPN.

“What makes her so special is her ability to make contested shots,” Sun Coach Curt Miller said. “This league is filled with incredible players that make open shots. What separates Chelsea is she makes as many contested shots as anyone. Chelsea is elite at it, against a variety of players guarding her, in her face.”

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When asked about Gray’s high-level play, Coach Becky Hammon spoke about how she and Gray immediately connected when Hammon first joined the Aces. The two point guards bonded over the fact they’ve had to deal with two serious knee injuries during their careers and can empathize with the process it took for Gray to rebuild her career after she suffered consecutive knee injuries before her professional career began.

“But it builds a toughness in you that you’ll need down the road,” Hammon said. “It’s devastating when you’re an athlete, but then you really only have two choices. You either don’t get better, or you work your ass off to get better. We’ve seen what Chelsea did.”

The Aces will look to finish off a series sweep of the Connecticut Sun on Thursday at 9 pm EST.

The post Coach Curt Miller on What Makes Chelsea Gray ‘Special’ appeared first on SLAM.

Basketball fans hope he’d be terminated altogether, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver believes he has ‘no right’ to remove Sarver from his position in ownership of the teams.

“I don’t have the right to take away his team,” said Silver. “I don’t want to rest on that legal point because, of course, there could be a process to take away someone’s team in this League. It’s very involved, and I ultimately made the decision that it didn’t rise to that level. But, to me, the consequences are severe here on Mr. Sarver.”

The NBA has faced racial misconduct amongst ownership in the past, most notably from Donald Sterling, former Los Angeles Clippers owner. The racist comments he made to his mistress on a leaked audio recording forced the NBA to take action and ban Sterling from any NBA events for life. Many feel that Sarver’s comments have been just as bad, if not worse than Sterling’s, and the League is now facing questions about whether or not they are handling ethical guidelines solemnly.

When asked why termination wouldn’t apply to an owner but would to an average employee of the League, Silver said: “What it would take to remove that team from his control is a very involved process, and it’s different than holding a job. It just is. When you actually own a team, it’s just a very different proposition.”

Further investigation of the case revealed that Sarver had been using the N-Word pretty openly and allegedly used it ‘five times’ around the workplace.

Although Sarver has already pledged to take complete accountability and practice ethical values, many fans and leadership across the League will not condone the moral decision to give him a one-year suspension. A suspension of that nature and donations to organizations addressing race and gender-based issues shouldn’t overcome the harassment tolerated by employees in Phoenix. Further action may be in store from Commissioner Silver.

The post Adam Silver: ‘I Don’t Have the Right to Take Away’ Suns From Robert Sarver appeared first on SLAM.

After she retired from her playing career, she joined the San Antonio Spurs coaching staff and the renowned Gregg Popovich coaching tree. She spent five seasons in the Spurs system before deciding to leave the NBA for the W in December 2021, becoming the highest-paid coach in WNBA history as a result. 

Hammon was rumored to be up for multiple vacant head coaching positions in the NBA before taking a job with the Aces. If Hammon had been hired, she’d have been the first female head coach in the history of the NBA. She led the 2015 Spurs Summer League Team to a Summer League title as head coach.

In her first season as the head coach of the Aces, Hammon won the 2022 Coach of the Year, Jackie Young won Most Improved Player, A’ja Wilson won her second League MVP, Kelsey Plum won All-Star MVP on her way to a career-year, and the Aces made their triumphant return to the Finals.

Lindsay Schnell of USA Today asked Hammon if she thinks “everyone in the NBA feels dumb for not hiring you?”

“I’m used to people not picking me; I don’t know if you’re aware. I just do me.” Hammon says, despite all her success.

Even up 2-0 in the Finals, Coach Hammon knows the job is not finished, and she has more work to do.

“I don’t see any banners. I don’t see any balloons. I’m sure as hell happy I ain’t see that confetti again because we ain’t win nothing yet.” Hammon said.

Game 3 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled for September 15 at 9:00 PM EST.  

The post Becky Hammon On Being Snubbed For NBA Jobs: ‘I Just Do Me’ appeared first on SLAM.

Wilson’s 26 points and 10 rebounds not only helped her team win, but her phenomenal Game 2 earned her a spot within an exclusive club. Plum, who has had her struggles this postseason, got her swagger back last night, putting up 20 points to go along with seven assists. Then finally, Gray, whose ‘unconscious’ Game 4 performance against the Seattle Storm helped to put the Aces in the 2022 WNBA Finals. Gray put 21 points and eight assists in Ace’s Game 2 win over the Suns.

The Suns are down 2-0 heading back home and have to navigate the challenging task ahead of winning a pivotal Game 3 to extend the Finals and surviving. As WNBA history notes, teams that have a 2-0 lead in the finals are historically 15-0 all-time in the finals. However, the Suns this postseason are 3-0 when in elimination games.

“We are taking it one game at a time,” Jonquel Jones said, per CBS Sports. “That’s all we can do. We are going to go back home like you said. We are going to have our fans behind us, who have been with us all season, and we are going to use that to propel us to a win, and that’s all we can do.”

Jones dropped 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in Game 2, followed by a team-high 18 points and five assists from Courtney Williams.

Only time will tell if WNBA history repeats itself or if the Suns will be able to create some new history of their own.

The post Jonquel Jones: Connecticut ‘Taking It One Game At a Time’ Heading Into Game 3 appeared first on SLAM.

A’ja Wilson is the first player in WNBA history to have five games with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in a single postseason.@LVAces | #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/QRZJGX1u32

— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref) September 14, 2022

The two-time MVP, Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray, combined for 67 points, becoming the second trio of players in WNBA history to all score 20-points in a Finals game. The first trio to do it was Breanna Stewart, Natasha Howard, and Alysha Clark, who accomplished the feat during Game 2 of the 2020 WNBA Finals against the Aces, ironically enough.

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Wilson played a significant role in Plum refinding her swag before Game 2, getting brutally honest with the Washington product who led the Aces in scoring after averaging 20.2 points (second in the League) and 5.1 assists (ninth in the W) per game on 42 percent shooting from beyond the arc (ranks fourth in the W).

Plum finished third in MVP voting and played a significant role in Las Vegas, ending with the best record in the League behind the second-best offense in WNBA history. Gray also finished ninth in MVP voting. The Sun was the only other team to have two players finish top 10 in MVP voting.

“I told [Plum] she needed to get her s— together,” Wilson said. “At the end of the day, that’s what she needs to do. Make sure she understood that we need her to make shots, and I know it sounds harsh, but KP is a pro, and she went out there and took care of business. I think she understands that we believe in her, and like I said in the last press conference, I have ways that I talk to my teammates to get them to understand where I need to be and where we need to be. Yeah, I cussed her out.”

Plum’s resurgence game after she relentlessly attacked the rim. The 2022 All-Sar Game MVP knocked down all six of her shot attempts in the restricted area and sank all five of her free-throw attempts.

Gray, Plum, and Wilson will look to complete a series sweep of the Connecticut Sun on Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The post A’ja Wilson Becomes the First Member of An Exclusive 20 and 10 Club After Game 2 appeared first on SLAM.

Through her seven previous outings, Plum posted 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 39.0 percent shooting from the field and 26.1 percent from beyond the arc.

“I’ve been a little bit, you know, frustrated with how I’ve performed throughout the whole playoffs,” Plum said, “so I’m just glad that they’ve been carrying it, and I decided to join the party.”

A’ja Wilson on what she told Kelsey Plum before the game:

“I told her she needs to get her shit together.”

— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) September 14, 2022

Any hooper with the kind of pedigree Plum has will tell you that the lid comes off the basket, eventually. Shooters shoot, after all, and you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. That type of mentality Plum undoubtedly had helped the Washington product find her swag back on Tuesday, just two days after she scored just single-digit points for the third time in her playoff career.

“I told [Plum] she needed to get her s— together,” Wilson said. “At the end of the day, that’s what she needs to do. Make sure she understood that we need her to make shots, and I know it sounds harsh, but KP is a pro, and she went out there and took care of business. I think she understands that we believe in her, and like I said in the last press conference, I have ways that I talk to my teammates to get them to understand where I need to be and where we need to be. Yeah, I cussed her out.”

Plum Dawg Big Guard@Kelseyplum10 // @dearicamarie pic.twitter.com/4RiymkdIkT

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 14, 2022

The Aces’ 85-71 Game 3 win featured Plum rediscovering her shooting stroke. The 2022 All-Star MVP dropped 20 points and seven assists on 7-13 shooting from the field and 1-6 shooting from beyond the arc, including 11 points in the third quarter. Plum, A’ja Wilson (26 points and 10 rebounds), and Chelsea Gray (21 points, eight assists, and three steals) combined to score 67 points in Game 3.

“A’ja cussed me out before; that’s all I needed,” Plum joked while being interviewed postgame by Holly Rowe of ESPN.”It’s about time I joined the party; they’ve been carrying us all week, so it’s good to hit some shots, but we got one more.”

Las Vegas will look to complete their sweep of Connecticut on Thursday in Mohegan Sun Arena.

The post Kelsey Plum Gets Her Swag Back: ‘It’s About Time I Joined the Party’ appeared first on SLAM.

Aces Coach Becky Hammon understands how serious of a time it is with the Finals still underway; however, she does not want everything to be just about winning. When talking about Colson and Plaisance, she makes sure to emphasize this.

“They’re super fun in general. They’re fun people, but I respect their professionalism because when it’s time to get down to business, they’re locked in, ready to go, those two. It takes a special kind of person to be able to flip that switch. Not everybody can do it, but those two, and I’ve said it before, this is our job, and we’re in it to win it, but also we play basketball. There’s more important things going on in the world than us putting a ball in the hoop.”

Colson also chimed in on her bench antics. She wants fans to know that she wants to be the one to use humor to relieve some of the pressure the team has in being in such a position. 

“I try to bring levity to situations. When it’s a moment when maybe it’s supposed to be really serious, but it doesn’t help to be so tight. Loosen up a little. It’s not the end of the world,” Colson said. “We have to be locked in for finals. There’s a level of seriousness and a level of focus that you have to have, but you should also be in the moment enough to know I got to have fun with this.”

Colson is known as the class clown of the WNBA, going viral on several occasions while filming her teammates or just being herself while she tweets.

The Aces will need Colson and Plaisance to keep the mood light as they look to take a 2-0 series lead over Connecticut following Tuesday’s Game 2 contest.

The post Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance Play ‘Super Fun’ Role As Aces Top Jokers appeared first on SLAM.

The investigation found that Robert Sarver was guilty of many offenses, including sexual harassment, racial prejudice, unequal treatment of female employees, and verbal abuse.

The NBA said Sarver “engaged in instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees, made many sex-related comments in the workplace, made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women, and on several occasions engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees.”

The NBA found that Sarver “engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them.”

The independent investigation from the NBA also revealed that Sarver was guilty of saying the N-Word “on at least five occasions” when recounting the statements of others. 

Most of the Phoenix Suns employees under investigation for engaging in workplace misconduct over the last 18-years were no longer employed by the Suns organization by the beginning of the NBA’s independent investigation. The terms of Sarver’s suspension dictate that he is barred from being present at any NBA or WNBA facility and that he may not attend or participate in any NBA or WNBA event or activity. 

The Phoenix Suns released a press release last October before the investigation into their workplace practices to deny any allegations of workplace misconduct by anyone in the Phoenix Suns front office.

The investigation was based on information gathered from 320 individual interviews and over 80,000 documents. Sarver’s suspension is the latest in the NBA’s effort to hold owners accountable for their actions. 

The post NBA Suspends Suns and Mercury Owner Robert Sarver For One Year appeared first on SLAM.

The Sun has been in the WNBA Finals as recently as 2019, but they lost in the semifinals the past two summers. In fact, with 36 franchise playoff wins, the Connecticut Sun has the most playoff wins of any WNBA franchise without a championship. The Sun has a history of being knocked down, but more importantly, they also have a legacy of getting back up.

Last week the Connecticut Sun faced elimination in back-to-back games, down 2-1 against the reigning champion Chicago Sky. DeWanna Bonner asked Coach Curt Miller if she could hold a players-only meeting after Connecticut couldn’t win Game 3 despite playing their signature “messy” style of play. The Sun may have mucked up the lane and made life miserable for Chicago, but the Sun had an equally tough time on offense, shooting a dismal 39 percent at the rim.

As the lone champion on the roster, Bonner said she saw a Sun team holding on to some nervousness that made them play tight. She saw that the Sun was playing not to lose and not to make mistakes. The meeting reportedly “rekindled an air of levity and belief that saved Connecticut’s season.”

“DB is a champion,” teammate Natasha Hiedeman said of Bonner. “She’s been there. She knows what it takes. Her speeches have been on point lately, so we’ve been feeding off of that — She’s leading the way, and we’re following.”

Following their meeting, they defeated the Sky in Game 4 in a 104-80 drubbing. They then capitalized on their confidence from their Game 4 win and clinched their path to the WNBA Finals after unleashing a game-sealing 18-0 run to win Game 5, 72-63.

The Sun won after refusing to back down when Kahleah Copper got into Bonner’s face after Bonner knocked down a potential and-1 layup.

“I just sat everybody down, I said, ‘Come on, this is not us,'” Bonner said per ESPN. “‘Let’s just play like whatever happens happens. They kicked our ass anyways, so why not just play?'”

“We weren’t ourselves the first couple games of the [semifinals]. As a matter of fact, the whole playoffs, I felt like we just weren’t ourselves.”

The Finals are now underway, and despite losing Game 1 on Sunday, the Sun know they can do anything as long as they stay together and communicate. A task that isn’t difficult for a veteran core headlined by Bonner and 2021 MVP winner Jonquel Jones. With Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, and Courtney Williams on the court, the Sun has a lineup that knows how to utilize their teamwork and camaraderie.

“I don’t even know if we found that confidence at all in the playoffs until we won that Game 4,” Bonner said. “And then it was like, ‘All right, let’s go,’ This is how we want to play. We want to have fun. We can’t have fun if we’re playing uptight.'”

Bonner is averaging 12.7 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 3.8 assists per game in the 2022 WNBA Playoffs. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.

The post DeWanna Bonner Details Playoff-Defining Player-Only Meeting That Led to Connecticut’s Finals Appearance appeared first on SLAM.

Over her 15-year playing career as the floor general for the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx, she made eight WNBA Finals and won four WNBA championships. Whalen is also a five-time All-Star and five-time All-WNBA selection, as well as a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist with USA Basketball.

She averaged 11.5 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, 4.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game over her career, retiring with the fourth most assists in WNBA history. 

“I carried a chip on my shoulder all the time because people thought it can’t be done in Minnesota,” Whalen said, per SI. “I loved to prove people wrong, and that’s how I played.”

Fellow legends Charles Barkley and Dawn Staley were selected as Whalen’s presenters. Both doubled as her favorite basketball players and hugely influenced her game.

“Charles, you were my first favorite basketball player growing up. I was going to be a 6’2, 6’3 power forward with a great turnaround jumper and a rebounding machine, that was until I stopped growing at 5’8,” Whalen said. But plans change a little bit. Thank you for giving inspiration to a young girl from Hutchinson, Minnesota.”

She also honored Dawn Staley and noted that she’d followed a path Staley blazed years prior, going from being a WNBA point guard to head coach of a powerhouse college program. Staley won her second national championship in April, while Whalen is looking to guide Minnesota to national prominence in the Big 10.

Whalen made sure she exalted her parents for instilling a work ethic and dedication in her. Her father, Neil, was her first coach, and the lessons he passed on to her have been integral to her development as a player and a coach throughout her athletic career.

Whalen also thanked her husband, Ben Greve, for supporting her and sticking beside her throughout the rigors of being a women’s professional basketball player.

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In an enshrinement speech that primarily reflected on the past, Whalen ended by looking to the future—she even reminded her players at Minnesota that the’d have practice the following week. With Whalen’s work ethic, it would be no surprise if she finds herself back at Springfield for another induction in years to come.

The post WNBA Legend Lindsay Whalen Honored at Naismith Hall of Fame appeared first on SLAM.

She also won the Defensive Player of the Year last week, the Commissioner’s Cup, was voted a WNBA All-Star captain, and earned two Player of the Month and four Player of the Week nods.

Can’t put into words how truly blessed I am! forever grateful to compete in such a talent league! BIG BLESSINGS! https://t.co/bGWG9DW5lj

— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) September 7, 2022

Over the weekend, Dawn Staley, Wilson’s head coach at South Carolina and the former head coach of TeamUSA’sswomen’ss basketball program, commented on Wilson winning the 2022 MVP.

“Big A, you know I am never shocked by the success that you’ve had. The MVP is something you wanted, probably not the Defensive Player of the Year. You could care less about that — you don’t really play defense, but they gave you the award.”

“Thank you, though, thank you for the work that you put in in the off-season, and thank you for believing in yourself even on your worse day. The MVP is your resume throughout the entire year, and there was nobody better, nobody more consistent than you. So I am super happy for you; get that hardware right.” 

.@dawnstaley with a message (via @WNBA) pic.twitter.com/2VszQswNZm

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 12, 2022

Wilson and the Aces are up 1-0 in the WNBA Finals heading into Tuesday’s Game 2 at Michelob Ultra Arena.

The post Dawn Staley: ‘Nobody Better’ Than Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson This Season appeared first on SLAM.

The Aces were led by A’ja Wilson (24 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and four blocks) and Chelsea Gray (21 points, two rebounds, and three assists).

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Dearica Hamby made her on-court return from a regular-season-ending knee injury for Game 1, contributing two points, three boards, and two dimes in 11 minutes of action off the bench. Jackie Young was the only other double-digit scorer for the Aces after she scored 11 points and grabbed three rebounds.

“Coming from being swept and actually getting one. Pretty happy about this one,” Wilson said. “Not going to dwell on it long as we have a really tough Game 2 coming up.”

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Despite being down by four at halftime, the Aces rallied in the second half, outscoring the Sun 33 to 26. Hamby was pivotal in helping get Las Vegas back in the game in her spurt of action. She grabbed a pair of offensive rebounds, scored a put-back under the basket, dished two dimes, and got a steal to help the Aces turn a six-point deficit into a two-point advantage in the fourth quarter.

“We had to lock in,” Wilson said during a TV interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “We let them some things get away, and you can’t do that against a Conn team like that. I had to reel my team in, I don’t know what we were thinking, but I really had to use my voice this time and just say, “get with it, get with it, or we gon lose.”

“So at the end of the day, we just had to really come together and buckle in cause Conn gon give us all that they got and we gotta do the same.”

The Aces had to fend off a late rally from the Sun to take Game 1. Connecticut was in the process of erasing a seven-point deficit with 1:24 left after Alyssa Thomas (19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals) knocked down back-to-back clutch shots to pull the Sun to within three. However, the comeback fell short after DeWanna Bonner’s (three points and five dimes on 1-9 shooting from the field) game-winning three-pointer fell short.

Game 2 between Las Vegas and Connecticut is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST in Michelob Ultra Arena.

The post A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Grey Leads Las Vegas to Franchise-First Finals Win appeared first on SLAM.

Vandersloot has spent her entire career in Chicago, while Quigley joined the franchise in 2013 after a trade. The two have become synonymous with the franchise and played a significant role in Chicago winning its first title in 2021. Quigley is reportedly contemplating retirement, while Vandersloot is reportedly thinking about joining Seattle and ending her career close to her hometown of Kent, WA.

“Every single day, we are all committed, 100% invested into winning a championship and making history,” Vandersloot said per ESPN. “We fell short, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. It wasn’t for lack of commitment.”

Sloot said #skytown pic.twitter.com/x7fRG0cTLM

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 9, 2022

Quigley followed up by reflecting on her time in Chicago and expressed gratitude to the city and the franchise for helping her find her eventual wife in Vandersloot.

“I never imagined it ending up like this or having the career I had,” Quigley said. “Especially being able to do it in Chicago with my family, meet my wife, it’s unbelievable. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

This was a Vanderquigs-produced bucket#skytown pic.twitter.com/COXCID4U6f

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 9, 2022

The offseason has just begun in Chicago, with exit interviews set to begin soon. It remains to be seen what Quigley, Sloot, and Parker will do, but regardless of their decision, their status as franchise legends has been stamped after helping build the Sky franchise into must-see TV for WNBA fans.

The post Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot Contemplating Basketball Future appeared first on SLAM.

The Sky’s loss in a winner-take-all Game 5 against the Sun can be narrowed down by the fact that Chicago’s shot abandoned them during the biggest game of the season. Chicago ultimately shot 34.3 percent from the field and 32 percent from beyond the arc on Wednesday. They also squandered a 10-point lead going into the fourth quarter, missing their final eight shots of the night.

“We haven’t had a quarter like that, and to end the season off it, (that) didn’t display what we’ve actually done,” Coach James Wade said per ESPN. “I just wish I could’ve got them a bucket, and I just couldn’t. It’s just a tough feeling.”

While the defending champs struggled to get anything going, the Sun came together and had the perfect response to Chicago’s Kahleah Copper getting in the face of Connecticut’s DeWanna Bonner. Instead of allowing the tense moment and jaw-jacking to get in their head, the Sun responded by putting an 18-0 run on Chicago’s head over the final 4 minutes to cement their place in the WNBA Finals.

All five Connecticut starters were double-digit scorers, led by Bonner and Jonquel Jones, who scored 15 points apiece. Chicago was led by Cooper (game-high 22 points.) Emma Meesseman (14 points and six rebounds) and Courtney Vandersloot (12 points, three assists, three steals) combined for 26 points. Candace Parker could only muster seven points, nine boards, three steals, and four blocks on 2-7 shooting.

“It’s tough,” Wade said per the Chicago Tribune. “It’s probably one of the biggest disappointments that I’ve had professionally — It’s hard to put into words right now. This is going to hurt me for a long time. Felt I could’ve done a better job of getting them a bucket. I couldn’t get them one.”

Chicago will look to figure out how to address their free agency concerns with Parker, Vandersloot, and Allie Quigley headed into free agency and possibly retirement for Parker. Meesseman is also set to hit free agency after her one-year deal expires.

The post Coach James Wade Calls Game 5 Loss ‘One of the Biggest Dissapointments’ of His Professional Career appeared first on SLAM.

The journey to get to the championship stage has been challenging for Coach Curt Miller and the Sun. They lost Jasmine Thomas to a torn ACL early in May. Miller’s mom passed away in August. During the series-clinching Game 5, the Sun fell behind 10 points. But as it has been all season, Connecticut’s grit and resilience helped them defy the odds.

That resilience, DeWanna Bonner’s refusal to back down from Kahleah Copper specifically, was the catalyst to Connecticut reeling off a game-defining 18-0 run that helped them upset the defending champs and stamped their ticket to their

“Everybody has stories across this league,” Miller said per ESPN. “Ours — it just seemed like one thing after another that we had adversity this season in and out of that locker room. It’s remarkable that this group just refused to use it as excuses.”

Chicago’s elimination guarantees there will not only be a new champion, but whoever wins will be winning their first-ever title. A new coach will also win their first-ever championship as well.

When Connecticut takes on the Las Vegas Aces, they’ll be taking on the top seed of the playoffs led by DPOY and recently crowned two-time MVP A’ja Wilson, Sixth Player of the Year and All-Star guard Kelsey Plum, fellow All-Star and SPOY Dearica Hamby, the most dangerous closer in the playoffs, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, the reigning Most Improved Player. Don’t forget rookie Coach Becky Hammon, who won Coach of the Year two weeks ago.

“Not many people will pick us against Vegas either, and that’s OK,” Miller said. “We’re going to prepare and try to make it a Connecticut Sun style of game.”

The Sun and Aces start the WNBA Finals on Sunday at noon on ABC.

The post Coach Curt Miller on Connecticut’s Journey to the Finals: ‘Everybody Has Stories Across This League’ appeared first on SLAM.

The loss has put some things into perspective for Candace Parker, who expressed that she’s open to retiring during the lead-up to the 2022 campaign. Although Parker will tell you she doesn’t feel like she’s dominating like she once did, the two-time MVP did have a career postseason run and has been praised by her teammates and head coach for her leadership and “urgency” to win back-to-back championships

Parker posted five double-doubles during the playoffs, including four straight from Games 1-3 against New York and in Game 1 against Connecticut. Her 27 playoff double-doubles tie Tamika Catchings for most in playoff history. She also became the all-time leading rebounder in WNBA playoff history during Game 4 of the semifinals.

Parker ends her latest playoff run averaging 15.9 rebounds, 11.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game on 44.9 percent shooting from the field.

Despite her individual success, Parker revealed that she is once again contemplating if she wants to walk away from basketball. She reiterated that she will take her time to weigh her options and that she has no intentions to “cheat the game.”

“I’m going to go back and reevaluate whether I’m able to continue to play at the level that I hold myself to,” Parker said. “And I think that’s the biggest thing; I don’t ever want to cheat the game. I won’t cheat the game.”

“So when I’m not able to go out and play and be the Candace that I want to be, I won’t play,” Parker said. “And I think that comes in the offseason.”

"I won't cheat the game"

After yet another dominate season for @Candace_Parker, she speaks on what the off-season will look like and talks about always wanting to play at her highest level pic.twitter.com/Q01tKqFJpE

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 9, 2022

During Game 5, Parker posted seven points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and four blocks.

Her three-pointer and Kahleah Copper’s three-point play gave Chicago a 10-point lead entering the fourth, but Chicago went cold and missed their last eight shots of the night. A scuffle between Copper and DeWanna Bonner led to the Sun reeling off a decisive 18-0 run to win Game 5 and stamp their date to the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday.

“Of course, it was not intentional, but maybe we stopped attacking,” Courtney Vandersloot said. “(Maybe) we were scared to lose, rather than trying to win. But I feel like we got good looks; we just didn’t knock them down.”

The post Candace Parker On Her Decision to Play Next Year: ‘I Won’t Cheat the Game’ appeared first on SLAM.

DeWanna Bonner knocked down the hoop and the harm despite a hard foul from Kahleah Cooper (game-high 22 points). The latter took exception to Bonner’s celebration of the potential and-1 bucket and pushed Bonner as the two veterans began to jack their jaws in each other’s faces.

The tense interaction didn’t draw any technical fouls, but it did inspire the Sun to unleash a game-defying 18-0 run that eliminated the Sun, 72-63, and set a WNBA Finals date with the Aces. During postgame interviews, it was clear Bonner not backing down from Copper was pivotal for the Sun; when Jonquel Jones was asked about it during her TV interview with ESPN, she said the Sun “locked in” afterward and decided “we’re not about to be bullied.”

“That was our moment to settle it down,” Bonner said per YahooSports. “Yeah, we got fired up. We just looked up and was like, ‘Oh, there’s a lot of time left.’ That was all the fire needed.”

This is everything we’ve worked for.

Sun fans, see you in the Finals #CTSun pic.twitter.com/fNBI4BwHSE

— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 9, 2022

The Sun held the Sky to five points in the fourth quarter, the fewest scored in the fourth quarter of a winner-take-all game in WNBA history and the second-fewest in any playoff game. Connecticut also held Chicago to 34.3 percent shooting from the field and outrebounded the former champs 43-28.

All five Connecticut starters scored in double-digits, led by Bonner (nine rebounds and five assists) and Jones (10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks), who scored 15 points apiece. Natasha Hiedeman posted 14 points and four assists, followed by 12 points apiece from Courtney Williams (six rebounds and five assists) and Alyssa Thomas (10 rebounds and eight assists).

“We wanted this one bad,” Bonner said. “We come up here every year, and Chicago kicks our ass. They do; that’s just what it is. We’ve lost to them like seven times in a row like we couldn’t figure it out. I think that in Game 4, we figured it out and came here and came here with a little more confidence. Cause usually we come here, and we look up at the first score when we play Chicago, we’re down 20.”

“And that time, I think we figured it out at home; I think we wanted it a little bit more (At Wintrust Arena).”

12-0 run for the @ConnecticutSun, they lead the @chicagosky 66-63 with 1:02 left in the 4Q

ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/okMfP4EUGG

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 9, 2022

The Game 5 win also helped Connecticut exercise their Chicago demons. The Sky swept the Sun 4-0 in the regular-season and eliminated Connecticut in the first round of last year’s postseason before claiming the 2021 title.

It would’ve been easy for the Sun to fold after allowing Chicago to outscore them by 18 during the second and third quarters, but this playoff-tested Connecticut team needed a moment like that Bonner-Copper action to inspire them to greater heights. Connecticut’s series-clinching 18-0 run is the longest to close out a WNBA playoff game in League history.

“When adversity hits, sometimes we fold,” Hiedeman said. “Not no more, we’re not folding no more. As you all saw (after) the third quarter, we picked up right back up once again. Now we’re going to the championship. Job not done yet.”

Definitely Hiedemans night pic.twitter.com/3uEsdqzqGj

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 9, 2022

The WNBA Finals will begin on Sunday.

The post DeWanna Bonner On the Exchange That Led to Decisive 18-0 Run: ‘That Was Our Moment to Settle It Down’ appeared first on SLAM.

The loss is especially brutal, knowing it was Sue Bird and Briann January’s final contests in front of Storm fans at Climate Pledge Arena. Game 4 was a barn burner featuring three lead changes and three ties over the fourth quarter. Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd more than pulled their weight during the series-clinching loss, with Stewie dropping 42 points and four rebounds while Loyd followed up with 29 points and four boards.

Stewart played all 40 minutes while becoming the fifth player in WNBA playoff history to score at least 40 points, tying the individual playoff scoring with her 42-point outing.

“We are a duo that’s hard to stop,” Stewie said per Hunter Hames. “We are both still early in our careers and know how scary we can be on (the) court. You saw that last night.”

Stewie sharing how much she loves to play with Jewell

Stewie- “We are a duo that’s hard to stop. We are both still early in our careers and know how scary we can be on court. You saw that last night.”

— Hunter Hames (@hunter9h) September 7, 2022

As brilliant as Stewie and Loyd were on Wednesday, Seattle couldn’t find a third scorer to help lighten the load.

Meanwhile, the Aces were led by four double-digit scorers, with Chelsea Gray leading the way with 31 points and 10 assists, including 15 in the fourth quarter, followed by A’ja Wilson’s 23 points, 13 boards, three blocks, and one steal. Jackie Young contributed 18 points and five rebounds, and Kelsey Plum rounded out the Aces with 15 points and four dimes.

The loss plunges Seattle into an unknown future. The Storm only has two players under contract next season and eight free agents, including Stewie and Gabby Williams. Tina Charles is also a free agent after she reportedly opted out after the season concluded, according to Percy Allen of the Seattle Times.. Loyd is now the longest-tenured player on the Storm roster.

Jewell Loyd on next year’s team- “You find players you want to play with. People have seen my game, how Stewie and I play, & I hope they want to be here. There will be some calls and chats to recruit, but I’m not a recruiter, so you hope it happens organically.”

— Balanced Sports (@balanced_sports) September 7, 2022

The Finals between the Aces and the winner of the Chicago Sky-Connecticut Sun semifinal series will begin on Sunday.

The post Breanna Stewart on Playing With Jewell Loyd: ‘We Are a Duo That’s Hard to Stop’ appeared first on SLAM.

RACK EM UP A’JA Your 2022 M’VP @_ajawilson22 pic.twitter.com/8TUw2g72t2

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 7, 2022

Wilson beat out MVP finalist Breanna Stewart for the illustrious regular-season award.

Wilson averaged 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.4 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game on 50.1 percent shooting from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc. Wilson led the Aces to a League-best 26-10 record, was named the Defensive Player of the Year last week, won the Commissioner’s Cup, was voted a WNBA All-Star captain, and earned two Player of the Month and four Player of the Week nods.

The moment @BeckyHammon told @_ajawilson22 that she just earned her second @WNBA M’VP pic.twitter.com/Z302OWI4Th

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 7, 2022

Wilson and the Aces are headed to the Finals for the first time in 2020 after dispatching the Seattle Storm in four games. The Aces await the winner of the Chicago Sky-Connecticut Sun semifinal series. The Sky and Sun play a series-deciding Game 5 on Thursday.

Can’t put into words how truly blessed I am! forever grateful to compete in such a talent league! BIG BLESSINGS! https://t.co/bGWG9DW5lj

— A’ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) September 7, 2022

The post A’ja Wilson Wins the 2022 WNBA MVP appeared first on SLAM.

Gray posted 31 points and 10 assists, becoming the first player in League history to top 30 points and 10 dimes per ESPN Stats and Information. Gray has averaged 24.0 points per game on 63 percent shooting from the field and 59.5 percent from beyond the arc.

“I don’t really know how,” Gray said of her hot shooting, per ESPN. “I’m going into my shots like I practice them. It’s not anything different.”

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Gray’s transformation into the Aces’ closer came after Las Vegas lost Game 5 of their semifinal series against the Phoenix Mercury. Gray and recently crowned DPOY and MVP candidate A’ja Wilson texted about how to get over the hump, and the answer came in letting Wilson cook and dominate the ball often while Gray’s shot-making turned out to be the ultimate difference-maker in the fourth quarter that featured three ties and three lead changes.

“I just put the work in,” Gray said during her televised interview with Holly Rowe. “I’m so proud of this group; it’s been one helluva season, man. Shit, I don’t know how it went it I just know that it did.”

The 2016 champ knocked down three straight jumpers during the final 2:03 of Game 4, starting a short back-and-forth sequence where Las Vegas and Seattle switched leads before Gray hit her final two field goals of the night, including a 16-footer that gave the Aces a five-point lead in the final 30.7 seconds of the game they wouldn’t surrender.

“I don’t think anyone on planet Earth can guard her,” Seattle Coach Noelle Quinn said. “She was unconscious. We did a lot of things this series to try to slow her down. You limit her scoring; she has the ability to pass and play make. She’s an incredible player.

“I think that our team did a very good job of trying to limit her, but I think she’s been on a roll; and when a player’s on a roll like that, it’s very hard to stop.”

The semifinal series between the Aces and Storm will likely be considered a classic in WNBA history. Just one of the four games was decided by more than five points (Game 3), and that contest went to overtime after Jackie Young sank a buzzer-beating layup to force an extra period.

Las Vegas’ series-clinching win avenged their Finals loss to Seattle in 2020 and validates their regular-season finale win over Seattle during Sue Birds’ final home game at Climate Pledge Arena.

The post ‘Unconscious’ Chelsea Gray Leads Las Vegas Aces to WNBA Finals appeared first on SLAM.

The semifinal series between the Storm and Aces was pressure-packed and full of entertaining shot-making between the two WNBA titans. It was the kind of series you can expect between two teams that field a combined seven former No. 1 overall picks, the first time that many have played in a playoff series in WNBA history.

Thank you, @S10Bird pic.twitter.com/zn4jR5OvQZ

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 7, 2022

Bird ended her final game with eight points and eight assists. The all-time point gawd stayed on the hardwood after the fourth quarter buzzer rang off, receiving hugs from the Acesd receiving “Thank you, Sue” chants from Storm fans who cried with her.

Wednesday’s Game 3 concludes a career that includes four titles and five Olympic gold medals, 13 All-Star selections, eight All-WNBA nods, and retired as the all-time leader in wins; most seasons played, games played, assists in the regular and postseason, minutes played, All-Star appearance, and turnovers.

“Sad,” Bird said about her feelings as she soaked in Climate Pledge Arena for the final time during a tv interview with Holly Rowe. “Obviously, so thankful for 20 years here. I’m gonna miss it so much, I’m not going anywhere, but I’m gonna miss it. I wish we could’ve done a little bit more to get to the Finals, but I’m so proud of this team this year. I’m so so so proud to be a member of the Seattle Storm. It has been my honor to play for this franchise, to play for these fans. I don’t know what else to say.”

The final bow. #ThankYouSue

@trapographer pic.twitter.com/e9IG5k8JPo

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 7, 2022

At 41-years-old, Bird came in thinking the 2022 season would be her last but didn’t make it official until June 16. Funny enough, Bird’s last regular-season home game was against Las Vegas, who also played party pooper during the regular-season finale.

“It’s hard to say,” Bird said about her legacy. “I just hope the next person that comes in and plays point guard here, just keep the tradition going, keep the winning going, keep that championship level going, keep these fans happy. The same goes for the rest of the team as well, but I hope I made everyone in here proud.”

Sue Bird helped change the game in and off the court.

She built for the future. #ThankYouSue pic.twitter.com/BHWPgXGRfr

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 7, 2022

The Aces advance to their third Finals and first since 2020, a title round series they lost to — Bird and the Storm. The 2020 title in the “Wubble” was the fourth championship for Bird and Seattle.

The post Sue Bird Officially Hangs It Up After Game 4 Loss appeared first on SLAM.

Parker played a crucial role in Chicago taking a 2-1 series lead after dropping 16 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists on Sunday for her fifth double-double outing this postseason. So far, the two-time MVP is averaging 16.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game on 46.3 percent shooting from the field through the playoffs.

According to ESPN, the 2016 Finals MVP has also held Connecticut to 27 percent (14-51) shooting on shots she’s contested. Although the Tennessee alum balks at the idea she’s playing her best basketball, she believes her younger self was more dominant in the playoffs; Parker has put up career-high rebounding, assists, and blocking averages this playoff.

#skytown secured the DUB against the Sun 76-72.@Candace_Parker with her 27th career playoff double-double
16 pts
11 rebs
4 ast pic.twitter.com/NpR8aOwNvL

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 4, 2022

Parker’s uptick in production has come despite the Sun taking Chicago out of their comfort zone with their physical style of play, mucking up the defending champs’ offensive actions. Parker became the first player in W history to record a 15/15/5/5 statline in a single playoff game this postseason. Her double-double on Sunday was her 27th career playoff double-double, tied with Tamika Catchings for the most in WNBA playoff history.

Coach Curt Miller, a Spark assistant coach in 2015 before becoming head coach of the Sun, said it’s been “impressive” that Parker had improved her fitness, strength, and intangibles at 36-years-old. Miller also Parker “doesn’t take plays off anymore,” and that “it’s impressive to watch and I think it’s a big credit to her commitment to fitness, nutrition and strength and conditioning.”

“Her fitness and strength and the intangibles that she’s added late in her career is impressive,” Miller said per ESPN. “It’s not to talk about in ’15 she wasn’t, but she is really fit and plays with a really high motor and is physical. She doesn’t take plays off anymore. And it’s impressive to watch, and I think it’s a big credit to her commitment to fitness, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. She looks great.”

hard in the paint! pic.twitter.com/FkjCryRvcU

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 4, 2022

To that point, Parker admits that she’s changed her approach to maintaining her body after injuries hampered her season in 2019 and 2021; she now prioritizes treatment and recovery (cold tubs, electrical stimulation, acupuncture, yoga, and pilates).

She’s also strengthened her mental approach to the hardwood, which she believes has helped her stay at an elite level. Parker is focusing on the scouting report, ensuring she knows her opponents’ tendencies while figuring out a strategy to get to her spots. Parker also ensures she’s ready late in games when she needs to take over or make clutch plays to cement a Chicago victory.

“You can still get there; it’s just going to be different,” Parker said. “I look at guys like [the NBA’s Nikola] Jovic and guys that are slower that get to their spots. How do they do that? It’s like, really being a master of your matchup, and sometimes it involves slowing down and figuring out what the defense is giving you within a game.”

pic.twitter.com/zXlwOBz6Nz

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 4, 2022

Chicago has a chance to end their best-of-five semifinal series with a series clinching Game 4 win over Connecticut on Tuesday.

“I just want to win a championship because I like to win and because this team likes to win,” Parker said. “I don’t think I have anything else left to prove to myself and to the game. I don’t play for that.”

The post Candace Parker Speaks About the Intangibles of Her Game appeared first on SLAM.

During halftime of Chicago’s Game 3 win, Parker checked in on Williams’ match against No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit and was elated when she learned that Williams won the first set of the match. Williams later won the match and will live to fight another day before her expected retirement after her Grand Slam tournament appearance is over.

“I was keeping up at halftime,” Parker said per ESPN. “When I saw she won the first set, I was hyped.”

The 36-year-old has been openly contemplating retirement after a 14-year career where she’s earned career accolades like winning two WNBA titles, a Finals MVP, two regular-season MVPs, DPOY, and nine All-WNBA selections and two All-Defensive team honors.

Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion, winning the U.S. Open six times, the Wimbledon seven times, the Australian Open seven times, and the French Open three times. Even though they both have more playing days behind them than ahead, Parker admitted that their longevity comes from working on “the things you’re really good at” and “playing more of that mental game.”

“I know you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but we can better our tricks a little bit,” Parker said. “I think the game slows down and I think Serena, her serve, you don’t have to be mobile to serve (like she does). You’re not returning her serves. I think it’s just working on the things you’re really good at and playing more of that mental game.”

Parker will lead Chicago as they head into Connecticut for Games 3 and 4 on Sunday and Tuesday.

The post Candace Parker Sees Similarities Between Her and Serena Williams appeared first on SLAM.

Cooked ‘em on the court all season long.

Brionna Jones is your @Kia Sixth Player of the Year!@_bjones18 | #CTSun pic.twitter.com/hs8U4OV5dS

— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 1, 2022

Jones averaged 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game on 56.9 percent shooting from the field. She scored 394 points in the paint, fifth most in the League. She also scored 99 second-chance points after corralling 95 offensive rebounds.

Jones won the 6POY after earning 53 out of 56 first-place votes from a 56-member voting panel.

The post Brionna Jones Named the 2022 Sixth Player of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

We won. Serena won.

Today was a good day.#skytown #ReCrownSkytown pic.twitter.com/ozppJ4dRsB

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 1, 2022

Parker headlined Chicago’s five double-digit scorers with a 22-point, four-rebound, four-assist, and three-block performance. Emma Meesseman poured in 14 points, seven rebounds, and three dimes, and Allie Quigley contributed 13 points, followed by 10 points, four boards, and two assists from Kahleah Cooper. Courtney Vandersloot rounded out Chicago’s double-digit scorers with 10 points, eight helpers, one block, and one steal.

“When you have generational talents (like Parker), they’re just too good, too dominant,” Coach James Wade said per the Chicago Tribune. “Great wine just ages well. — You can’t put an age on that. What did Aaliyah say? Age ain’t nothing but a number.”

Parker also held the Sun to just six second-chance bucks on seven total offensive boards. Wade contributed that effort to Chicago’s will and physicality. Parker summed it up as Chicago simply making “shots hard” for the Sun.

Candace Parker helped Chicago get the DUB:

22 points
4 rebounds
4 assists

Series is tied 1-1 pic.twitter.com/K1WPbLwKz2

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 1, 2022

While the win ties up the semifinals at 1-1 between the Sky and Sun, Ace wants to see Chicago follow up the success with a better effort in Sunday’s Game 3. Playing your best basketball when your backs against the wall is a needed quality, but being able to dominate and establish your will from the beginning is even better.

“I think after a win is when we need to be even more focused,” Parker said per ESPN. “Come ready to play, come focused and come with the right mentality. I don’t think we had the right mentality in Game 1.”

The Sky responded well to Coach James Wade premonition that the team was “going to make shots” after shooting 35.3 percent in Game 1. On Wednesday, Chicago came out the gates, hitting six of their first 10 shots of the game, and finished the night shooting 32-63 from the field and 6-15 from beyond the arc. Chicago also hit 15-22 free throws.

Chicago held Connecticut to 45.7 percent shooting from the field. They also held DeWanna Bonner and Courtney Williams to eight points on a combined 3-16 shooting from the field. Jonquel Jones (23 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks) and Natasha Hiedeman (14 points and three assists against three turnovers) were the only double-digit scorers for the Sun. Connecticut never led after Jones hit a triple on the game’s first possession.

Wade also gave Parker props for her consistency and veteran leadership with championship experience since signing with Chicago last summer. Wade said he’s noticed that Parker has been especially ardent in her belief that Chicago can be the first repeat champs since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002.

“She wants to do everything in her power to get another championship,” Wade said. “And so that’s where I think you see, I wouldn’t say desperation, but urgency.”

Connecticut will host Game 3 and 4 on Sunday and Tuesday.

The post James Wade Speaks on Candace Parker’s Championship ‘Urgency’ appeared first on SLAM.

The two MVP candidates used those playoff implications to fuel a fire Game 2 duel that led to Wilson posting a game-high 33 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks. Stewie poured in a Seattle-high 32 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. Wilson not only won the Game 2 individual battle but has tied up the Seattle-Las Vegas war after the Aces won, 78-73.

“That’s what grows the game. Everyone loves a good matchup,” Wilson said per ESPN. “Everyone loves to be like, ‘Oh, what’s going to happen here?’ I think that’s what draws fans and attention to us. When you look at the NBA, when you look at football, anything, there’s always a good matchup that everyone’s tuned into no matter what.”

A’ja Wilson vs. Breanna Stewart.

Best matchup in the WNBA, without a doubt. pic.twitter.com/xnoPxZUjaw

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 1, 2022

Wilson went 12-18 from the field and 8-11 from the free throw line during her career-best outing. Stewie went 12-23 from the field and 3-7 from beyond the arc, and scored at least 20 points for her eighth consecutive postgame. Wilson posted the fifth ever 30-point, 10-rebound, three-block performance in WNBA playoff history.

“I think matching up against A’ja, you’ve got to respect everything she has done and what’s she capable of,” Stewart said. “It’s just a battle. It’s what motivates you, what keeps you going, what makes you want to be better. It’s competitive.”

DOMINANT

The DPY dropped 33 PTS // 13 REB // 3 BLK on 12-18 shooting as the Aces secured the 78-73 W to even the series.@_ajawilson22 // #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/r7ABUgCcDx

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 1, 2022

Her performance was also the second-highest playoff performance in Aces franchise history, just behind Coach Becky Hammond and her franchise-record 35-point performance in 2008. Stewart and Wilson are the third pair of opposing players to score 30 points in W-playoff history. It was also the first time two playoff opponents did that and recorded three blocks.

“I’m watching it during the game,” Aces teammate Chelsea Gray said. “I’m like, ‘Stewie just scored; A’ja, what are you about to do?’ Those matchups, a lot of attention is on it, and there is a lot of these players are going through with all that pressure to be that spotlight. But it’s good for the fans, it’s good for the sport and it’s good for them. It raises their level of play. They get better by challenging each other.”

Wednesday’s Game 2 effort was a vast improvement from Wilson’s disappointing semifinal opener when she posted eight points and 12 rebounds in Game 1.

Hammon utilized a small-ball lineup that helped Las Vegas’ spacing, giving Wilson plenty of room to operate in her preferred spots. She and Gray showed how deadly they are in the pick-and-roll. Gray contributed 19 points and seven assists on 66.7 percent shooting from the field, 3-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Gray has accounted for 44 percent of Las Vegas’ 151 points in the semifinals per ESPN.

“When you look at great guards and great posts, the whole thing is you’ve got to figure out how to guard it,” Wilson said of the pick-and-roll. “You have to pick your poison. What are you going to do? Once we mastered that, it’s like Play-Doh in our hands at that point.”

From 8 points in Game 1 to 33 points in Game 2 of the Semifinals, @_ajawilson22 speaks on what changed and how team chemistry has allowed the @LVAces to perform under pressure. #WNBAPlayoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/dCAGjcHMiy

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 1, 2022

Seattle will host Las Vegas on Sunday and Tuesday for Game 3 and 4. The last time the Storm and Ace faced off in the playoffs, Seattle swept Las Vegas for their fourth-ever championship. Seattle likely remains confident after splitting the first two games of the semifinals as the No. 4 seed.

The post A’ja Wilson Outduels Breanna Stewart and Leads Las Vegas to a Game 2 Win appeared first on SLAM.

Team Update: Interim Head Coach Carlos Knox will not be retained for the 2023 season.

https://t.co/5BxpfILADv pic.twitter.com/RJpaacS3zF

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 31, 2022

Knox was tapped as the interim head coach this season on May 25 after Indiana fired Marianne Stanley. Knock recently returned to the organization as an assistant coach on December 1, 2021. When he took over, Indiana was 2-7; they ultimately finished the season with a 5-31 record, tied for the most losses in WNBA history, the worse in Fever history, and the worse in the League.

“We thank Carlos for stepping into this role last season and for helping our young, talented team continue to improve. We took important steps forward this year, but the expectation for this team and this franchise is sustained success on the court. We are working hard to build a coaching staff that will deliver on that expectation,” Fever Interim General Manager Lin Dunn said.

Interim GM Lin Dunn said she was still evaluating the coaching staff after the regular-season ended. She said she wanted to do her research and said that exit interviews with players and support staff before making any decisions. Last season, the Fever focused on the long-term future of the franchise as they looked to develop around No. 2 pick NaLyssa Smith and No. 10 pick Queen Egbo, who was named to the W’s All-Rookie team.

Despite that highlight, Indiana finished the season on an 18-game losing streak and averaged a League-worst 78 points per game. Since 2017, the Fever has worse the winning percentage (45-147, .234) of any team in the W, NBA, NFL, or NHL. The Fever hopes to win the top pick in next spring’s 2023 WNBA Draft.

Last season was about building for the Fever’s future, with seven rookies on the roster. Plenty of them showed promise, including No. 2 pick NaLyssa Smith and No. 10 pick Queen Egbo, who was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team. But it didn’t translate to wins. The team lost 18 straight games to finish the regular season and averaged a league-worst 78 points per game.

Since 2017, the Fever has had the worst winning percentage (45-147, .234) of any team in the WNBA, NBA, NFL, or NHL. 

The post Indiana Will Begin Head Coach Search After Deciding to Not Retain Carlos Knox appeared first on SLAM.

The critical performance came two months after Charles signed with Seattle after she controversially left Phoenix following a contract divorce. The former two-time national champ admitted that leaving Phoenix wasn’t about her role on the offense but about “taking care of herself and maintaining standards she thinks players need to have.”

As a member of the Storm, the former MVP joined a lineup filled with extraordinary talents like Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Jewell Loyd. Surrounded by two-way scoring talent like that, all the eight-time All-Star decided to focus on was rebounding after Mercedes Russell went down with recurring headache syndrome.

“She’s been very professional,” Seattle Coach Noelle Quinn said, per ESPN. “She came with a mindset of, ‘I’m willing to do whatever you ask,’ and that was a great starting block. It was an understanding on both parties: She wanted to come in and win.”

Since joining Seattle, Charles has averaged 12.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game on 51.6 percent shooting from the field.

Charles’ presence in the paint and on the boards helped set the tone for Seattle against Washington and Game 1 against Las Vegas. Her familiarity with Bird, Stewart, and Gabby Williams as UConn grads or Team USA teammates also helped her transition into Seattle on and off the court. Stewart said it’s helped her game having another big body in the lineup.

Bird said the lineup meshed well because they focused on helping Charles get “comfortable playing our style and finding ways to fit her in.” Not to mention that Seattle is used to playing with a dominant center like Charles in her career.

“What I’ve been able to do here is adapt, and I’m thankful to be able to show I can adapt,” Charles said about the work it took to transition. “I take pride in being a New Yorker, and that’s what we do: We adapt to our surroundings, keep moving, and keep our heads up. Regardless of people’s opinions or what else is thrown at you. But, yes, when I was making my decision on leaving Phoenix, I knew there was a potential landing space — that Seattle could be a good fit.”

Charles also clarified that her game has evolved past being a dominant post player. She says she’s worked on other aspects of her game, like spreading the floor and utilizing her skills and basketball IQ to take advantage of whatever opportunities she has on the court.

Seattle will look to take a 2-0 lead and be one step closer after Wednesday’s Game 2.

The post Tina Charles Speaks on Adapting to Title-Contending Seattle Storm appeared first on SLAM.

No surprise here!

𝐃𝐏𝐘
𝐀𝐋𝐋-𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 @_ajawilson22 // @WNBA pic.twitter.com/rHSBlealFw

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) August 30, 2022

Wilson averaged 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds (including 7.6 defensive rebounds), 2.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game on 50.1 percent shooting from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc. Wilson holds a 98.5 defensive rating (top 15 amongst players that played 36 games this season) and leads the League in defensive rebounding percentage (24.2 percent).

Wilson was also eighth in steal percentage (24.0 percent) and first in block percentage at a staggering 64.2 percent. Wilson also holds a 1.32 defensive win share ranking, good for eighth amongst players who played all 36 games this year.

Wilson and the Aces will look to rebound from their Game 1 loss to Seattle and tie up their semifinal series on Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST. Game 2 will air on ESPN2.

The post A’ja Wilson Wins the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

The accolades just keep coming @JackieYoung3 is your 2022 Most Improved Player, well deserved pic.twitter.com/K6759PYPXQ

— WSLAM (@wslam) August 29, 2022

Young, who earned her first All-Star Game start this year, won the award after averaging 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 39 assists per game on 43 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The former Notre Dame standout posted career-high numbers in points, boards, and three-point accuracy. She was third on the time points per game behind A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum.

The 24-year-old received 36 out of 52 possible votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Sabrina Ionescu finished second with 10 votes, followed by Sophie Cunningham (seven votes), Plum (four votes), and then Teaira McCowan, Gabby Williams, and Han Xu, who each earned one vote.

Young and the Aces have a chance to tie up their semifinals series with the Storm on Wednesday. Game 3 will be aired on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. EST.

The post Jackie Young Named the 2022 Most Improved Player of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

Game 1 was tightly contested between the two title contenders. So it’s only fitting that the opening game end in such a heroic fashion. Jewell Loyd (26 points and four assists) delivered that heroic finish after she hit a leftwing stepback three-pointer over A’ja Wilson (eight points, 12 rebounds, three assists).

@jewellloyd is TAKING OVER! #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/9hysrChKra

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 28, 2022

Loyd wasn’t the only member of the Storm to post a memorable performance. Sue Bird (two points and four rebounds) became the playoffs assist queen after posting 12 assists and zero turnovers on Sunday. Tina Charles (13 points) hauled in a franchise playoff 18 rebounds, including five offensive boards. Breanna Stewart contributed 24 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks.

“When I made the decision to come here, I was just here just trying to fill in the holes,” said Charles per Swish Appeal. “And I knew that was rebounding, being the third, fourth option scoring and just taking my shots when they come to me. So for me, coming into this game, the thing I knew I could control was just being on the boards and watching their tendencies when we box out — So for me, I definitely took it personal coming into this game just to try to be on the boards, start early outlets, get second chance opportunities — I know those are always key come playoff time.”

Stewie and Loyd played a strong 1-2 game for Seattle, with the former UConn legend hitting high-arching turnaround jumpers before Loyd took over in the fourth quarter. As Seattle’s closer in Game 1, Loyd scored or assisted on the Storm’s final 12 points, including 10 points herself.

Loyd scored on a fadeaway in the paint, a short bank shot from the left side, split a pair of free throws to cut Las Vegas’ lead, and then buried a triple after forcing a Vegas turnover to give Seattle a 73-71 lead with a minute 45 to go. She subsequently hit that game-winning walk-down three over Wilson to ice Seattle’s come-from-behind win. Kelsey Plum (20 points, four rebounds, and two assists) had a chance to steal Game 1, but she missed the potential game-winner.

“I think last series she grew up a lot, tremendously,” Storm head coach Noelle Quinn said of Loyd, who is also known as the Gold Mamba, a nickname given to her by Kobe Bryant. “And had the same kind of cadence today, you know, rhythm. She started off good, maybe a little bit of lulls, but just ended with a lot of firepower — Some poise, making great reads, She got trapped early and she’s been trapped multiple times this year and handled it tremendously today. She continues to grow up before our eyes. I think that the last series helped with that experience and how to handle that. And she continues to make big plays for us because she’s a great player.

“Jewell is playing with a lot of confidence, and we need that. We’re not gonna be successful if Jewell’s not at her best, point blank, period. And I think she understands that, and she’s locked into that. And what’s amazing today is that she guarded (Chelsea) Gray most of the game and still able to be very effective down the stretch. She’s finding ways to help our team outside of just getting buckets. It’s the defense, it’s the steals, it’s getting in the passing lanes, it’s the energy. All of those extra little things matter.”

Seattle will look to take a 2-0 series lead over Las Vegas on Wednesday at 10 on ESPN 2.

The post Jewell Loyd Continues to Impress With Clutch Shotmaking appeared first on SLAM.

During the regular-season, Chicago swept their regular-season series with the Sun 4-0. A continuation of their 3-1 series over Connecticut on the way to the Sky winning the 2021 WNBA title. So the Sun leaving Wintrust Arena with a 68-63 win over the Sun was even more rewarding. The Connecticut Sun hopes that it can be a precursor of things to come.

“This is just about whoever wants it more,” Azurá Stevens said per the Chicago Tribune. “Because they have beef with us from last year. … That’s the type of series this is going to be: Who wants it more, who’s not going to let the ball go.”

Candace Parker finished Game 1 with 19 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and six blocks. With that statline, Ace became the first player in WNBA history to post at least 15/15/5 and five blocks. She fell short of the second ever 5×5 game in League history, a feat she achieved as a rookie in 2008.

Looking at the positives, CP3 had an All-Time GREAT performance.

Now we move to Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/D8J0ou8xz4

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) August 29, 2022

Stevens lauded Parker for the historical performance and gave CP3 props as the walking bucket and security blanket that the defending champs can lean on.

“She was able to keep us alive, especially in the second half,” Stevens said. “It was almost like whenever we needed a bucket, she answered.”

CP with the 3#skytown pic.twitter.com/ib9OMf7o0R

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) August 29, 2022

Chicago opened the fourth quarter with an 11-2 run to take a 57-56 lead with 5:13 seconds left on the clock. From then on, the Sky and Sun traded leads, with the critical moment coming after the Sun forced Sky into a shot-clock violation in the final minute of Game 1. The Sun took a 66-63 lead with 17.1 seconds remaining after a clutch bucket from DeWanna Bonner (15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists).

The final dagger of Game 1. @athomas_25 @DEEBONNER24 | #CTSun pic.twitter.com/NdClTBzftw

— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) August 29, 2022

Parker had a chance to play hero one more with 7.4 seconds left, but she missed, and the Sky is down 1-0 for the second time in these playoffs.

The Sky didn’t lose on that moment alone, though. The Sun forced Chicago to shoot 35.3 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from beyond the arc. Kahleah Copper and Emma Meesseman were the only Sky players to score in the double-digits. Courtney Vandersloot (five points and two assists) didn’t score until the third frame, while Stevens, Allie Quigley, and Rebekah Gardner combined for 13 points.

The Sky will host Game 2 of the semifinals Wednesday night at Wintrust Arena before traveling to Connecticut for Games 3 and 4.

The post Azura Stevens on Candace Parker’s Historic Performance: ‘Whenever We Needed a Bucket, She Answered’ appeared first on SLAM.

After guiding the @LVAces to a 26-10 record and the No. 1 seed in her first season at the helm, @BeckyHammon is your 2022 #WNBA Coach of the Year

Hammon is the 1st former player to win COTY honors in her debut season and the 3rd former player to earn this award #MoreThan pic.twitter.com/l9Y6Bk3r77

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 26, 2022

Hammon led the Aces to a 26-10 record, tied with the Chicago Sky for the best record in the League. The Aces also won the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup after beating the Sky, 93-83 in July. Las Vegas earned the No. 1 seed after earning the tiebreaker over the Sky. Hammon is the first former player to win the award during her debut season on the sidelines and she’s the third former player to earn the COTY award overall.

Add @WNBA 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 to @BeckyHammon‘s debut season as Aces Head Coach!

#1 overall record
#1 in scoring & offensive efficiency
2nd best winning percentage ever by a rookie H.C.
Franchise record for wins in a season
All-Star H.C.
Commissioner’s Cup Champ pic.twitter.com/9g08o0Dy7u

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) August 26, 2022

The Aces coach became the second-ever female NBA coach when she worked the sideline as a Spurs assistant coach on Gregg Popovich’s coaching staff from 2014-2022. During her time on the Spurs coaching staff, she became the first-ever female head coach of a Summer League team in 2015. That same season, the Spurs won the Las Vegas Summer League title. She also became the first woman to serve on an All-Star coaching staff.

This was the voting breakdown for Coach of the Year. James Wade received eight votes. pic.twitter.com/JIggIK3XCb

— James Kay (@James_M_Kay) August 26, 2022

Hammon decided to sign on as the Aces’ head coach and first million-dollar coach after an offseason full of interviews for high-profile NBA head coach and GM jobs. She received prior offers and calls from the WNBA, including one from the Liberty that she nearly signed.

The Aces return to action on Sunday to play Game 1 of their series against the Seattle Storm. The semifinal series will feature a record seven former No. 1 overall picks being played between the Aces and Storm.

The post Becky Hammon Wins 2022 Coach of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

Heading into this offseason, Ionescu said her goal is to become a better scorer off the bounce as she heads into an offseason full of optimism and new experiences. Ionescu also said she’s “super excited” to work out 5-on-5, and most importantly, “being healthy and having that mindset helps — I haven’t had that yet.”

“This season is just touching the surface of what we want,” Ionescu said. “We want to be a playoff team every year. Not as a seven or eight seed, but in conversation for a top seed, so it’s laying the foundation down.”

Sabrina Ionescu: "This season is just touching the surface of what we want. We want to be a playoff team every year. Not as a seven or eight seed, but in conversation for a top seed, so it's laying the foundation down." (Q: @ClassicJpow) #OwnTheCrown #WNBA

— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) August 25, 2022

After Game 3, Coach Sandy Brondello said that New York would be focusing on continuing to add the right players around their core and to keep building. She also said New York would have to become consistent on the defensive side of the ball. Brondello is a fan of New York’s small-ball lineup for its effectiveness and how well that group has utilized Laney’s scoring and playmaking versatility.

Ionescu said she had “no idea” how the Liberty would reach those goals since “that’s out of any of our control” as players.

“I have no idea. That’s out of any of our control,” Ionescu said. “It’s just what (GM) Jonathan (Kolb) and our coaches decide (what) we need. As long as we get a good teammate that’ll work hard and understand the culture of this team, that’s what’s most important.”

Sabrina Ionescu on offseason: "I have no idea. That's out of any of our control. It's just what Jonathan and our coaches decide we need. As long as we get a good teammate that'll work hard and understand the culture of this team, that's what's most important." (Q: @mercash22)

— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) August 25, 2022

Ionescu averaged 17.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game on 41.1 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. The former Oregon Duck’s first healthy season resulted in her first All-Star nod, becoming the first to post 500 points, 200 rebounds, and 100 assists in a single season.

The all-time triple-double leader in NCAA history also became the WNBA’s biggest triple-double threat after posting two triple-doubles this season, including a record-setting 30-point triple-double in July. The Oregon product is the youngest player in WNBA history to record multiple triple-doubles in their career.

The post Sabrina Ionescu Speaks On Liberty ‘Touching the Surface of What We Want’ appeared first on SLAM.

Dangerfield signed with the Indiana Fever on a hardship exception, but she was ultimately cut after playing three games with the franchise. She had to wait 15 days before New York swooped in to sign her to consecutive hardship exceptions as the team battled injuries and illness.

Dangerfield’s perseverance and hard work eventually resulted in New York offering a rest-of-season contract on July 3. During her 30 appearances for the Liberty, including 27 starts, Dangerfield averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 39.5 percent shooting from the field while playing 22.1 minutes per game.

Dangerfield spoke about her tumultuous journey through the 2022 season during end-of-season meetings following the Liberty’s season-ending Game 3 loss to the Sky on Tuesday.

“It took a long time, longer than most people would expect,” Dangerfield said about her adjustment, per Myles Ehrlich of The Next Hoops, “It wasn’t as quick as I’d have liked it to be because you have a job at the end of the day. But my teammates did a good job making me feel like I was here to help.”

Crystal Dangerfield on adjusting to Liberty: "It took a long time, longer than most people would expect. It wasn't as quick as I'd've liked it to be, because you had a job at the end of the day. But my teammates did a good job making me feel like I was here to help." (Q: @busyxb)

— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) August 25, 2022

A moment later, Dangerfield elaborated further on how she felt about her season. The former ROY said that things were difficult after the Lynx waived her, especially when she didn’t know who would be interested in signing her after she cleared waivers. Dangerfield called the experience in Indiana quick simply because she was only there for four days.

Additionally, Dangerfield revealed that because of how the season was going, when the Liberty called her to offer the hardship deal, her initial inclination was to decline it. But her support system was able to turn her mindset around about playing after telling her, “no, you need to go do this. Go have this opportunity.” That boost she got ended up being fruitful because her time in New York “ended up working out.”

“I told (Jonathon Kolb) that I really appreciate him bringing me in. I told the coaching staff I appreciate them bringing me in.” Dangerfield said. “It took a while to settle in, mainly because you have a vision for yourself and how you want your career to play out. And it just, it hadn’t been like that for the last two years. So, bouncing around and coming to be with New York, being with the people that they are, the teammates that they are — really saved me. They’re fun people; it was a fun team. You saw us on the court; we had fun out there. So they did help with that, but it was mostly just me. I didn’t want to play. I wanted to save my career basically, but I didn’t want to play.”

“I think that was half the battle of it taking so long to settle in, just like one foot in, one foot out the door type deal. Like I said, I had really great people around me. My support system outside of this New York Liberty organization and inside it.

Crystal Dangerfield shared her journey: “You have a vision for yourself and how you want your career to play out. And it just, it hadn’t been like that for the last two years… I didn’t want to play. I wanted to basically save my career, but I didn’t want to play.” @Winsidr pic.twitter.com/w4U9GwWBFr

— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) August 25, 2022

When Michaela Onyenwere was asked about Dangerfield and her impact on the team, she credited Dangerfield for pushing the pace and taking the pressure off Sabrina Ionescu.

“Crystal’s a great player,” Onyenwere said. “So I knew the skills she had — we needed someone who could push the pace, take the pressure off Sabrina. For Crystal to come in and have that burden was really helpful for us.”

Dangerfield is a free agent heading into the offseason.

The post Crystal Dangerfield Gets Candid About Her Journey to New York appeared first on SLAM.

The first-round series between the Sun and Wings was full of double-digit wins, with no win being more impressive than Connecticut’s 15 point Game 3 win. The Sun put on a defensive clinic after they held the Wings a season-low final score of 58 points, including holding Dallas to 22 points on 6-27 shooting from the field during the secone half. Connecticut also forced Dallas to commit 11 turnovers during the final 20 minutes of Wednesday’s contest.

“I think the biggest thing they learned is they’re very good,” Johnson said per ESPN. “I told them when Arike went out to just believe in themselves. Play together, play with energy and effort, and that’s what we did.”

Dallas’ troubles began after Isabelle Harrison suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter that was severe enough to make Dallas hold her out for the remainder of the game. Not even Arike Ogunbowale’s short-lived return from abdominal surgery could spark Dallas’ stagnant offense. The former national champ went scoreless in six minutes, going 0-3 from the field and 0-2 from beyond the arc.

The loss led to interesting postgame introspection from Dallas, specifically from Marina Mabrey and Veronica Burton about the culture and the kind of team that the Wings are looking to build.

“I feel like we’re growing here in Dallas,” Mabrey (team-high 20 points) said. “We had so many fans and they’re always so supportive. They know we gave it our all, we put our hearts in it so they’re always super proud of us and I can’t thank them enough from our whole team.”

Sentiments that Burton echoed, going on to say that the fans “supporting us means the world” and the Wings appreicate the consistency of the fans in the building too.

We’re building something special, and we couldn’t do it without you, fam pic.twitter.com/GN1htO2F4u

— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 25, 2022

The Wings have now made their first back-to-back playoff appearence since 2017-2018 where they lost in the first round to the Mystics and Mercury, respectively. After consecutive stinging losses to end their season, Dallas will look to make the next step towards winning a playoff series, than on to becoming a Finals threat. The Wings haven’t won a WNBA title since moving from Detroit to Tulsa and now Dallas as of 2016.

The original Detroit Shock franchise won three titles during the 2000s, taking home the Finals Trophy in 2003, 2006, and 2008.

“When you see yourself do something, you believe it more,” Mabrey said. “Not that we didn’t believe before but watching this horn go off and winning in COnnecticut, (it’s) just a confidence booster. Now we know we can do it and (now) it’s back to work.”

“We played a veteran team that’s lost plenty of times, they won so they know exactly what it feels like, they know exactly what to do with their backs gainst the wall and we lacked that a litle bit so that’s okay. It comes with experience so take the good with the bad.”

“When you see yourself do something, you believe it more.”

– @mmabrey1 pic.twitter.com/2wbDKxGAUa

— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 25, 2022

The post Dallas Wings ‘Believe it More’ Despite Season-Ending Game 3 Loss appeared first on SLAM.

Rhyne went CRAZY this season @howard_rhyne is your 2022 Kia @WNBA ROY pic.twitter.com/ZP9Dcblhti

— WSLAM (@wslam) August 25, 2022

Howard led the Dream (14-22) to a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference standings. The former Kentucky All-American averaged 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 36.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc. She was the only rookie to be nominated to the 2022 All-Star Game. She also made history after she became the sixth rookie to score 30+ points in her first four games.

Howard earned 53 votes out of a possible 56 votes she could’ve gotten from WNBA media members and broadcasters. Howard also headlines the All-Rookie team that features NaLyssa Smith, Queen Egbo, Shakira Austin, and Rebekah Gardner. Austin received two ROY votes, and Smith received one. Howard is the second Dream player to win the RY after Angel McCoughtry received it in 2009.

Howard entered the WNBA after a legendary career at Kentucky. Her accolades include earning First-Team All-American honors twice and winning the Freshman of the Year award from the WBCA, USBWA, and SEC. Her SEC accolades include earning the back-to-back Player of the Year awards, four All-SEC nominations, including three First-Team nods from 2019-2021, and an All-Defensive team nod in 2020.

The post Rhyne Howard Crowned the 2022 Rookie of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

HOW DOES IT FEEL, SUN FANS??? #CTSun pic.twitter.com/3twme5dlRy

— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) August 25, 2022

DeWanna Bonner led all scorers with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Alyssa Thomas followed up with 13 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Jonquel Jones dropped 11 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, and Natisha Hiedeman rounded out Connecticut’s double-digit scorers with 11 points, two boards, and two dimes.

Bonner also became the 10th player in WNBA history to knock down 300 career field goals and passed Angel McCoughtry in the process of doing so.

“Our team is incredibly confident in what they do and who they are,” Sun Coach Curt Miller said, per ESPN. “We’re back to the semis for four straight years. This group wants to take another step, and there’s not one person that’s going to pick us to beat Chicago. So we’re going to go with the underdog mentality and give it our best shot.”

.@DEEBONNER24 with a BIG 21-5-5 Game 3 to lead the @ConnecticutSun to the Semifinals of the #WNBAPlayoffs presented by @google pic.twitter.com/eJAZpTCFrM

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 25, 2022

Marina Mabrey posted a team-high 20 points, Veronica Burton contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and four dimes, and Teaira McCowan followed up with eight points, 12 boards, and two blocks.

The Sun won Game 3 after holding the Wings to perhaps the worse scoring effort of the season. Connecticut held Dallas to 22 points in the second half, and their final tally of 58 was a season-low. Dallas shot just 6-27 from the field in the second half and turned the ball over 11 times.

Part of Dallas’ offensive struggles could be attributed to Isabelle Harrison suffering an ankle injury in the first-quarter that she wouldn’t come back from. Not even Arike Ogunbowale’s short-lived return from abdominal surgery could spark Dallas’ stagnant offense. The former national champ went scoreless in six minutes, going 0-3 from the field and 0-2 from beyond the arc.

Bonner credited Connecticut’s defensive clinic to second-year guard DiJonai Carrington. The 35-year-old forward believed Carrington’s “defensive pressure was unbelievable,”, especially in the last 20 minutes of the game.

Carrington was so successful as a defensive pest that she got into a squabble with Mabrey midway through the fourth. The two guards were jaw-jacking as Mabrey set up to inbound the ball from the sideline.

“Forget all that; the credit to this game goes to DiJonai Carrington,” Bonner said. “I think she was the difference maker for us this whole game. Her defensive pressure was unbelievable; she kinda jump-started us the whole game. So take the ball out of my hands and give it to her cause tonight was all about her and her pressure. She definitely jump-started us that second-half, and (I’m) definitely so proud of her.”

The semifinal matchups will start on Sunday, with Las Vegas and Seattle kicking off the action at 4 p.m EST on ESPN. The Sun and Sky will play at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN 2. The Sky swept their regular-season series with the Sun, 4-0, winning by an average of 4.5 points per game.

The post Connecticut Advances to Second-Rounds After 73-58 Rout Over Dallas appeared first on SLAM.

Wade signed a contract extension through 2025 back in 2021. I reached out to the team about this and this was their response more TK for @TheNextHoops tomorrow (I’m flying back to CHI shortly) https://t.co/mx41FlnSzQ pic.twitter.com/1gFXiu7WPF

— James Kay (@James_M_Kay) August 24, 2022

Per James Kay of The Next Hoops, the latest extension Wade signed was a “renegotiated, refurbished contract” that will replace the contract Wade signed in 2021 after leading the Sky to their first title in franchise history.

“The clock starts again, and the new contract is now three years.”

Wade has compiled a 74-50 record since taking over the sidelines in 2019. Wade led the Sky to third, first, second, and first place finishes in the Eastern Conference. He led the Sky to their first title as a sixth seed in 2021.

This year, the Sky (26-10) finished as the best team in the East but are the No. 2 overall seed of the playoffs behind the Aces, who finished with an identical record but held the tiebreaker after beating the Sky three times over their four regular-season meetings.

The post Chicago Sky Extend Coach James Wade Through 2025 appeared first on SLAM.

After Chicago eliminated New York from the playoffs with a 90-72 win on Tuesday, Ionescu didn’t let the fourth-quarter collapse stop her from having a positive outlook on her first fully healthy season in the W. The face of the franchise felt like she was at “the low point? of her pro career because she couldn’t shake the ankle pain that plagued the first two seasons of her career.

Sabrina Ionescu talks with @mariacmarino about how tonight's loss was a learning experience, how the team battled throughout the year, how the fans played such a huge role throughout the season, and what words Kobe Bryant would have for the team if he were still here today: pic.twitter.com/IfEAk1sOlW

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 24, 2022

Heading into a pivotal offseason, the Liberty will be looking to continue building around Ionescu and Laney with “the right people,” per Brondello. Brondello also wants to improve the team’s defensive consistency and is a fan of the Liberty’s small-ball lineup that utilized Laney’s offensive versatility as a scorer and playmaker. After her first All-Star campaign, Ionescu will have a lot to prove as she looks to give New York an improved encore performance.

Ionescu is the first player in W history to record 500 points, 300 rebounds, and 200 assists in a single season. She’s also become the WNBA’s biggest triple-double threat after posting two triple-doubles this season, including a record-setting 30-point triple-double in July. The Oregon product is the youngest player in WNBA history to record multiple triple-doubles in their career.

“If you want me to be honest, I’m happy,” Ionescu said after New York’s season-ending loss, per Stefan Bondy. “I never thought I’d be able to complete a full season. I was at my lowest point a year ago. Obviously, I hate losing more than I love winning. But at the end of the day, I just have to look big picture and understand that a lot of people counted me out and didn’t think I’d be able to play at this level.”

“So being able to come back in my first year healthy and kind of show everybody that isn’t the full player that I am, but I’m still able to do it is something I’m excited about and something I’m going to take into the offseason. It’s fuel to the fire.”

The former All-American will head into the offseason looking to exercise the demons of scoring just 21 combined in Games 2 and 3 while turning the ball over (eight) more than she passed out dimes (seven). On Tuesday night’s Game 3 loss, Ionescu missed her final five shots of the night while Chicago ran off a decisive 16-0 run. As a result, Ionescu will likely work on becoming a better iso scorer.

“(Beating defenders off the dribble) is definitely something I’m capable of. I just haven’t been able to train at for the last two years,” Ionescu said. “I’m definitely excited to bring that next season.

“I think it should have in my pocket that I continue to use. This year, I faced a lot of teams trapping and hard hedging and bringing two on the ball. If I’m able to create offense without using a ball screen, it helps that much more.”

Ultimately, Ionescu will look to improve on the foundation she and New York have built. The Liberty has improved dramatically since winning two games in 2020. Going into her fourth season, the first-time All-Stars bar for success will likely be higher.

“The goal for me and my career is to be able to put this team in the playoff conversation every year,” she said. “And not the seventh or eighth seed. A lock. So that’s the goal next year. Not to have our backs against the wall.”

The post Sabrina Ionescu ‘Happy’ After Career Year Leading New York to Playoffs appeared first on SLAM.

The defending champs won two straight games to close out the series after the Liberty after New York shocked the Sky in Game 1 with a 13-0 run to steal the opening game. The Sky came back with a vengeance next time out and won Game 2, 100-62. The Sky being able to recapture that magic during Game 3 is a good sign to Coach James Wade, who believes Chicago has reached “another level of play” through the first round.

“I think after the first game, we’ve added another level of play or sense of urgency — we were able to keep out composure and respond — I think for us, it starts on the defensive end.”

Coach Wade on if the team has reached “another level”: “I think after the first game, we’ve added another level of play or sense of urgency….We were able to keep our composure and respond…I think for us it starts on the defensive end…”

— Her Hoop Stats (@herhoopstats) August 24, 2022

Wade’s confidence and evaluation couldn’t come at a better time for a Chicago team looking to be the first back-to-back champions since the Los Angeles Sparks did it in 2001-02. Those ambitions might happen, led by stalwart talents like Candace Parker, Kahleah Copper, Allie Quigley, and Courtney Vandersloot.

The post Coach James Wade Believes Chicago Has Reached ‘Another Level of Play’ appeared first on SLAM.

The defending champs were led by the combined 44-point effort from Kahleah Copper, Courtney Vandersloot, and Allie Quigley and the near triple-double effort from Candace Parker (14 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks). The win was thanks to their balanced scoring, veteran leadership, and experience from last year’s run to the 2021 title.

Postgame, Copper, said that she learned a lot from Parker and Vandersloot, two W mainstays that have carved out fantastic basketball careers. Especially Parker, who has won two championships and was named Finals MVP in 2016. Parker has been named MVP twice, earned DPY honors in 2020, and voted to the All-Star Game seven times in her career.

“To see them really connect, I’m just like, ‘Wow,'” Copper said about Parker and Vandersloot’s leadership. “I’m just learning. I’m just sitting here and trying to do whatever I can do. That’s the experience, and that’s the leadership we need.”

Kahleah Copper on the Sky's veteran leadership in Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot: "To see them really connect, I'm just like, 'Wow.' I'm just learning. I'm just sitting here and trying to do whatever I can do. That's the experience and that's the leadership we need."

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) August 24, 2022

Coach James Wade elaborated on that point while also lifting the veteran presence of Quigley and Vandersloot, who he believes embody what the Chicago Sky is about as a team and culture.

“I’m proud of the way they responded (tonight),” Wade said about his starting backcourt. “We love having the both of them, and when you think of Chicago Sky basketball, the names come to mind.”

Coach Wade on Quigley and Vandersloot: “I’m proud of the way they responded, (tonight). We love having the both of them, and when you think of Chicago Sky basketball the names come to mind…”

— Her Hoop Stats (@herhoopstats) August 24, 2022

The Sky will play the winner of the Sun-Wings series that will conclude with Wednesday’s Game 3.

The post Kahleah Copper Credits Chicago’s Success to the Leadership of Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot appeared first on SLAM.

Talked to Vickie Johnson, and she said Arike is a game time decision.

— Maggie Hendricks (@maggiehendricks) August 24, 2022

Arike Ogunbowale has been upgraded to probable ahead of the series-clinching Game 3 between the Sun and Wings.

Prior to Wednesday, August 24th vs. Connecticut: pic.twitter.com/S0F9Btx22Q

— X – Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 23, 2022

Dallas initially ruled out the All-Star guard after she underwent the iliac crest core muscle avulsion repair surgery on Aug. 9. Ogunbowale suffered the injury on Aug. 6 against the Indiana Fever while playing defense in the fourth quarter. When Ogunbowale went under the knife, she was told her timetable for recovery was at least three weeks.

“They said, hey, if you get it now, there’s a possibility that you can play in three weeks,” Coach Vickie Johnson said on Aug. 10. “And she was like, “Alright, well, let’s do it.” Within an hour, made a decision, had the surgery.”

On Tuesday, Ogunbowale was a full participant in a practice session that allowed the media to watch. The former champ ran through plays and took free throws with her teammates. She also participated in practice drills before Game 2 against the Sun.

The Wings have been able to successfully work a “next man up” mentality when Ogunbowale missed games. They beat the Aces and Sky in back-to-back regular-season games and won Game 2 without the 2021 All-Star Game MVP to tie up their first-round series against the Sun.

Wednesday’s Game 3 will be hosting the first home playoff game at College Park Center in Wings history.

The post Dallas Upgrades Arike Ogunbowale to a Game-Time Decision for Game 3 appeared first on SLAM.

With Coach Sandy Brondello leading the Liberty to their second straight playoff berth, New York looks to have a bright future while being led by a young superstar in Sabrina Ionescu and the veteran presence of Betnijah Laney, Natasha Howard, and Stefanie Dolson. Although the Liberty hasn’t won a title in its history, Joe Tsai, who bought the Liberty from James Dolan in 2019, has brought stability since moving the franchise to Brooklyn.

New York finished the season with a 16-20 record and earned the No. 7 seed for the playoffs. Although Brondello said she was proud that the Liberty could “get back and play with a better sense of urgency,” she also had to give credit to Chicago’s chemistry and poise. She also said New York reached their goal of making the playoffs despite a “new coach, new system, new players coming in, and with our injury toll” messing up their chemistry.

Sandy Brondello: "Our goal was to make the playoffs, then it's a new season. We went to Chicago and beat them. I think we woke them up a little bit, because now they've gone to another level. This is what their experience brings out." (Q: @busyxb) #OwnTheCrown #WNBA

— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) August 24, 2022

The next step, according to Brondello, is continuing to add the right players around their core and to keep building. She also said New York would have to become consistent on the defensive side of the ball. Brondello is a fan of New York’s small-ball lineup for its effectiveness and how well that group has utilized Laney’s scoring and playmaking versatility.

Howard also gave to Chicago’s balance and championship experience. She believes that New York “progressed really well,” despite the injuries to the lineup. The most important part to her is that the Liberty “stood together through everything,” including “adversity, wins, and losses.”

Natasha Howard: "I think we progressed really well, even with injuries. I think we grew as a team and individuals. We stood together through everything: adversity, wins and losses." (Q: @alexaphilippou) #OwnTheCrown

— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) August 24, 2022

With the season officially over, the Liberty will hope to take the next step as a franchise by winning their first playoff series since 2017 while riding the coat tails of Ionescu, Laney, Howard, and Dolson.

The post Where Do the New York Liberty Go After Series Loss to Chicago appeared first on SLAM.