A fired-up Lynx defense got them past the Mercury, 96-86.
The Sparks ground down the Sky, 99-84.
Both series continue Sunday.
WNBA player news:
Jantel Lavender is a game-changer off the bench for LA.
College coach news:
The real reason Beth Burns was fired at SDSU.
Friday, September 30, 2016
COY, defensive POY named
Cheryl Reeve is the coach of the year.
Sylvia Fowles is the defensive POY.
All-defensive teams........
2016 WNBA ALL-DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM
Player Team Position Points
Alana Beard Los Angeles Sparks Guard 55
Angel McCoughtry Atlanta Dream Forward 37
Nneka Ogwumike Los Angeles Sparks Forward 37
Sylvia Fowles Minnesota Lynx Center 35
Briann January Indiana Fever Guard 34
2016 WNBA ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM
Player Team Position Points
Brittney Griner Phoenix Mercury Center 34
Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever Forward 33
Breanna Stewart Seattle Storm Forward 25
Tanisha Wright New York Liberty Guard 21
Jasmine Thomas Connecticut Sun Guard 15
Offense league-wide has risen this season.
Sylvia Fowles is the defensive POY.
All-defensive teams........
2016 WNBA ALL-DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM
Player Team Position Points
Alana Beard Los Angeles Sparks Guard 55
Angel McCoughtry Atlanta Dream Forward 37
Nneka Ogwumike Los Angeles Sparks Forward 37
Sylvia Fowles Minnesota Lynx Center 35
Briann January Indiana Fever Guard 34
2016 WNBA ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM
Player Team Position Points
Brittney Griner Phoenix Mercury Center 34
Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever Forward 33
Breanna Stewart Seattle Storm Forward 25
Tanisha Wright New York Liberty Guard 21
Jasmine Thomas Connecticut Sun Guard 15
Offense league-wide has risen this season.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
It's almost time for games two
Tomorrow's games:
.....are back on ESPNews :-(
Phoenix will have to play better defense against Minnesota.
The Sky look to come back after being dominated by the Sparks.
Awards:
Breanna Stewart is rookie of the year.
All-rookie team: Moriah Jefferson, Imani Boyette, Aerial Powers, Tiffany Mitchell and Stewart.
Draft lottery:
Stars general manager Ruth Riley relishes in their first pick in next year's draft.
Mystics coach and general manager Mike Thibault on the team getting second pick.
A lottery breakdown.
WNBA player news:
Skylar Diggins retraces the steps of her childhood.
College coach news:
Vanderbilt coach Stephanie White is paving the way for women in the coaching ranks.
.....are back on ESPNews :-(
Phoenix will have to play better defense against Minnesota.
The Sky look to come back after being dominated by the Sparks.
Awards:
Breanna Stewart is rookie of the year.
All-rookie team: Moriah Jefferson, Imani Boyette, Aerial Powers, Tiffany Mitchell and Stewart.
Draft lottery:
Stars general manager Ruth Riley relishes in their first pick in next year's draft.
Mystics coach and general manager Mike Thibault on the team getting second pick.
A lottery breakdown.
WNBA player news:
Skylar Diggins retraces the steps of her childhood.
College coach news:
Vanderbilt coach Stephanie White is paving the way for women in the coaching ranks.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Lynx, Sparks win strong in first games of semifinals
Semifinals game one results:
Maya Moore and a well-rested Lynx crushed Phoenix, 113-95. Moore poured in 31 points and Minnesota broke the league record for most points in regulation in playoff history.
Photos.
The Sparks routed the Sky, 95-75. Candace Parker had 30 points and MVP Nneka Ogwumike, 27.
Awards:
Jantel Lavender was named WNBA sixth woman of the year. Well-deserved!!
WNBA team news:
The Stars hope to accelerate their rebuild after winning next year's top draft pick.
WNBA player news:
MVP Nneka Ogwumike cultivated her skills on the black top.
Ogwumike wants more.
Diana Taurasi is cold-blooded.
College coach news:
Beth Burns won her wrongful termination lawsuit against SDSU.
San Francisco has tapped Molly Goodenbour as its new head coach.
Quinnipiac coach Tricia Fabbri has been has been appointed to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Competition Committee.
College player news:
Texas' Olamide Aborowa said "basketball found me."
Ohio State's freshmen are adjusting to college life.
Two Dayton recruits changed their minds after Jim Jabir's resignation.
Kid news:
Meet 6-year-old basketball phenom Jaliyah Manuel.
Maya Moore and a well-rested Lynx crushed Phoenix, 113-95. Moore poured in 31 points and Minnesota broke the league record for most points in regulation in playoff history.
Photos.
The Sparks routed the Sky, 95-75. Candace Parker had 30 points and MVP Nneka Ogwumike, 27.
Awards:
Jantel Lavender was named WNBA sixth woman of the year. Well-deserved!!
WNBA team news:
The Stars hope to accelerate their rebuild after winning next year's top draft pick.
WNBA player news:
MVP Nneka Ogwumike cultivated her skills on the black top.
Ogwumike wants more.
Diana Taurasi is cold-blooded.
College coach news:
Beth Burns won her wrongful termination lawsuit against SDSU.
San Francisco has tapped Molly Goodenbour as its new head coach.
Quinnipiac coach Tricia Fabbri has been has been appointed to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Competition Committee.
College player news:
Texas' Olamide Aborowa said "basketball found me."
Ohio State's freshmen are adjusting to college life.
Two Dayton recruits changed their minds after Jim Jabir's resignation.
Kid news:
Meet 6-year-old basketball phenom Jaliyah Manuel.
San Antonio wins 2017 draft lottery
It worked out well for all the hard-luck teams this year in the 2017 WNBA draft lottery:
For San Antonio, which had entered the WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm with the most chances to land the top pick (442 out of 1,000), this marks the first time in franchise history the Stars have emerged as the lottery winner. Seattle won the top pick in each of the last two years and used it to select Notre Dame guard Jewell Loyd in 2015 and University of Connecticut forward Breanna Stewart this past April.
Washington, which had the fourth-most chances of landing the No. 1 pick (104 out of 1,000), will have the second pick. The Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks, each of whom had 227 chances to earn the top pick, will select third and fourth, respectively.
Stars GM Ruth Riley might be feeling extra pressure now to get a great coach for the franchise.
For San Antonio, which had entered the WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm with the most chances to land the top pick (442 out of 1,000), this marks the first time in franchise history the Stars have emerged as the lottery winner. Seattle won the top pick in each of the last two years and used it to select Notre Dame guard Jewell Loyd in 2015 and University of Connecticut forward Breanna Stewart this past April.
Washington, which had the fourth-most chances of landing the No. 1 pick (104 out of 1,000), will have the second pick. The Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks, each of whom had 227 chances to earn the top pick, will select third and fourth, respectively.
Stars GM Ruth Riley might be feeling extra pressure now to get a great coach for the franchise.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Semifinals begin tomorrow
Semifinals start tomorrow:
Breaking down key match ups tomorrow, via film.
Top seeds Minnesota and Los Angeles look to hold off the challengers.
Five reasons the Lynx could repeat as champions.
The Lynx and Mercury have renewed their postseason rivalry. That rivalry is familiar.
After a long wait for the playoffs, Minnesota is eager to face their former nemesis Phoenix.
The Lynx and Mercury meet again in the WNBA final four.
Minnesota opens the playoffs in a temporary new home.
The Mercury will host a playoff game at Grand Canyon University.
The rested Sparks face Chicago.
Elena Delle Donne's absence looms large for the Sparks-Sky series.
Draft lottery:
Draft lottery primer.
The Dallas Wings are set for tomorrow's lottery.
WNBA player news:
Lindsay Whalen is flourishing after turning down overseas money.
Political activism:
You can't hold WNBA players down.
Former WNBA player news:
Delisha Milton-Jones is ready for the next phase.
Breaking down key match ups tomorrow, via film.
Top seeds Minnesota and Los Angeles look to hold off the challengers.
Five reasons the Lynx could repeat as champions.
The Lynx and Mercury have renewed their postseason rivalry. That rivalry is familiar.
After a long wait for the playoffs, Minnesota is eager to face their former nemesis Phoenix.
The Lynx and Mercury meet again in the WNBA final four.
Minnesota opens the playoffs in a temporary new home.
The Mercury will host a playoff game at Grand Canyon University.
The rested Sparks face Chicago.
Elena Delle Donne's absence looms large for the Sparks-Sky series.
Draft lottery:
Draft lottery primer.
The Dallas Wings are set for tomorrow's lottery.
WNBA player news:
Lindsay Whalen is flourishing after turning down overseas money.
Political activism:
You can't hold WNBA players down.
Former WNBA player news:
Delisha Milton-Jones is ready for the next phase.
Nneka Ogwumike is WNBA MVP
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nnemkadi Ogwumike is the 2016 WNBA MVP, it was announced today.
She received 31 of 39 first place media votes, including mine, for the honor.
She has lead the league in field goal percentage all season long, and has been third overall in both points and rebounds.
Ogwumike has been a model of consistency, recording the second-most double-doubles in WNBA history this year, with 18. She has carried the Sparks night in and night out with her play on both ends of the court. Her rise to the top has been incremental and steady.
The 26-year-old former Stanford All-American said she was stunned to be named MVP, but nobody else on the West Coast was surprised in the least. We witnessed Ogwumike's greatness every year she played in college.
A Texas native, Ogwumike is the oldest of four. She not only played big sister to Cardinal teammate Chiney, but to the entire team, as her on-court leadership skills were both personal and business. If Chiney took a fall during a game, Ogwumike would hustle to her and sometimes wipe her face and pick her up. Come crunch time, Ogwumike put the team on her back again and again. If it weren't for her, Stanford wouldn't have reached the Final Four each year she was there.
In her first season with the Sparks in 2012, Ogwumike showed flashes of brilliance playing behind Candace Parker and other veterans. She has played remarkably well each year since, considering little to no plays are run for her. She is so crafty that she creates her own plays and scoring opportunities, and is ferocious on both ends of the court.
It's been great to see Ogwumike's confidence rise this year, and to see her break out. In the context of answering one post-game media question earlier this year, she made a reference to how it had been time for her to step up. Seeing what she's done provides a glimpse of her unlimited potential. It's exciting.
More:
Chiney Ogwumike penned a tribute to her older "twin."
30 new photos for number 30.
She received 31 of 39 first place media votes, including mine, for the honor.
She has lead the league in field goal percentage all season long, and has been third overall in both points and rebounds.
Ogwumike has been a model of consistency, recording the second-most double-doubles in WNBA history this year, with 18. She has carried the Sparks night in and night out with her play on both ends of the court. Her rise to the top has been incremental and steady.
The 26-year-old former Stanford All-American said she was stunned to be named MVP, but nobody else on the West Coast was surprised in the least. We witnessed Ogwumike's greatness every year she played in college.
A Texas native, Ogwumike is the oldest of four. She not only played big sister to Cardinal teammate Chiney, but to the entire team, as her on-court leadership skills were both personal and business. If Chiney took a fall during a game, Ogwumike would hustle to her and sometimes wipe her face and pick her up. Come crunch time, Ogwumike put the team on her back again and again. If it weren't for her, Stanford wouldn't have reached the Final Four each year she was there.
In her first season with the Sparks in 2012, Ogwumike showed flashes of brilliance playing behind Candace Parker and other veterans. She has played remarkably well each year since, considering little to no plays are run for her. She is so crafty that she creates her own plays and scoring opportunities, and is ferocious on both ends of the court.
It's been great to see Ogwumike's confidence rise this year, and to see her break out. In the context of answering one post-game media question earlier this year, she made a reference to how it had been time for her to step up. Seeing what she's done provides a glimpse of her unlimited potential. It's exciting.
More:
Chiney Ogwumike penned a tribute to her older "twin."
30 new photos for number 30.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Biding our time until Wednesday
WNBA player news:
The Lynx's Janel McCarville has found just the right role.
WNBA coach news:
Phoenix coach Sandy Brondello's star is still rising in the WNBA and at home in Australia.
WNBA GM news:
Dallas Wings general manager Greg Bibb sees room for improvement and reason for optimism after a disappointing season.
Former WNBA player news:
Q&A with Yolanda Griffith.
Tamika Catchings blogs: Thank you.
Swin Cash is a Freedom Award recipient.
Kelsey Griffin took the long way home.
College player news:
Syracuse guard Alexis Peterson will "seize the moment."
The Lynx's Janel McCarville has found just the right role.
WNBA coach news:
Phoenix coach Sandy Brondello's star is still rising in the WNBA and at home in Australia.
WNBA GM news:
Dallas Wings general manager Greg Bibb sees room for improvement and reason for optimism after a disappointing season.
Former WNBA player news:
Q&A with Yolanda Griffith.
Tamika Catchings blogs: Thank you.
Swin Cash is a Freedom Award recipient.
Kelsey Griffin took the long way home.
College player news:
Syracuse guard Alexis Peterson will "seize the moment."
Wings, Mystics, Stars and Sparks will vie for top pick in draft lottery
The 2017 WNBA draft lottery is Wednesday:
NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2016 – The 2017 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm will be televised live on ESPN2 on Wednesday, Sept. 28, the WNBA announced today. The Lottery, hosted by Doug Kezirian, will air during halftime of the network’s telecast of a semifinal playoff game. The lottery winner will secure the top pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm, to be conducted next April.
By missing the playoffs, the Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, San Antonio Stars and Washington Mystics qualified for the 16th annual lottery drawing. Connecticut’s spot in the lottery, however, belongs to the Los Angeles Sparks, the result of a draft-day trade last April.
Lottery odds are based on the cumulative records of the Sun, Wings, Stars and Mystics over the two most recent regular seasons (2015 and 2016). The lottery will establish the first four picks of the draft. The lottery team with the worst two-year cumulative record is guaranteed at least the third pick.
NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2016 – The 2017 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm will be televised live on ESPN2 on Wednesday, Sept. 28, the WNBA announced today. The Lottery, hosted by Doug Kezirian, will air during halftime of the network’s telecast of a semifinal playoff game. The lottery winner will secure the top pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm, to be conducted next April.
By missing the playoffs, the Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, San Antonio Stars and Washington Mystics qualified for the 16th annual lottery drawing. Connecticut’s spot in the lottery, however, belongs to the Los Angeles Sparks, the result of a draft-day trade last April.
Lottery odds are based on the cumulative records of the Sun, Wings, Stars and Mystics over the two most recent regular seasons (2015 and 2016). The lottery will establish the first four picks of the draft. The lottery team with the worst two-year cumulative record is guaranteed at least the third pick.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Mercury, Sky surprise, and blaze into WNBA playoff semifinals
Womenshoopsworld.com's weekend wrap up.
The semifinals are set
The Sky took down the Dream, 108-98, without Elena Delle Donne. Really.
It was a team effort, as Chicago was ultra-focused.
So now the five-game semifinals are set:
Mercury vs. Lynx preview
Sparks vs. Sky preview
Playoff schedule.
WNBA team news:
The Seattle Storm look back on the season with pride and into the future with hope.
WNBA player news:
Penny Taylor follows Lauren Jackson into retirement as a basketball legend.
College coach news:
Maria Cornelius' new book confirms that Pat Summitt lived every life lesson she taught.
Beth Burns' wrongful termination lawsuit against San Diego State is headed to the jury.
It was a team effort, as Chicago was ultra-focused.
So now the five-game semifinals are set:
Mercury vs. Lynx preview
Sparks vs. Sky preview
Playoff schedule.
WNBA team news:
The Seattle Storm look back on the season with pride and into the future with hope.
WNBA player news:
Penny Taylor follows Lauren Jackson into retirement as a basketball legend.
College coach news:
Maria Cornelius' new book confirms that Pat Summitt lived every life lesson she taught.
Beth Burns' wrongful termination lawsuit against San Diego State is headed to the jury.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Round two, day one
Today's result:
Lead by Diana Taurasi, the Mercury eliminated the Liberty, 101-94.
Liberty thoughts:
New York seems to choke at crunch moments. It might be time to let Katie Smith take the reins.
Playoff thoughts:
This new one-and-done format feels like a ripoff. By tomorrow two playoff rounds will be over after a total of four games. The WNBA is trying to get more eyes on the teams, yet they're cutting the playoffs down. It doesn't make sense.
If the NBA playoffs can continue for two months, the WNBA playoffs can go on for three weeks.
I don't believe the NBA is looking at the WNBA playoffs as a test drive. They make way too much money during the two months of playoffs to make any cuts.
Tomorrow's game:
The Sky's goal is to stop Angel McCoughtry.
Anthem Watch:
I guess we have Anthem Watch now: Liberty players and coaches locked arms during the Anthem tonight, and two Mercury players sat.
Lead by Diana Taurasi, the Mercury eliminated the Liberty, 101-94.
Liberty thoughts:
New York seems to choke at crunch moments. It might be time to let Katie Smith take the reins.
Playoff thoughts:
This new one-and-done format feels like a ripoff. By tomorrow two playoff rounds will be over after a total of four games. The WNBA is trying to get more eyes on the teams, yet they're cutting the playoffs down. It doesn't make sense.
If the NBA playoffs can continue for two months, the WNBA playoffs can go on for three weeks.
I don't believe the NBA is looking at the WNBA playoffs as a test drive. They make way too much money during the two months of playoffs to make any cuts.
Tomorrow's game:
The Sky's goal is to stop Angel McCoughtry.
Anthem Watch:
I guess we have Anthem Watch now: Liberty players and coaches locked arms during the Anthem tonight, and two Mercury players sat.
A wee bit more before the second round
Friday, September 23, 2016
Plenty of pre-round two news
Playoffs:
The "Cinderella" Mercury will next try to knock off the Liberty.
New York players discuss the match up.
Can the Liberty make the Finals?
Limiting Tina Charles will be key for Phoenix in the second round.
Is another Diana Taurasi elimination game takeover in store tomorrow?
The Liberty look to regain their momentum in the playoffs.
Check out the WNBA's star-studded new playoffs ad.
A new playoffs era has begun.
Sky forward Elena Delle Donne will miss Sunday's round two game as she recovers from thumb surgery.
Delle Donne's first Nike retail shoe will make its debut in Chicago's playoffs.
WNBA team news:
What's next for the Indiana Fever?
Stars general manager Ruth Riley is still exploring San Antonio.
WNBA player news:
The childhood bond of Liberty teammates Tina Charles and Epiphanny Prince outlasts their rivalry.
Nobody dominates like Charles.
The Mercury's playoff win has put Penny Taylor's retirement on hold.
Protests:
Tamika Catchings continues her father's Civil Rights march, on a knee.
Will a men's team match the Indiana Fever in protest?
One publication says probably not.
ABL:
Where are they now? Former Columbia Quest player Valerie Still.
College news:
Some coaches are opting for a de facto boycott of the recruiting season workload.
ESPN's version of the story.
Texas has extended the contract of coach Karen Aston through 2019-2020.
Northern Arizona has let coach Sue Darling go.
Rynae Rasley is a new assistant coach at Air Force.
Duquesne's new assistant coach is Cherie Lea.
Lisa Pace is Kennesaw State's new assistant coach.
The NCAA has granted Illinois transfer Chatrice White immediate eligibility at Florida State.
The "Cinderella" Mercury will next try to knock off the Liberty.
New York players discuss the match up.
Can the Liberty make the Finals?
Limiting Tina Charles will be key for Phoenix in the second round.
Is another Diana Taurasi elimination game takeover in store tomorrow?
The Liberty look to regain their momentum in the playoffs.
Check out the WNBA's star-studded new playoffs ad.
A new playoffs era has begun.
Sky forward Elena Delle Donne will miss Sunday's round two game as she recovers from thumb surgery.
Delle Donne's first Nike retail shoe will make its debut in Chicago's playoffs.
WNBA team news:
What's next for the Indiana Fever?
Stars general manager Ruth Riley is still exploring San Antonio.
WNBA player news:
The childhood bond of Liberty teammates Tina Charles and Epiphanny Prince outlasts their rivalry.
Nobody dominates like Charles.
The Mercury's playoff win has put Penny Taylor's retirement on hold.
Protests:
Tamika Catchings continues her father's Civil Rights march, on a knee.
Will a men's team match the Indiana Fever in protest?
One publication says probably not.
ABL:
Where are they now? Former Columbia Quest player Valerie Still.
College news:
Some coaches are opting for a de facto boycott of the recruiting season workload.
ESPN's version of the story.
Texas has extended the contract of coach Karen Aston through 2019-2020.
Northern Arizona has let coach Sue Darling go.
Rynae Rasley is a new assistant coach at Air Force.
Duquesne's new assistant coach is Cherie Lea.
Lisa Pace is Kennesaw State's new assistant coach.
The NCAA has granted Illinois transfer Chatrice White immediate eligibility at Florida State.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
As the world swirls
Playoffs round two preview:
Mercury vs. Liberty
Sky vs. Dream
The WNBA has brought stars together to promote the postseason.
The new playoff format cut short the season of legend Tamika Catchings.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings competed until the very end.
Statistically, the WNBA has given the MVP edge to Nneka Ogwumike.
Sylvia Fowles does't let criticism from Cheryl Reeve get to her.
Shavonte Zellous and Brittany Boyd hung out with fans at the NBA store in NYC today.
Protests:
Apparently Marissa Coleman has taken some heat for her part in the Fever's Anthem protest last night. She wrote a letter in response.
I wish people would acquaint themselves with the Constitution.
An Indianapolis columnist says the protest exposed a racial divide.
ESPN's Mechelle Voepel says players should be applauded for taking a stand. I wholeheartedly agree.
College news:
The NCAA and WBCA will join forces this season to raise money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell has received a contract extension through 2018-2019.
Lin Dunn is helping Kentucky hoops.
What would Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman do if his team staged a protest?
Ali Patberg promises passion in her return to Notre Dame.
Mercury vs. Liberty
Sky vs. Dream
The WNBA has brought stars together to promote the postseason.
The new playoff format cut short the season of legend Tamika Catchings.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings competed until the very end.
Statistically, the WNBA has given the MVP edge to Nneka Ogwumike.
Sylvia Fowles does't let criticism from Cheryl Reeve get to her.
Shavonte Zellous and Brittany Boyd hung out with fans at the NBA store in NYC today.
Protests:
Apparently Marissa Coleman has taken some heat for her part in the Fever's Anthem protest last night. She wrote a letter in response.
I wish people would acquaint themselves with the Constitution.
An Indianapolis columnist says the protest exposed a racial divide.
ESPN's Mechelle Voepel says players should be applauded for taking a stand. I wholeheartedly agree.
College news:
The NCAA and WBCA will join forces this season to raise money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell has received a contract extension through 2018-2019.
Lin Dunn is helping Kentucky hoops.
What would Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman do if his team staged a protest?
Ali Patberg promises passion in her return to Notre Dame.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Mercury, Dream advance in first round
Tonight's first-round playoff action:
The Mercury defeated the Fever, 89-87.
The Dream ousted the Storm, 94-85.
With Indiana's loss, Tamika Catchings is officially retired.
(Make sure you get tissues before you open that last story and see the video)
Second round:
Also single-elimination, will be Mercury at Liberty, 7 p.m. Eastern Saturday and Dream at Sky, 1 p.m. Eastern Sunday.
WNBA playoffs:
Some feel the new format adds excitement.
(I'm personally not digging it)
WNBA team news:
The Fever knelt during the National Anthem tonight, joined by the Mercury's Mistie Bass and Kelsey Bone.
Catchings on why the team knelt.
WNBA players news:
Tamika Catchings won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.
The Dream's Elizabeth Williams won the most improved player award.
Q&A with Sparks forward Candace Parker.
Mercury guard Diana Taurasi is Argentinian and Italian.
WNBA coach news:
From South Jersey to La Salle to WNBA royalty.
The Mercury defeated the Fever, 89-87.
The Dream ousted the Storm, 94-85.
With Indiana's loss, Tamika Catchings is officially retired.
(Make sure you get tissues before you open that last story and see the video)
Second round:
Also single-elimination, will be Mercury at Liberty, 7 p.m. Eastern Saturday and Dream at Sky, 1 p.m. Eastern Sunday.
WNBA playoffs:
Some feel the new format adds excitement.
(I'm personally not digging it)
WNBA team news:
The Fever knelt during the National Anthem tonight, joined by the Mercury's Mistie Bass and Kelsey Bone.
Catchings on why the team knelt.
WNBA players news:
Tamika Catchings won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.
The Dream's Elizabeth Williams won the most improved player award.
Q&A with Sparks forward Candace Parker.
Mercury guard Diana Taurasi is Argentinian and Italian.
WNBA coach news:
From South Jersey to La Salle to WNBA royalty.
WNBA's 20th season sees highest attendance in five years
The league announced today:
ATTENDANCE: The WNBA registered its highest attendance (1,561,530) since 2011 and the highest average attendance (7,655) over the same time period (a 4.6% increase over last year). The season was highlighted by record-breaking numbers for the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The Sky set franchise records for average attendance (7,009) and single-game crowd (16,444) against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 13. The Fever had its highest average (8,575) since 2001, and boosted the second highest single-game attendance in franchise history of 17,704 on Sept. 18 for legend Tamika Catchings’ final regular-season game. Also this season, the Phoenix Mercury recorded the highest average attendance (10,351) for the franchise since 1999.
VIEWERSHIP: Combined ESPN and ESPN2 viewership was up 11% this season over last year (224,000 vs. 202,000). The season was highlighted by the season opener on ESPN between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx, which delivered 505,000 viewers and delivered the highest-rated, regular-season WNBA game on the ESPN networks since 2011.
DIGITAL: WNBA.com set a record for traffic with average monthly unique visitors up 22% and video views up 50% over last season.
WNBA LEAGUE PASS: The league’s out-of-market live game streaming product saw a record 24% increase in subscriptions this year.
SOCIAL MEDIA: The league surpassed 12 million likes and followers across all league, team and player social platforms, growing by 20%, with the addition of three million fans from last season. The WNBA also achieved records with over 530 million impressions, and over 50 million video views, both metrics more than doubling last year’s mark.
MERCHANDISE: This season saw record sales on WNBAStore.com, an increase of 30% over last year with Breanna Stewart and the Seattle Storm capturing the top spot on the list of best-selling jerseys and team merchandise.
ATTENDANCE: The WNBA registered its highest attendance (1,561,530) since 2011 and the highest average attendance (7,655) over the same time period (a 4.6% increase over last year). The season was highlighted by record-breaking numbers for the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The Sky set franchise records for average attendance (7,009) and single-game crowd (16,444) against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 13. The Fever had its highest average (8,575) since 2001, and boosted the second highest single-game attendance in franchise history of 17,704 on Sept. 18 for legend Tamika Catchings’ final regular-season game. Also this season, the Phoenix Mercury recorded the highest average attendance (10,351) for the franchise since 1999.
VIEWERSHIP: Combined ESPN and ESPN2 viewership was up 11% this season over last year (224,000 vs. 202,000). The season was highlighted by the season opener on ESPN between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx, which delivered 505,000 viewers and delivered the highest-rated, regular-season WNBA game on the ESPN networks since 2011.
DIGITAL: WNBA.com set a record for traffic with average monthly unique visitors up 22% and video views up 50% over last season.
WNBA LEAGUE PASS: The league’s out-of-market live game streaming product saw a record 24% increase in subscriptions this year.
SOCIAL MEDIA: The league surpassed 12 million likes and followers across all league, team and player social platforms, growing by 20%, with the addition of three million fans from last season. The WNBA also achieved records with over 530 million impressions, and over 50 million video views, both metrics more than doubling last year’s mark.
MERCHANDISE: This season saw record sales on WNBAStore.com, an increase of 30% over last year with Breanna Stewart and the Seattle Storm capturing the top spot on the list of best-selling jerseys and team merchandise.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
18 hours until playoffs begin
Playoffs:
Tamika Catchinga and Stephanie White are looking to extend their Fever careers in the playoffs.
Catchings wants to keep driving her new Lexus to work.
Under the new playoff format, the Liberty have no room for error. They are waiting for their shot at a championship.
The return to the playoffs is encouraging for Storm point guard Sue Bird. The Storm are peaking at the perfect time.
Dream guard Tiffany Hayes has been suspended for tomorrow's loser-out game for receiving her seventh technical foul of the season. But the Dream are ready to run without Hayes.
Rebekkah Brunson is a machine for the Lynx.
Mercury veteran Diana Taurasi only gets better in elimination games.
Phoenix looks to salvage their season in the playoffs.
Playoff logistics.
The new WNBA playoff model could be an NBA test case.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Mercury and Fever tip off at 3 p.m. Pacific/6 p.m. Eastern, and Storm and Dream begin at 5 p.m. Pacific/8 p.m. Eastern, both on ESPNews.
Award time:
Nneka Ogwumike is the AP WNBA player of the year.
Storm forward Breanna Stewart has won the AP rookie of the year award.
Brian Agler is the AP coach of the year.
The AP sixth woman of the year is Jantel Lavender.
Sylvia Fowles is the AP defensive player of the year.
The AP comeback player of the year is Chiney Ogwumike.
The AP most improved player is Elizabeth Williams.
AP first and second teams are here.
Here's the AP all-rookie team.
Stewart swept the WNBA's rookie of the month awards for this season.
Tina Charles and Sue Bird are the WNBA's peak performers.
Maya Moore and Tina Charles are the Western and Eastern Conference players of the month for September.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings recently found a moving note from Pat Summitt from her rookie season.
Elena Delle Donne feels her sister's presence in Chicago.
Sun rookie Jonquel Jones' future is bright.
A day in the life of rookie Breanna Stewart.
WNBA coach news:
Indiana coach Stephanie White says the Fever are in her DNA.
College news:
Ohio State transfers are ready to fill big roles.
Georgia freshman Kortney Eisenman has been medically disqualified for a heart condition.
Tamika Catchinga and Stephanie White are looking to extend their Fever careers in the playoffs.
Catchings wants to keep driving her new Lexus to work.
Under the new playoff format, the Liberty have no room for error. They are waiting for their shot at a championship.
The return to the playoffs is encouraging for Storm point guard Sue Bird. The Storm are peaking at the perfect time.
Dream guard Tiffany Hayes has been suspended for tomorrow's loser-out game for receiving her seventh technical foul of the season. But the Dream are ready to run without Hayes.
Rebekkah Brunson is a machine for the Lynx.
Mercury veteran Diana Taurasi only gets better in elimination games.
Phoenix looks to salvage their season in the playoffs.
Playoff logistics.
The new WNBA playoff model could be an NBA test case.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Mercury and Fever tip off at 3 p.m. Pacific/6 p.m. Eastern, and Storm and Dream begin at 5 p.m. Pacific/8 p.m. Eastern, both on ESPNews.
Award time:
Nneka Ogwumike is the AP WNBA player of the year.
Storm forward Breanna Stewart has won the AP rookie of the year award.
Brian Agler is the AP coach of the year.
The AP sixth woman of the year is Jantel Lavender.
Sylvia Fowles is the AP defensive player of the year.
The AP comeback player of the year is Chiney Ogwumike.
The AP most improved player is Elizabeth Williams.
AP first and second teams are here.
Here's the AP all-rookie team.
Stewart swept the WNBA's rookie of the month awards for this season.
Tina Charles and Sue Bird are the WNBA's peak performers.
Maya Moore and Tina Charles are the Western and Eastern Conference players of the month for September.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings recently found a moving note from Pat Summitt from her rookie season.
Elena Delle Donne feels her sister's presence in Chicago.
Sun rookie Jonquel Jones' future is bright.
A day in the life of rookie Breanna Stewart.
WNBA coach news:
Indiana coach Stephanie White says the Fever are in her DNA.
College news:
Ohio State transfers are ready to fill big roles.
Georgia freshman Kortney Eisenman has been medically disqualified for a heart condition.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Prepping for playoffs
WNBA playoff format.
Playoff schedule.
Round one preview: #5 Fever vs. #8 Mercury
#6 Atlanta vs. #7 Storm
The Indy Star says the new playoff format is a head-scratcher.
There is buzz from the new format.
It's a new format, but the Lynx are still the favorites.
WNBA team news:
The Storm excelled in the home stretch and carry that momentum into the playoffs.
The Lynx are making St. Paul home for the playoffs.
The Sun found chemistry at season's end. The rookies are providing a glimpse of the future.
WNBA player news:
The Mercury's Penny Taylor is looking for overtime in the playoffs.
Nneka Ogwumike is the most efficient shooter ever professional basketball.
Sue Bird and Tina Charles are setting the standard in the WNBA, say UConn people.
Breanna Stewart is taking the Storm by storm.
Jasmine Thomas and Nneka Ogwumike are the Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
WNBA coach news:
So long to Dan Hughes - one of the best coaches the WNBA has seen.
Tamika Catchings:
More on the GOAT's final regular-season home game and retirement ceremony yesterday.
Her account of the day's events.
She began her day with church.
It was a perfect finish for Catchings.
She is forever an icon.
Playoff schedule.
Round one preview: #5 Fever vs. #8 Mercury
#6 Atlanta vs. #7 Storm
The Indy Star says the new playoff format is a head-scratcher.
There is buzz from the new format.
It's a new format, but the Lynx are still the favorites.
WNBA team news:
The Storm excelled in the home stretch and carry that momentum into the playoffs.
The Lynx are making St. Paul home for the playoffs.
The Sun found chemistry at season's end. The rookies are providing a glimpse of the future.
WNBA player news:
The Mercury's Penny Taylor is looking for overtime in the playoffs.
Nneka Ogwumike is the most efficient shooter ever professional basketball.
Sue Bird and Tina Charles are setting the standard in the WNBA, say UConn people.
Breanna Stewart is taking the Storm by storm.
Jasmine Thomas and Nneka Ogwumike are the Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
WNBA coach news:
So long to Dan Hughes - one of the best coaches the WNBA has seen.
Tamika Catchings:
More on the GOAT's final regular-season home game and retirement ceremony yesterday.
Her account of the day's events.
She began her day with church.
It was a perfect finish for Catchings.
She is forever an icon.
DeLisha Milton-Jones announces retirement
DeLisha Milton-Jones took a job as assistant coach at Pepperdine last month, so her retirement was implied. But today she made it official with a "letter to basketball":
Dear Basketball,
I’ve toiled over writing this letter for months now, but I’ve finally come to terms with announcing my… retirement! It feels funny to say the word without getting emotional. Basketball has been a part of me for almost half of my lifetime. If I could play forever, I would do it without hesitation. There’s nothing like being a professional athlete. I took a lot of pride in calling myself one......
I gave the game every ounce of me to the point of complete destruction and rebuilding… literally! I played the game so hard for so long that I now walk away with two titanium rods in my shins and a replaced ACL, MCL and Achilles tendon. I would give all of those body parts up again for a chance at reliving my 17 years. One thing’s for sure: The undying love I have in my heart for the game will never leave. Father Time is still undefeated, but I gave him a run for his money.
Aw, geez. So many greats leaving the game this year. DMJ is one of my favorites. This is rough.
DMJ's career by the numbers.
The league's longest-tenured player, in photos.
Dear Basketball,
I’ve toiled over writing this letter for months now, but I’ve finally come to terms with announcing my… retirement! It feels funny to say the word without getting emotional. Basketball has been a part of me for almost half of my lifetime. If I could play forever, I would do it without hesitation. There’s nothing like being a professional athlete. I took a lot of pride in calling myself one......
I gave the game every ounce of me to the point of complete destruction and rebuilding… literally! I played the game so hard for so long that I now walk away with two titanium rods in my shins and a replaced ACL, MCL and Achilles tendon. I would give all of those body parts up again for a chance at reliving my 17 years. One thing’s for sure: The undying love I have in my heart for the game will never leave. Father Time is still undefeated, but I gave him a run for his money.
Aw, geez. So many greats leaving the game this year. DMJ is one of my favorites. This is rough.
DMJ's career by the numbers.
The league's longest-tenured player, in photos.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
The seeds are set
After today's results:
The Fever routed the Wings, 83-60, to clinch the fifth seed in the playoffs.
They'll play the eighth-seeded Mercury Wednesday in a loser-go-home match up. Phoenix beat the Stars, 81-65.
The Storm downed the Sky, 88-75.
That means Seattle, the seventh seed, will play the sixth-seeded Dream in a loser-out game.
The Fever-Mercury winner will play the Sky in the next round.
The Storm-Dream winner will play the Liberty in the next round.
Bracket.
And the last game: Sun 87, Mystics 78.
Milestones:
Tina Charles has become the third player in league history to lead in scoring and rebounding on a season.
Storm rookie Breanna Stewart broke the WNBA record for defensive rebounds in a single season.
WNBA team news:
The Lynx have begun their playoff prep.
WNBA player news:
Mystics center Emma Meesseman is on track to be the WNBA's best three-point shooter.
College coach news:
New Arizona coach Adia Barnes and her energetic staff are working non-stop to restock the program.
The Fever routed the Wings, 83-60, to clinch the fifth seed in the playoffs.
They'll play the eighth-seeded Mercury Wednesday in a loser-go-home match up. Phoenix beat the Stars, 81-65.
The Storm downed the Sky, 88-75.
That means Seattle, the seventh seed, will play the sixth-seeded Dream in a loser-out game.
The Fever-Mercury winner will play the Sky in the next round.
The Storm-Dream winner will play the Liberty in the next round.
Bracket.
And the last game: Sun 87, Mystics 78.
Milestones:
Tina Charles has become the third player in league history to lead in scoring and rebounding on a season.
Storm rookie Breanna Stewart broke the WNBA record for defensive rebounds in a single season.
WNBA team news:
The Lynx have begun their playoff prep.
WNBA player news:
Mystics center Emma Meesseman is on track to be the WNBA's best three-point shooter.
College coach news:
New Arizona coach Adia Barnes and her energetic staff are working non-stop to restock the program.
Tamika Catchings retirement ceremony
In her final regular-season game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Fever forward Tamika Catchings lead the team to an 83-60 win over the Wings.
Then came her retirement ceremony, which has to be the best such ceremony I've ever seen. Those speaking included the WNBA president, Fever president, the Indianapolis mayor, Lin Dunn, Stephanie White and Briann January. PS&E gave her $100,000 for her Catch the Stars Foundation, and then she received a new car.
Full video of this amazing event.
Tamika Catchings video tribute.
Pacers and former Pacers were in the house for the game too, including Reggie Miller and Paul George. Video tributes came in from several great athletes.
I'm still a bit overwhelmed, and especially considering what I had to go through to get wifi to stream the ceremony, as it wasn't on TV. Right after the game, which was on ESPN2, coverage switched abruptly to football.
Way to go, Indiana Fever, in celebrating and doing it right for the GOAT.
More:
Top plays from her career.
A force off the court, Catchings was a dynamo off of it.
Catchings story, part II.
Then came her retirement ceremony, which has to be the best such ceremony I've ever seen. Those speaking included the WNBA president, Fever president, the Indianapolis mayor, Lin Dunn, Stephanie White and Briann January. PS&E gave her $100,000 for her Catch the Stars Foundation, and then she received a new car.
Full video of this amazing event.
Tamika Catchings video tribute.
Pacers and former Pacers were in the house for the game too, including Reggie Miller and Paul George. Video tributes came in from several great athletes.
I'm still a bit overwhelmed, and especially considering what I had to go through to get wifi to stream the ceremony, as it wasn't on TV. Right after the game, which was on ESPN2, coverage switched abruptly to football.
Way to go, Indiana Fever, in celebrating and doing it right for the GOAT.
More:
Top plays from her career.
A force off the court, Catchings was a dynamo off of it.
Catchings story, part II.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
One more day of WNBA regular season
The Lynx are kicking butt:
In beating the Dream today, 95-87, the Lynx reached a franchise record 28 wins. They are 28-6.
One writer is already giving the Lynx the title.
Tomorrow's game schedule....last day of regular season:
The Chicago Sky have clinched the fourth seed, after today's Atlanta loss. But other seedings are on the line tomorrow. Here are the current standings.
Tomorrow we'll see......
Wings vs. Fever.....and I'll be one of many in tears if Tamika Catchings' retirement ceremony after the game is shown in full. I'm praying so hard that it will be on.
Mercury vs. Stars
Sky vs. Storm
And in non-playoff seeding action.....
Sun vs. Mystics
Retiring Tamika Catchings plays her final regular-season game tomorrow:
She is ready for the last game, and for her retirement ceremony.
Tamika Catchings: a reluctant superstar.
She will leave a lasting imprint.
Catchings reflects in preparation for the upcoming game.
Retiring Swih Cash:
Swin Cash's humble journey nears its end.
WNBA team news:
The Dallas Wings' first season didn't go as planned, but roster talent provides hope.
The Mystics wrap up a disappointing season tomorrow.
WNBA player news:
The Mercury's Kelsey Bone will take her Anthem protest into the playoffs.
Q&A with Lynx guard Anna Cruz.
WNBA coach news:
The WNBA is better off because of the contributions of retiring San Antonio coach Dan Hughes. He is "father to the Stars."
There is still "a culture to develop" in the Sun, coach Curt Miller says.
Pat Summitt:
The Tennessee band paid tribute to the legendary coach today.
High school news:
An Iowa team has come under fire for a racially-insensitive poster.
In beating the Dream today, 95-87, the Lynx reached a franchise record 28 wins. They are 28-6.
One writer is already giving the Lynx the title.
Tomorrow's game schedule....last day of regular season:
The Chicago Sky have clinched the fourth seed, after today's Atlanta loss. But other seedings are on the line tomorrow. Here are the current standings.
Tomorrow we'll see......
Wings vs. Fever.....and I'll be one of many in tears if Tamika Catchings' retirement ceremony after the game is shown in full. I'm praying so hard that it will be on.
Mercury vs. Stars
Sky vs. Storm
And in non-playoff seeding action.....
Sun vs. Mystics
Retiring Tamika Catchings plays her final regular-season game tomorrow:
She is ready for the last game, and for her retirement ceremony.
Tamika Catchings: a reluctant superstar.
She will leave a lasting imprint.
Catchings reflects in preparation for the upcoming game.
Retiring Swih Cash:
Swin Cash's humble journey nears its end.
WNBA team news:
The Dallas Wings' first season didn't go as planned, but roster talent provides hope.
The Mystics wrap up a disappointing season tomorrow.
WNBA player news:
The Mercury's Kelsey Bone will take her Anthem protest into the playoffs.
Q&A with Lynx guard Anna Cruz.
WNBA coach news:
The WNBA is better off because of the contributions of retiring San Antonio coach Dan Hughes. He is "father to the Stars."
There is still "a culture to develop" in the Sun, coach Curt Miller says.
Pat Summitt:
The Tennessee band paid tribute to the legendary coach today.
High school news:
An Iowa team has come under fire for a racially-insensitive poster.
Wrapping up last night
The Sky took advantage of five Liberty players sitting to rout them, 92-68. It's Chicago's third consecutive win.
The Sparks got by the Stars, 71-65. Nneka Ogwumike had yet another double-double for Los Angeles, with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Only one game today:
Dream at Lynx
Tomorrow:
Tamika Catchings and Stephanie White will celebrate at their farewell ceremony tomorrow.
The WNBA's finest talk about Catchings.
The Sparks got by the Stars, 71-65. Nneka Ogwumike had yet another double-double for Los Angeles, with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Only one game today:
Dream at Lynx
Tomorrow:
Tamika Catchings and Stephanie White will celebrate at their farewell ceremony tomorrow.
The WNBA's finest talk about Catchings.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Catchings become WNBA all-time leading rebounder
Results so far today:
The Lynx got past the Fever, 82-75.
Tamika Catchings became the WNBA's all-time rebounds leader in the process, surpassing Lisa Leslie. She has 3,309 for her career, with one more game to play.
The hot-shooting Sun scorched the Wings, 107-74.
Right now the Sky and Liberty are battling, and in a bit, the Stars and Sparks will face off.
WNBA news:
Founding president Val Ackerman is proud to see the league flourish.
WNBA team news:
Without Elena Delle Donne, the Sky's playoff hopes look dim.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings career timeline and retrospective.
Catchings and Pacers star Paul George share a unique bond.
Elena Delle Donne stars in a new Gatorade commercial.
Ramu Tokashiki is under the radar for the Storm.
The Mercury's Kelsey Bone kneeled during the National Anthem last night.
Stars center Jayne Appel-Marinelli has received the August WNBA Cares Community Assist Award.
Don't talk about the size of Sun rookie Courtney Williams.
The Liberty have signed Epiphanny Prince to a multi-year contract extension.
Phoenix forward DeWanna Bonner continues to shine in the WNBA.
The Mercury celebrated retiring Penny Taylor after her final regular-season home game last night.
WNBA coach news:
Coach Cheryl Reeve says the Lynx are still playing to win.
Dan Hughes is leaving and extensive legacy in San Antonio.
NCAA news:
What other states could be problematic for the NCAA?
The SDSU president testified in the Beth Burns wrongful termination trial.
The Lynx got past the Fever, 82-75.
Tamika Catchings became the WNBA's all-time rebounds leader in the process, surpassing Lisa Leslie. She has 3,309 for her career, with one more game to play.
The hot-shooting Sun scorched the Wings, 107-74.
Right now the Sky and Liberty are battling, and in a bit, the Stars and Sparks will face off.
WNBA news:
Founding president Val Ackerman is proud to see the league flourish.
WNBA team news:
Without Elena Delle Donne, the Sky's playoff hopes look dim.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings career timeline and retrospective.
Catchings and Pacers star Paul George share a unique bond.
Elena Delle Donne stars in a new Gatorade commercial.
Ramu Tokashiki is under the radar for the Storm.
The Mercury's Kelsey Bone kneeled during the National Anthem last night.
Stars center Jayne Appel-Marinelli has received the August WNBA Cares Community Assist Award.
Don't talk about the size of Sun rookie Courtney Williams.
The Liberty have signed Epiphanny Prince to a multi-year contract extension.
Phoenix forward DeWanna Bonner continues to shine in the WNBA.
The Mercury celebrated retiring Penny Taylor after her final regular-season home game last night.
WNBA coach news:
Coach Cheryl Reeve says the Lynx are still playing to win.
Dan Hughes is leaving and extensive legacy in San Antonio.
NCAA news:
What other states could be problematic for the NCAA?
The SDSU president testified in the Beth Burns wrongful termination trial.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Eighth spot clinched
The Dream edged the Mystics, 94-91, which eliminated Washington from the playoffs. The Mercury will take the eighth and final spot.
Phoenix is currently playing the Storm.....and winning.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings is preparing for the final regular-season game of her career.
Indiana Pacer Paul George is offering free balcony seat for fans to see that home game Sunday. Aw!
The veteran forward gave her best. How do we thank her?
She is looking ahead as her career winds down.
Catchings said it "was tough" sitting on the bench for most of the Olympics.
Storm rookie Breanna Stewart says, "If I were other teams, I wouldn't want to face us either."
Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen have both signed multi-year contact extensions with the Lynx.
Sun rookie Jonquel Jones donated shoes to a school in her native Bahamas.
Stars guard Moriah Jefferson is finishing her rookie season in impressive fashion.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Wings at Sun
Lynx at Fever
Liberty at Sky
Stars at Sparks
College team news:
Vanderbilt is preparing for a fresh new era in unorthodox fashion.
College coach news:
Jennifer Azzi has resigned as San Francisco's head coach to pursue other opportunities.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is hosting a "Women Empowering the Game" coaches clinic in October.
Notre Dame's intensity relieves coach Muffet McGraw's stress.
Phoenix is currently playing the Storm.....and winning.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings is preparing for the final regular-season game of her career.
Indiana Pacer Paul George is offering free balcony seat for fans to see that home game Sunday. Aw!
The veteran forward gave her best. How do we thank her?
She is looking ahead as her career winds down.
Catchings said it "was tough" sitting on the bench for most of the Olympics.
Storm rookie Breanna Stewart says, "If I were other teams, I wouldn't want to face us either."
Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen have both signed multi-year contact extensions with the Lynx.
Sun rookie Jonquel Jones donated shoes to a school in her native Bahamas.
Stars guard Moriah Jefferson is finishing her rookie season in impressive fashion.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Wings at Sun
Lynx at Fever
Liberty at Sky
Stars at Sparks
College team news:
Vanderbilt is preparing for a fresh new era in unorthodox fashion.
College coach news:
Jennifer Azzi has resigned as San Francisco's head coach to pursue other opportunities.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is hosting a "Women Empowering the Game" coaches clinic in October.
Notre Dame's intensity relieves coach Muffet McGraw's stress.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Pause for the cause
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Mystics at Dream
Storm at Mercury
WNBA team news:
With a guaranteed home playoff game, the Liberty are hoping for a long stretch.
The Olympic break helped transform the Seattle Storm into a playoff team.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings ranks among the WNBA's all-time greats.
50 Cent gave Sky rookie Imani Boyette a hug after last night's big win.
Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart could bring the MIP and DPOY awards back to Seattle.
The Mercury will honor the retiring Penny Taylor during tomorrows game.
Marissa Coleman has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Fever.
Erin Phillips is now officially a football player.
WNBA coach news:
Sun coach and general manager Curt Miller says the team needs roster stability.
College team news:
Penn State is ready for success after a positive summer.
College coach news:
New Arizona coach Adia Barnes is pulling in recruits.
Elon has extended coach Charlotte Smith's contract through 2020-2021.
Q&A with South Dakota State coach Aaron Johnston.
North Carolina:
Following the lead of the NCAA and NBA, the ACC will pull its tournament from North Carolina in response to laws there that prevent localities from enforcing discrimination policies. They also oppose a proposed law that would make it difficult for transgender residents to use public restrooms.
Mystics at Dream
Storm at Mercury
WNBA team news:
With a guaranteed home playoff game, the Liberty are hoping for a long stretch.
The Olympic break helped transform the Seattle Storm into a playoff team.
WNBA player news:
Tamika Catchings ranks among the WNBA's all-time greats.
50 Cent gave Sky rookie Imani Boyette a hug after last night's big win.
Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart could bring the MIP and DPOY awards back to Seattle.
The Mercury will honor the retiring Penny Taylor during tomorrows game.
Marissa Coleman has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Fever.
Erin Phillips is now officially a football player.
WNBA coach news:
Sun coach and general manager Curt Miller says the team needs roster stability.
College team news:
Penn State is ready for success after a positive summer.
College coach news:
New Arizona coach Adia Barnes is pulling in recruits.
Elon has extended coach Charlotte Smith's contract through 2020-2021.
Q&A with South Dakota State coach Aaron Johnston.
North Carolina:
Following the lead of the NCAA and NBA, the ACC will pull its tournament from North Carolina in response to laws there that prevent localities from enforcing discrimination policies. They also oppose a proposed law that would make it difficult for transgender residents to use public restrooms.
The rest of the crazy games
The rest of game action last night:
The Sky edged the Lynx in overtime, 98-97.
Sparks bench helps snap three-game losing streak, beating the Mercury, 90-85. Phoenix is still looking for a playoff spot.
The Sky edged the Lynx in overtime, 98-97.
Sparks bench helps snap three-game losing streak, beating the Mercury, 90-85. Phoenix is still looking for a playoff spot.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
So far tonight: say what?
Moments ago:
Mystics 75, Liberty 62
Stars 71, Dream 67
Sun 89, Fever 87
Fever forward Tamika Catchings needs just three rebounds to pass Lisa Leslie as the league's all-time rebounds leader.
Lynx-Sky in progress now, and Sparks-Mercury later tonight.
WNBA player news:
Sky forward Elena Delle Donne reports having successful surgery on her right thumb today.
Delle Donne was among the athletes whose medical data was breached, as Russian hackers attached the World Anti-Doping Agency database.
A healthy Chiney Ogwumike plans to play overseas this winter.
Mercury veteran Penny Taylor has always been the consummate teammate.
Crystal Lahghorne's blog features Tina Charles and Carla Cortijo.
WNBA coach news:
Liberty assistant coach Katie Smith is acting as head coach of the team during their game today.
College coach news:
San Diego State coach Steve Fisher took the witness stand yesterday in support of former women's coach Beth Burns, in her wrongful termination lawsuit against the school.
Mystics 75, Liberty 62
Stars 71, Dream 67
Sun 89, Fever 87
Fever forward Tamika Catchings needs just three rebounds to pass Lisa Leslie as the league's all-time rebounds leader.
Lynx-Sky in progress now, and Sparks-Mercury later tonight.
WNBA player news:
Sky forward Elena Delle Donne reports having successful surgery on her right thumb today.
Delle Donne was among the athletes whose medical data was breached, as Russian hackers attached the World Anti-Doping Agency database.
A healthy Chiney Ogwumike plans to play overseas this winter.
Mercury veteran Penny Taylor has always been the consummate teammate.
Crystal Lahghorne's blog features Tina Charles and Carla Cortijo.
WNBA coach news:
Liberty assistant coach Katie Smith is acting as head coach of the team during their game today.
College coach news:
San Diego State coach Steve Fisher took the witness stand yesterday in support of former women's coach Beth Burns, in her wrongful termination lawsuit against the school.
Writing - especially about women's basketball - ain't easy
I grappled with writing this piece for a little while. In this day and age of hypersensitivity and gross overreaction, anything written is at a risk of pissing someone off. But my deep need to reveal the truth wins out in this case.
Everyone wants quality writing, but no one wants to pay for it. That's hard for me to take when writing is one of my greatest talents.
There is no room for “who’s who” in women’s basketball writing.
Everyone wants quality writing, but no one wants to pay for it. That's hard for me to take when writing is one of my greatest talents.
There is no room for “who’s who” in women’s basketball writing.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Last six days of the regular season on tap
Playoffs:
With one week to go in the regular season, the playoff picture is clearer.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Fever at Sun
Mystics at Liberty
Stars at Dream
Lynx at Sky
Mercury at Sparks
WNBA team news:
With a playoff spot clinched, the Fever will try to improve their seeding this week.
The Lynx will play their first two home playoff games at Xcel Energy Center.
Despite clinching the top seed, Minnesota has work to do.
WNBA player news:
Sky forward Elena Delle Donne will undergo surgery to repair her right thumb. There is no timetable for her return. Yikes!
Dream forward Angel McCoughtry has been suspended for one game without pay for incurring her seventh technical foul of the season yesterday.
50 Cent will grant Sky rookie Imani Boyette's wish and attend a game tomorrow.
Brittney Griner's stellar play on both ends of the court has Phoenix nearly playoff bound.
The next move for Wings guard Erin Phillips might be football in Australia.
Tina Charles and Nneka Ogwumike are the Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
WNBA coach news:
The Stars will celebrate Dan Hughes in a post-game retirement ceremony Sunday.
College coach news:
Shauna Green is Dayton's new coach.
With one week to go in the regular season, the playoff picture is clearer.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Fever at Sun
Mystics at Liberty
Stars at Dream
Lynx at Sky
Mercury at Sparks
WNBA team news:
With a playoff spot clinched, the Fever will try to improve their seeding this week.
The Lynx will play their first two home playoff games at Xcel Energy Center.
Despite clinching the top seed, Minnesota has work to do.
WNBA player news:
Sky forward Elena Delle Donne will undergo surgery to repair her right thumb. There is no timetable for her return. Yikes!
Dream forward Angel McCoughtry has been suspended for one game without pay for incurring her seventh technical foul of the season yesterday.
50 Cent will grant Sky rookie Imani Boyette's wish and attend a game tomorrow.
Brittney Griner's stellar play on both ends of the court has Phoenix nearly playoff bound.
The next move for Wings guard Erin Phillips might be football in Australia.
Tina Charles and Nneka Ogwumike are the Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
WNBA coach news:
The Stars will celebrate Dan Hughes in a post-game retirement ceremony Sunday.
College coach news:
Shauna Green is Dayton's new coach.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Some clinchings
The Sky clinched a playoff spot with a 96-86 victory over the Sun.
Chicago's Elena Delle Donne and Tamera Young sat out for the second game in a row with injuries sustained last Wednesday.
The Fever clinched a berth with an 80-73 decision over the Mystics.
It's Indiana's 12th straight playoff appearance. Unbelievable consistency.
The Storm grabbed a spot by routing the Sparks, 78-60.
Five Seattle players in double figures; two for LA.
Womenshoopsworld.com reporter Joe Veyera's great game story: Playoff bound!
We're seeing history repeat itself.....Lauren Jackson was drafted #1 by the Storm in 2001; Sue Bird was #1 in 2002. Seattle made the playoffs for the first time that year.
In 2015 the Storm got Jewell Loyd #1 and this year, Breanna Stewart was their #1 pick. Now Seattle makes the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver sat out today for the Sparks. Waiting to hear why.
Other results:
The Wings held on for a big win over the Liberty, 84-81.
The Lynx held off the Stars, 81-76.
The Mercury downed the Dream, 86-75.
Only one more playoff spot remains!
For Phoenix to get it, they have to win, or the Mystics must lose.
WNBA team news:
The Sun need a lot of wins, and some help, to make the playoffs.
WNBA player news:
Sky guard Cappie Pondexter passed Lisa Leslie for fifth on the WNBA's all-time scoring list today.
College news:
The Lady Vols are analytical - not fatalistic - about injuries.
Chicago's Elena Delle Donne and Tamera Young sat out for the second game in a row with injuries sustained last Wednesday.
The Fever clinched a berth with an 80-73 decision over the Mystics.
It's Indiana's 12th straight playoff appearance. Unbelievable consistency.
The Storm grabbed a spot by routing the Sparks, 78-60.
Five Seattle players in double figures; two for LA.
Womenshoopsworld.com reporter Joe Veyera's great game story: Playoff bound!
We're seeing history repeat itself.....Lauren Jackson was drafted #1 by the Storm in 2001; Sue Bird was #1 in 2002. Seattle made the playoffs for the first time that year.
In 2015 the Storm got Jewell Loyd #1 and this year, Breanna Stewart was their #1 pick. Now Seattle makes the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver sat out today for the Sparks. Waiting to hear why.
Other results:
The Wings held on for a big win over the Liberty, 84-81.
The Lynx held off the Stars, 81-76.
The Mercury downed the Dream, 86-75.
Only one more playoff spot remains!
For Phoenix to get it, they have to win, or the Mystics must lose.
WNBA team news:
The Sun need a lot of wins, and some help, to make the playoffs.
WNBA player news:
Sky guard Cappie Pondexter passed Lisa Leslie for fifth on the WNBA's all-time scoring list today.
College news:
The Lady Vols are analytical - not fatalistic - about injuries.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
No panic button, but line up change a possibility for Sparks
Tomorrow's game between the red-hot Storm and the Sparks could be interesting with a possible Los Angeles line up change.
Everything counts in large amounts
Hot game day on tap tomorrow, with playoff seedings and spots at stake:
Dream at Mercury
Fever at Mystics
Lynx at Stars
Sky at Sun
Liberty at Wings
Sparks at Storm
WNBA team news:
The Wings cling to postseason hopes heading into their final home game tomorrow.
WNBA player news:
Epiphanny Prince is rounding into form at the perfect time for the Liberty.
Mercury center Brittney Griner delivered the shoes she collected through her charity drive to the homeless in Phoenix yesterday.
Sparks forward Jantel was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame yesterday.
Sheryl Swoopes induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame:
Sheryl Swoopes' speech last night.
Dreams do come true, she said.
Dream at Mercury
Fever at Mystics
Lynx at Stars
Sky at Sun
Liberty at Wings
Sparks at Storm
WNBA team news:
The Wings cling to postseason hopes heading into their final home game tomorrow.
WNBA player news:
Epiphanny Prince is rounding into form at the perfect time for the Liberty.
Mercury center Brittney Griner delivered the shoes she collected through her charity drive to the homeless in Phoenix yesterday.
Sparks forward Jantel was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame yesterday.
Sheryl Swoopes induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame:
Sheryl Swoopes' speech last night.
Dreams do come true, she said.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Storm, Fever pick up critical wins
This playoff race is hotter than fish grease.
The Storm clipped the Mystics, 81-76, to move into a tie for seventh place and bump Washington out. Wow but Seattle is a whole different team since the Olympic break.
The Fever beat the Sky, 95-88, to tie them for fifth place. Chicago was without Elena Delle Donne and Tamera Young, who both sustained injuries in Wednesday's game.
No surprises here:
Liberty 89, Sun 82. But Connecticut is looking much improved.
Surprise:
The Wings snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 92-84 win over the Stars. Poor San Antonio.
WNBA player news:
Stars center Jayne Appel-Marinelli will retire at the end of the season.
A South Bend student designed a special shoe for Fever forward Tamika Catchings.
Nice photo spread by Nike of Lindsay Whalen and Nneka Ogwumike.
Liberty center Tina Charles just wants to win.
No WNBA games tomorrow (!!) (??)
Sheryl Swoopes Basketball Hall of Fame induction:
Legendary #22 was inducted this evening. Hopefully someone will post a story and some video soon (there are video snippets on the WNBA's twitter feed, but that's it).
Swoopes was a true pioneer.
When Swoopes was at her best, there was no one better.
Sheryl Swoopes' signature on a WNBA contract opened a new door for pro women's basketball in the U.S.
Swoopes got her induction call while receiving her mother's colon cancer diagnosis.
Swoopes career retrospective in photos.
College team news:
Loyola Chicago looks to move forward.
Youth basketball news:
A New York inner-city girls basketball tournament has found new life after 9/11.
The Storm clipped the Mystics, 81-76, to move into a tie for seventh place and bump Washington out. Wow but Seattle is a whole different team since the Olympic break.
The Fever beat the Sky, 95-88, to tie them for fifth place. Chicago was without Elena Delle Donne and Tamera Young, who both sustained injuries in Wednesday's game.
No surprises here:
Liberty 89, Sun 82. But Connecticut is looking much improved.
Surprise:
The Wings snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 92-84 win over the Stars. Poor San Antonio.
WNBA player news:
Stars center Jayne Appel-Marinelli will retire at the end of the season.
A South Bend student designed a special shoe for Fever forward Tamika Catchings.
Nice photo spread by Nike of Lindsay Whalen and Nneka Ogwumike.
Liberty center Tina Charles just wants to win.
No WNBA games tomorrow (!!) (??)
Sheryl Swoopes Basketball Hall of Fame induction:
Legendary #22 was inducted this evening. Hopefully someone will post a story and some video soon (there are video snippets on the WNBA's twitter feed, but that's it).
Swoopes was a true pioneer.
When Swoopes was at her best, there was no one better.
Sheryl Swoopes' signature on a WNBA contract opened a new door for pro women's basketball in the U.S.
Swoopes got her induction call while receiving her mother's colon cancer diagnosis.
Swoopes career retrospective in photos.
College team news:
Loyola Chicago looks to move forward.
Youth basketball news:
A New York inner-city girls basketball tournament has found new life after 9/11.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
The playoff race continues
Tonight's result:
The Dream held off the Sparks, 86-81.
That puts Atlanta in fourth place, at the moment.
WNBA playoffs:
....are coming down to the wire.
WNBA team news:
The perfect Storm is making an expedited return to prominence.
What's next for Texas neighbors Dallas and San Antonio?
How about putting a team in Philadelphia?
WNBA player news:
Photos from last night's retirement ceremony for Swin Cash.
Cash struggled not to cry.
Leilani Mitchell has signed with the Mystics, in time for a playoff push.
Wings guard Skylar Diggins has a beauty and beast mentality.
Storm guard Jewell Loyd has trick shots.
Courtney Williams is building again for the Connecticut Sun.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
The Fever are hosting the Sky, with playoff implications.
Storm at Mystics preview.
Sun at Liberty preview.
Wings at Stars preview.
College team news:
Maryland will represent the U.S. in next year's World University Games in Taiwan.
College coach news:
The process of replacing Jim Jabir at Dayton has begun.
Ohio State assistant coach Patrick Klein's career has soared since its unconventional beginning.
What I did this summer: Wyoming assistant coach Bojan Jankovic helped Serbia win a bronze at the Olympics.
Cincinnati coach Jamelle Elliott was Geno Auriemma's scout at the Olympics.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame:
Her Loyola Chicago experience behind her, Sheryl Swoopes is happy to be inducted into the Hall of Fame tomorrow.
Swoopes has achieved her goal in being inducted.
The Dream held off the Sparks, 86-81.
That puts Atlanta in fourth place, at the moment.
WNBA playoffs:
....are coming down to the wire.
WNBA team news:
The perfect Storm is making an expedited return to prominence.
What's next for Texas neighbors Dallas and San Antonio?
How about putting a team in Philadelphia?
WNBA player news:
Photos from last night's retirement ceremony for Swin Cash.
Cash struggled not to cry.
Leilani Mitchell has signed with the Mystics, in time for a playoff push.
Wings guard Skylar Diggins has a beauty and beast mentality.
Storm guard Jewell Loyd has trick shots.
Courtney Williams is building again for the Connecticut Sun.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
The Fever are hosting the Sky, with playoff implications.
Storm at Mystics preview.
Sun at Liberty preview.
Wings at Stars preview.
College team news:
Maryland will represent the U.S. in next year's World University Games in Taiwan.
College coach news:
The process of replacing Jim Jabir at Dayton has begun.
Ohio State assistant coach Patrick Klein's career has soared since its unconventional beginning.
What I did this summer: Wyoming assistant coach Bojan Jankovic helped Serbia win a bronze at the Olympics.
Cincinnati coach Jamelle Elliott was Geno Auriemma's scout at the Olympics.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame:
Her Loyola Chicago experience behind her, Sheryl Swoopes is happy to be inducted into the Hall of Fame tomorrow.
Swoopes has achieved her goal in being inducted.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Playoff chases continue
Two unexpected scores tonight:
The Storm cruised past the Liberty, 102-78, to better their chances in the playoffs.
The Mystics made 16 three-point shots to smash the Sky, 118-81. Chicago was riddled with injuries, including Elena Delle Donne's thumb, and Washington scored a franchise best in the win.
WNBA player news:
Swin Cash is proud of what she's done on and off the court.
Cash is leaving her mark on the Liberty in her final season.
Dallas forward Glory Johnson is out for the rest of the season after sustaining an MCL injury Sunday.
Alysha Clark has found a perfect fit with the Seattle Storm.
Inside Sky forward Elena Delle Donne's scoring surge.
Chicago guard Cappie Pondexter has the keys.
Fever guard Tamika Catchings has won the Indiana Sports Corp's Pathfinder Award.
The WNBA's weekly race to the MVP has Ogwumike, Charles, Moore and EDD in the top four spots.
WNBA coach news:
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve hijacked the interview of ESPN's Holly Rowe last night to support her cancer battle.
Tomorrow's game preview:
Dream at Sparks.
The Storm cruised past the Liberty, 102-78, to better their chances in the playoffs.
The Mystics made 16 three-point shots to smash the Sky, 118-81. Chicago was riddled with injuries, including Elena Delle Donne's thumb, and Washington scored a franchise best in the win.
WNBA player news:
Swin Cash is proud of what she's done on and off the court.
Cash is leaving her mark on the Liberty in her final season.
Dallas forward Glory Johnson is out for the rest of the season after sustaining an MCL injury Sunday.
Alysha Clark has found a perfect fit with the Seattle Storm.
Inside Sky forward Elena Delle Donne's scoring surge.
Chicago guard Cappie Pondexter has the keys.
Fever guard Tamika Catchings has won the Indiana Sports Corp's Pathfinder Award.
The WNBA's weekly race to the MVP has Ogwumike, Charles, Moore and EDD in the top four spots.
WNBA coach news:
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve hijacked the interview of ESPN's Holly Rowe last night to support her cancer battle.
Tomorrow's game preview:
Dream at Sparks.
It's starting to smell a little more like college season
The number of college basketball news items is starting to spike. Oh yeah.
College team news:
Missouri enters the season with high expectations.
Wisconsin has nowhere to go but up.
College player news:
Kailee Johnson will graduate early and forgo her final year with Stanford.
LSU guard Jenna Deemer discusses her love for fashion.
Colorado's Kennedy Leonard made the most of a European trip this summer.
College coach news:
Jim Jabir has resigned as Dayton head coach, after 13 years, for personal reasons.
Northern Kentucky coach Camryn Whitaker is aiming high.
Binghamton's coaching staff has been finalized.
Kayla Oxenrider has been promoted to associate head coach at Austin Peay.
College tournament news:
Billings, Montana will host next year's NAIA Division I basketball tournament.
College team news:
Missouri enters the season with high expectations.
Wisconsin has nowhere to go but up.
College player news:
Kailee Johnson will graduate early and forgo her final year with Stanford.
LSU guard Jenna Deemer discusses her love for fashion.
Colorado's Kennedy Leonard made the most of a European trip this summer.
College coach news:
Jim Jabir has resigned as Dayton head coach, after 13 years, for personal reasons.
Northern Kentucky coach Camryn Whitaker is aiming high.
Binghamton's coaching staff has been finalized.
Kayla Oxenrider has been promoted to associate head coach at Austin Peay.
College tournament news:
Billings, Montana will host next year's NAIA Division I basketball tournament.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Lynx win the battle for first place
The Lynx held off the Sparks, 77-74, to break the tie at first place in the WNBA standings.
Tonight's other results were just as close:
The Fever edged the Stars, 71-69.
The Dream topped the Mercury, 91-87.
WNBA news:
The playoff picture is blurry as the WNBA regular season enters its final two weeks.
It is breast health awareness week.
WNBA player news:
Elena Della Donne and Nneka Ogwumike are the Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
Tayler Hill is taking command for the Mystics.
Dream forward Angel McCoughtry talks WNBA and winning Olympic gold.
San Antonio has signed Avery Warley-Talbert to a seven-day contract.
Allie Quigley basketball camp is a hit in the Chicago area.
Tomorrow's schedule:
Storm at Liberty
Sky at Mystics
College player news:
Missouri State's Grace Vander Weide is suspended indefinitely after a DWI arrest last month.
College coach news:
Loyola Chicago's coaching staff is complete.
Tonight's other results were just as close:
The Fever edged the Stars, 71-69.
The Dream topped the Mercury, 91-87.
WNBA news:
The playoff picture is blurry as the WNBA regular season enters its final two weeks.
It is breast health awareness week.
WNBA player news:
Elena Della Donne and Nneka Ogwumike are the Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
Tayler Hill is taking command for the Mystics.
Dream forward Angel McCoughtry talks WNBA and winning Olympic gold.
San Antonio has signed Avery Warley-Talbert to a seven-day contract.
Allie Quigley basketball camp is a hit in the Chicago area.
Tomorrow's schedule:
Storm at Liberty
Sky at Mystics
College player news:
Missouri State's Grace Vander Weide is suspended indefinitely after a DWI arrest last month.
College coach news:
Loyola Chicago's coaching staff is complete.
Monday, September 5, 2016
It's about to go down (again)
There are three games tomorrow, but none bigger than the third and final match up of the league-leading Sparks and Lynx.
First place is on the line.
They are playing for a tiebreaker and a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The two teams wage a statistical battle at the top.
Game preview.
Other games tomorrow:
Fever look to get back on track against the reeling Stars.
The Mercury face the Dream - their last of a four-game road trip.
WNBA team news:
Despite their struggles, the Mercury are still confident they'll find success.
WNBA player news:
Atlanta guard Layshia Clarendon has had a Dream season.
Swin Cash talks Colin Kaepernick's National Anthem protest.
College news:
FGCU's offense-defense balance may shift this season.
Texas center Kelsey Lang is looking to peak in her senior season.
First place is on the line.
They are playing for a tiebreaker and a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The two teams wage a statistical battle at the top.
Game preview.
Other games tomorrow:
Fever look to get back on track against the reeling Stars.
The Mercury face the Dream - their last of a four-game road trip.
WNBA team news:
Despite their struggles, the Mercury are still confident they'll find success.
WNBA player news:
Atlanta guard Layshia Clarendon has had a Dream season.
Swin Cash talks Colin Kaepernick's National Anthem protest.
College news:
FGCU's offense-defense balance may shift this season.
Texas center Kelsey Lang is looking to peak in her senior season.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Playoff implications
The Sparks and Lynx each won today, and now each have 24-5 records - a full four games ahead of third place New York.
The Lynx downed the Sun, 93-79.
The Sparks held off the Fever, 88-81.
Also:
The Storm put away the Dream, 91-82. Atlanta is fifth in the standings and Seattle retains its hold on the eighth and final playoff spot.
The Mystics edged the Wings, 88-83, thanks to clutch play down the stretch from Tayler Hill. Washington is in ninth place in the standings, one game behind Seattle, and Dallas has now lost 11 games straight.
The Sky routed the Stars, 97-73, behind Elena Delle Donne's 35 points. Chicago is fourth in the standings and San Antonio has been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Standings
No one plays tomorrow, but the six teams who play on Tuesday will be practicing.
The Lynx downed the Sun, 93-79.
The Sparks held off the Fever, 88-81.
Also:
The Storm put away the Dream, 91-82. Atlanta is fifth in the standings and Seattle retains its hold on the eighth and final playoff spot.
The Mystics edged the Wings, 88-83, thanks to clutch play down the stretch from Tayler Hill. Washington is in ninth place in the standings, one game behind Seattle, and Dallas has now lost 11 games straight.
The Sky routed the Stars, 97-73, behind Elena Delle Donne's 35 points. Chicago is fourth in the standings and San Antonio has been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
Standings
No one plays tomorrow, but the six teams who play on Tuesday will be practicing.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Nine days back in nominations
Today's result:
The Liberty whooped the Mercury, 92-70. New York center Tina Charles eclipsed the 4,000-point career mark in the process.
Phoenix coach Sandy Brondello looks puzzled in this picture.
And with that I'd like to make the following nominations:
Most inexplicably inconsistent: Phoenix Mercury
Never give up/Ya gotta believe: Connecticut Sun
Unforeseen free fall: Dallas Wings
Will they keep this up?: Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever and Los Angeles Sparks
WNBA player news:
Liberty guard Sugar Rodgers has persevered all her life.
Q&A with Sun rookie Jonquel Jones.
Luck ran out for Connecticut's Morgan Tuck.
Tomorrow's schedule:
Mystics at Wings preview
Stars at Sky preview
Storm at Dream preview
Fever at Sparks preview
Another Fever-Sparks with the headline name spelled correctly
Sun at Lynx preview
The Liberty whooped the Mercury, 92-70. New York center Tina Charles eclipsed the 4,000-point career mark in the process.
Phoenix coach Sandy Brondello looks puzzled in this picture.
And with that I'd like to make the following nominations:
Most inexplicably inconsistent: Phoenix Mercury
Never give up/Ya gotta believe: Connecticut Sun
Unforeseen free fall: Dallas Wings
Will they keep this up?: Chicago Sky, Indiana Fever and Los Angeles Sparks
WNBA player news:
Liberty guard Sugar Rodgers has persevered all her life.
Q&A with Sun rookie Jonquel Jones.
Luck ran out for Connecticut's Morgan Tuck.
Tomorrow's schedule:
Mystics at Wings preview
Stars at Sky preview
Storm at Dream preview
Fever at Sparks preview
Another Fever-Sparks with the headline name spelled correctly
Sun at Lynx preview
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