USA wins World Cup trophy and seals 2020 Tokyo bid

The USA beat Australia, 73-56, to win the World Cup and punch a ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

It is the third straight World Cup gold for the Americans.

Breanna Stewart was named tournament MVP. Other first team honorees were Diana Taurasi, Emma Meesseman, Astou Ndour and Liz Cambage.

Spain got by Belgium, 67-60, for third place.

Bonus:

The World Cup tournament's success is a source of pride to both the FIBA president and Spanish Basketball Federation president.

Stewart is headed for her career prime.

Cambage on disrespect, dunking and Brittney Griner.

A'ja Wilson's diary.

College player news:

After three lost seasons, Claire Hendrickson is ready to contribute at Michigan State.

USA and Australia will square off for World Cup title

World Cup semifinal results:

The USA eased past Belgium, 93-77, after a slow start. It is the 11th finals appearance for the U.S.

Australia outlasted Spain, 72-66, behind a big double-double from Liz Cambage.

USA post-game interviews.

China rallied past Canada, 76-71.

They will face France tomorrow for fifth place.

Tomorrow's final:

USA vs. Australia will play at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET on ESPN

This is the World Cup finals match up that the world deserves.

Lead by Cambage, Australia has looked dominant.

World Cup player news:

Brittney Griner scored the 10,000th point for Team USA - the only nation to reach that mark in total World Cup appearances.

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi are joined at the top.

Liz Cambage isn't bad luck for Australia.

Bonus:

A new system for Olympic and World Cup qualifying will take effect next year.

FIBA president Horacio Muratore is delighted with the World Cup and looks forward to an electrifying finish.

College team news:

The Notre Dame band honored their WBB champions at today's football game.

And then there were Four (FIBA version)

Today's quarterfinal results:

Defense propelled the U.S. past Nigeria, 71-40.

Australia crushed China, 83-42.

Belgium routed France, 86-65.

Spain out-gunned Canada, 68-53.

Semifinals are set for tomorrow:

It will be USA vs. Belgium and Spain vs. Australia.

World Cup news:

Breanna Stewart was every bit the MVP today in the USA's win over Nigeria.

Stewart shone on the world stage.

Familiar family faces are fueling Diana Taurasi in Tenerife.

Nigeria rose above tribulation to make history.

Emma Meesseeman's WNBA sacrifice could be the making of Belgium.

Ann Wauters is living in the moment.

WNBA champion Sami Whitcomb is out to complete an unexpected circle with Australia.

Canada fell short in advancing to the semifinals.

College player news:

New Mexico's Antonia Anderson is poised for a big season.

College coach news:

Kennesaw State coach Agnust Berenato has begun her battle with breast cancer.

What coach Adia Barnes said on Arizona's first day of practice.

The Katie Burrows era has begun at Chattanooga.

Bonus:

FIBA executive committee member Lena Wallin-Kantsy talks about pending changes to the game.

A study has revealed a bias against female HBCU players.

International play to continue, as college season ramps up

World Cup storylines:

Sandrine Gruda is hungry again as France looks to end their drought.

Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe and Canada are ready to deal with mind games against Spain.

Canada's run is indicative of Natalie Achonwa's perseverance.

Adaora Elonu is excited by the ride as Nigeria keeps rolling.

Belgium's rising star, Julie Allemand, is inspired playing for Tony Parker.

After a dismal season, New York Liberty players are shining on the international stage.

Nneka Ogwumike has lead the U.S. into the quarterfinals.

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi look to lead the U.S. to the gold medal.

Healthy living has helped Bird and Taurasi extend their careers.

Tina Charles is a quiet giant for the U.S.

Nigeria is ready to shock the U.S.

USA vs. Nigeria preview.

Australia will face China.

It will be Liz Cambage vs. Han Xu.

Canada is gearing for Spain.

The Nigerian coach's family was in an auto accident in Atlanta, but are OK.

Despite their loss Tuesday, basketball in Japan is on the rise.

WNBA player news:

Rebekkah Brunson, Monique Currie and Marissa Coleman are making money moves.

Maya Moore says the demand is real for women's basketball.

Kristi Toliver is making an impact with the Washington Wizards on the training camp staff.

College team news:

Weber State is getting a fresh start with a young team and a new coach.

Arizona opened practice with identical expectations and an improved team.

Five questions about Chattanooga entering the season.

Young Florida State enters the season with questions, and potential.

Alabama will have a mixture of youth and experience on the roster.

College player news:

Tennessee transfer Lou Brown almost didn't arrive, due to visa issues.

A healthy Nakeia Burks is eager to contribute for Chattanooga.

Recruiting news:

Class of 2019 No. 33 recruit Aubrey Griffin has committed to UConn.

Canadian forward Brynn Masikewich has committed to UCLA.

D.C. area girls basketball is taking center stage after the Mystics' success.

Bonus:

Michigan sports hall of fame inductee Daedra Charles-Furlow was a game-changer.

World Cup quarterfinals are set

Today's game results:

Nigeria squeezed out a victory over Greece, 57-56.

China ended Japan's long World Cup run, 87-81.

France beat Turkey, 78-61.

Spain stopped Senegal, 63-48.

Which sets up Friday's quarterfinals:

Canada v Spain
Australia v China
Belgium v France
USA v Nigeria

World Cup news:

In reaching the quarterfinals, Nigeria made history.

Nigeria isn't afraid to play the U.S.

Adaora Elonu is excited for the ride as Nigeria racks up more records.

China's Ting Shao revels in ending seven years of hurt against Japan.

Whether in Phoenix or Spain, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner are an unstoppable duo.

Latvia's Anete Steinberga broke a few records before the team was ousted from the tournament.

WNBA team news:

The WNBA's best fans.

Triple H sent a custom title to the Seattle Storm.

WNBA player news:

Maya Moore talks about numerous topics, including coach Cheryl Reeve's remarks about trading players.

Emma Meesseman talks about the growth of basketball in Belgium.

College team news:

Same goals, new style for Missouri.

LSU has developed culture and is looking to improve their away record.

Wichita State has kicked off year two of the Keitha Adams era.

UAlbany looks to replace lost scoring.

Marquette has offered a high school sophomore.

Bonus:

Female athletic directors say the problem in getting more women into such jobs lies within themselves.

One stunner in today's World Cup

Today's World Cup results:

Belgium stunned Spain, 72-63.

Canada rallied past France, 71-60.

Nigeria set an African record with a 75-70 win over Argentina.

Greece topped Korea, 58-48.

Australia smashed Turkey, 90-64.

China dispatched Senegal, 75-66.

The U.S. demolished Latvia, 102-76.

Japan handled Puerto Rico, 69-61.

World Cup and International news:

China star Han Xu is eyeing the WNBA draft.

Greece veteran Evina Maltsi is age-proof.

Liz Cambage is the cherry on top for Australia, and she has evolved as a champion.

Why Senegal and Nigeria's African double was extra special.

Twelve fun facts about Team USA players.

One year after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico's players are embracing the World Cup.

WNBA player news:

Q&A with Maya Moore.

College team news:

Oklahoma has a new look after ushering out a large senior class.

College player news:

College players are getting quite an experience at the World Cup.

Puerto Rico is always in the back of Oklahoma senior Gileysa Penzo's mind.

Heather Forster is playing for the third UAlbany coach in four seasons.

Iowa graduate transfer Carly Mohns will play for Green Bay this year.

College coach news:

Nevada coach Amanda Levens has signed a record-setting contract extension.

Jama Sharp has been promoted to assistant coach at Virginia.

NCAA announces Final Four sites from 2021-2024

lNCAA Final Four sites:

From 2021-2024, the Final Four will be in San Antonio, Minneapolis, Dallas and Cleveland, respectively.

Kansas City lost out on their bid to host.

World Cup:

Permutations: all teams will play tomorrow, the last day of the group phase.

Team USA training video.

USA vs. Latvia preview.

Canada will face familiar foe France for first in group.

Puerto Rico hopes to life spirits back home.

How Americans playing in China are helping grow basketball in that country.

Respect for women's basketball in Tenerife.

World Cup player news:

Elena Delle Donne is following her heart and is open to overseas experiences.

Ezi Magbegor is learning from Liz Cambage at the tournament.

Evelyn Akhator no longer plays in the WNBA, but suits up for Turkey.

WNBA player news:

Tiffany Hayes and Angel McCoughtry were guests last week on the show "Wild 'N Out."

College team news:

Mississippi State opens practice Thursday.

College coach news:

Tennessee State assistant coach Ronnie Enoch is collecting shoes and socks for children in Cuba.

Bonus:

Former Iona star Maggie Timoney is the new CEO of Heineken, and is the first woman to hold such a post at a beer company.

The Tennesseean Hotel opens Pat Summitt Suite to benefit iconic coach’s foundation

The Tennesseean Personal Luxury Hotel has officially dedicated the Pat Summitt Suite to honor the iconic coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols and raise funds for The Pat Summitt Foundation.

“The Pat Summitt Suite is an enduring tribute to a legendary leader,” said Nicholas G. Cazana, innkeeper at the AAA Four Diamond-rated The Tennesseean Personal Luxury Hotel. “We wanted to honor the late Pat Summitt in a way that would be lasting and appropriate for an iconic coach and native Tennessean who did so much for Knoxville and the University of Tennessee.”

Summitt coached the Lady Vols basketball team for 38 years and won 1,098 games and eight national titles with a graduation rate of 100 percent. After her diagnosis in 2011 of early onset dementia, Summitt and her son, Tyler Summitt, formed The Pat Summitt Foundation to raise funds to support Alzheimer’s patients, caregivers, and clinical research. Pat Summitt died June 28, 2016, at the age of 64, and her foundation continues the fight to find a cure.

A portion of all room rates from the suite will be donated to The Pat Summitt Foundation. The Tennesseean is located at 531 Henley St., alongside World’s Fair Park and within walking distance of the UT campus.

Patrick Wade, executive director of the foundation, thanked The Tennessean for the high-profile partnership in downtown Knoxville.

“We are grateful to The Tennesseean for creating the Pat Summitt Suite and joining our efforts to help Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers, and to advance clinical research,” Wade said. “A partnership like this not only raises awareness, but also allows visitors to the hotel and the Knoxville area to become even more acquainted with the foundation and Pat’s legacy in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.”

Among those in attendance for the official opening were former Lady Vols, including Shelley Sexton Collier, who spoke at the event, members of the current Lady Vol coaching staff, UT representatives, community leaders and elected officials.

“I am grateful to be here to both see this suite in person and honor my coach,” said Sexton Collier, the captain of Summitt’s first national title team in 1987 and the Lady Spartans head basketball coach at Webb School of Knoxville, where she has won six state championships. “Pat’s influence guides my thoughts and actions to this day. I hope everyone who stays in this suite will leave with an appreciation of how special Pat Summitt truly was and how she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of others.”

Heather King, who designed The Pat Summitt Clinic at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, also handled the interior design of the suite.

Design features of the suite include:

• Natural wood elements in the chandelier, lamps, living room sofa and side chair to represent a wooden basketball court.
• Large wall graphic at suite entry outlining Summitt’s basketball accomplishments.
• Living room sofa upholstered in fabric from Luna Textiles, which also is used in The Pat Summitt Clinic. Luna Textiles founder and creator Anna Hernandez lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Oct. 30, 2016, at the age of 56.
• Sofa tufting on seat and back reminiscent of a basketball goal net with orange and white fabric.
• Graphic element outlining Summitt’s “Definite Dozen” rules for success.
• Images from her esteemed coaching career.
The announcement of the Pat Summitt Suite coincides with World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia.
“Pat Summitt was a Tennessean to the core, and her death from Alzheimer’s disease affected all of us,” Cazana said. “By opening this suite, we can participate in efforts to raise research funds for a disease that has devastated far too many families.”

For more information about The Tennesseean and to make reservations, visit http://www.thetennesseanhotel.com or call 865-232-1800.

About The Tennesseean Personal Luxury Hotel and Residences

The Tennessean Personal Luxury Hotel and Residences is a luxurious urban retreat with a staff dedicated to exceeding expectations; dramatic city, mountain and park views; and an atmosphere perfectly blending Southern hospitality and contemporary flair. THE TENNESSEAN comprises a AAA Four Diamond-rated, 82-room and suite hotel and 12 upper-bracket residences. Its elegant Drawing Room lounge offers fine spirits, handcrafted cocktails and fresh, seasonal small plates and sweet bites. The hotel was named No. 1 on Southern Living’s The South’s Best Hotels 2018 list.

For more information, visit http://www.thetennesseanhotel.com.

Press release provided by Moxley Carmichael

Photos: Ben Finch Photography

USA, Australia, Canada unbeaten on World Cup day two

Today's World Cup results.....which include a few upsets:

Japan edged Belgium in overtime, 77-75.

Senegal edged Latvia, 70-69.

Nigeria is just getting started after their 74-68 win over Turkey.

The USA earned a hard-fought 100-88 win over China, with Breanna Stewart's help.

Canada routed Korea, 82-63.

Australia demolished Argentina, 84-43.

France slipped past Greece, 75-71.

Spain handled Puerto Rico, 78-53.

Player stats through two rounds.

The tournament takes the day off tomorrow.

More:

Kia Nurse talks about the physicality of World Cup play.

Can the new French generation deliver?

New York Liberty players are stepping up in World Cup play.

China's Han Xu is shining in her World Cup debut.

How the WNBA's international players fared today.

College team news:

Northern Iowa looks to work inside-out this season.

Due to damage from Hurricane Florence, UNCW will share practice facilities with North Carolina.

World Cup, day one results

Big games today:

Perfect shooting from Nneka Ogwumike led the U.S. past Senegal, 87-67.

Liz Cambage conducted a clinic in Australia's 86-68 win over Nigeria, with 34 points.

Belgium dominated Puerto Rico, 86-36.

Spain thrilled the home crowd with an 84-71 victory over Japan.

France 89, Korea 59.

Canada routed Greece, 81-50.

China 64, Latvia 61.

Turkey 63, Argentina 37.

The tournament:

The records and landmarks that could be set at the World Cup tournament.

World Cup team and player news:

Could this be the year Canada returns to the podium?

WNBA Champion Jewell Loyd is ready to be crowned a world trailblazer.

Emma Meesseman: hopes, fears and dreams.

A'ja Wilson's World Cup diary.

WNBA team news:

Photos from the opening of the Washington Mystics' new arena.

Bonus:

NBA Live '19 is the first pro sports game to allow women and men to play on the same teams.

World Cup Tournament to tip off shortly

World Cup storylines:

The U.S. is taking aim at the title.

New faces and new pressure for America this time around.

Newcomers are joining legends on the U.S. team.

A refreshed Nneka Ogwumike leads the U.S. into competition.

USA vs. Senegal preview.

Fun facts and tidbits from the tournament.

Ten things to know about the Cup.

ESPN+ and ESPN will air 40 games from the competition.

Liz Cambage is key in Australia's hopes of ending U.S. dominance.

The last-minute Australians are ready to step up.

How good are Belgium's chances?

Canada is confident heading into competition with a roster of stars.

Has Italy found a golden generation?

International players to watch.

College coach news:

Empress Davenport is a new assistant coach at Lamar.

Recruiting news:

UNCW got Sunshine McRae after Hurricane Florence.

Bonus:

Ruth Riley is a new radio and television analyst for the NBA's Miami Heat.

Jonquel Jones denounces her Bahamian citizenship to play for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Still waiting for some hoops

World Cup news:

Players to watch at the World Cup.

FIBA media day photos.

There's no rest for WNBA champs Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd.

Maya Moore is taking a much-needed break from competition.

A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum fulfilled their goals of representing the USA.

Canada is taking aim at the World Cup.

Lauren Jackson said the USA won't have an answer for Liz Cambage.

Adaora Elonu is ready to absorb the pressure of being Nigeria's captain.

Despite their gold medal loss, the 1983 World Championship is a fond memory for players.

WNBA news:

The WNBA could learn about investing from major league lacrosse.

Katie Nolan on WNBA pay.

WNBA player news:

Jordin Canada talks about her transition from the NCAA to the Seattle Storm.

College coach news:

Q&A with Florida coach Cam Newbauer.

Navy's new assistant coach is Kaitlyn Vican.

Recruiting news:

Amirah Abdur-Rahim has high notes and a high ceiling.

MVP Breanna Stewart exceptional, with room to grow

Got greatness? Yes, if you're Breanna Stewart.

Quiet period odds and ends

World Cup news:

The USA's World Cup team was unveiled.

Team Australia coach Sandy Brondello will fight through injury woes.

WNBA news:

Biggest questions in the offseason.

"What a season!" podcast.

WNBA president Lisa Borders prevaricates on league issues.

WNBA team news:

How the Mystics advanced to their first-ever Finals.

WNBA player news:

A WNBA title is the latest accomplishment for goal-oriented Jewell Loyd.

Mercedes Russell's year was capped by a WNBA championship.

College team news:

Ohio State has set a recruiting tone.

South Carolina has a timetable and funding for the A'ja Wilson statue.

No basketball, but three days until World Cup and 49 days until college season

WNBA team news:

Is this Storm team the start of a dynasty?

WNBA player news:

Natasha Howard's charmed season ended with a title.

WNBA coach news:

How Dan Hughes scaled the mountain.

The Atlanta Dream have extended coach Nicki Collen's contract through the 2020 season.

College coach news:

Former WNBA player Lanay Montgomery is Kennesaw State's new assistant coach.

Bill Sullivan is back as an assistant coach at George Washington.

World Cup news:

Ten things to know about the World Cup.

Eternal champion Diana Taurasi draws inspiration from her only defeat.

Lauren Jackson thinks the Australians can win it.

Bonus:

Excerpt from the new book "Basketball: A love story."

Biding time until World Cup competition

The WNBA season:

Retrospective on the entertaining year.

What a record-breaking season means for the offseason.

One final look back at the Storm's season.

USA Basketball news:

Five days until the FIBA World Cup

The National Team fended off France, 77-60, in their exhibition win today.

The World Cup roster is nearly finalized.

Dawn Staley and A'ja Wilson are together again with USA Basketball.

International news:

All you need to know about the World Cup.

There is an app.

Canada won their final tuneup prior to the World Cup.

Syracuse sophomore Digna Strautmane has earned a spot on Latvia's World Cup team.

College team news:

UConn faces a critical recruiting season.

College player news:

The NCAA has granted Vanderbilt transfer Kayla Overbeck immediate eligibility to play for USC.

The NCAA has also granted immediate eligibility for Green Bay transfer Alex Luehring to play at Wisconsin.

Seattle Storm celebrate title with festive parade and rally

Photos galore of today's events.

Nothin' but a celebration

Seattle Storm Championship parade and rally:

Relive the best moments from today.

More video and even more video.

The mood was electric.

Photos.

They kicked it off in the morning with a flag-raising atop the Space Needle.

Sue Bird said she will play next year.

WNBA player news:

Sue Bird's legend continues with title No. 3.

WNBA coach news:

Dan Hughes got his elusive Championship.

USA National Team news:

The USA beat Senegal, 109-58, in today's exhibition game.

The odds and ends of the news spectrum

WNBA team news:

How Seattle rebuilt and won the title again eight years later.

The Storm's Championship win was a team effort, and here's what each player brought to the table.

Despite their Finals loss, the Mystics foresee a bright future.

Washington players reflect on their exceptional season.

WNBA player news:

Players are speaking out loudly.

The Sky is the limit for Breanna Stewart, on and off the court.

Sue Bird and Stewart had a magical season with the Storm, as UConn fans watched.

Marketing the league:

Interesting piece on marketing the WNBA.

WNBA pay:

Can the league accommodate paying players more?

(W)NBA Live:

The women of NBA Live give depth to the game's most interesting mode.

USA National Team news:

The USA routed Canada, 84-68, in an exhibition today.

The Canadians made it a physical game.

College team news:

Memphis looks to turn things around this year.

Championship parade set for Sunday

Details on the Seattle Storm's WNBA Championship celebration, set for Sunday.

The WNBA season:

The 2018 season was one for the record books.

WNBA team news:

Seattle returned to glory with a collective effort.

The Mystics are in a position to remain competitive next year and beyond.

Should the Sparks run it back or shake things up?

WNBA player news:

Sue Bird has defied age like no other in basketball history.

Bird has added another title in a perfect Storm.

Bird called out the NBA Live creators for their animation of her boobs.

Breanna Stewart's year has been much more than basketball.

Stewart shares what's next for her.

USA Basketball and international news:

The U.S. National Team is in France to play an exhibition tournament.

Canada is banking on an expedition mission.

College coach news:

Dawn Staley and Jolette Law's plan to take South Carolina to the next level.

Kamie Ethridge brings a wealth of experience in her first year at Washington State.

The day after

More on the Championship:

Finals viewership was up 33 percent from last year and was higher than any year since 2010.

Natasha Howard had a starring role for the Storm.

Seattle is home, ecstatic, and ready to continue.

Sue Bird wasn't sure she'd get back to a title game.

Bird's legend status continues.

And, to the chagrin of opponents, she's not thinking of retiring yet.

Bird isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Even if the Storm were invited to the White House, Bird wouldn't go.

This adds to Breanna Stewart's trophy case, as she returns to her winning ways.

Stewart has reinforced her elite status.

Winning the title was her destiny.

UConn Geno Auriemma was on hand last night to watch Stewart win.

Alysha Clark has found her place with the Storm.

Everything that is known so far about the Storm's Championship parade.

The Mystics were swept by the Storm in their first Finals trip.

Washington is taking positives from the Finals.

Elena Delle Donne's wife helped her be herself.

WNBA player news:

Stefanie Dolson still brings energy to the court.

Chelsea Gray had her second annual shoe drive for homeless youth today.

Seattle Storm are the 2018 WNBA Champions

The Seattle Storm cruised to a 98-82 win over the Washington Mystics to claim the 2018 WNBA Championship - the third for the franchise.

It was a long journey back for Sue Bird and the Storm.

Breanna Stewart was the MVP, but Sue Bird was the heart and soul of the Storm.

Seattle Storm coach Dan Hughes motivates by love.

Seattle reacts jubilantly at the news.

The Mystics' season ended with a loss, but maybe this is the beginning.

Recognition:

The WNBA announced all-first and second teams.

WNBA coach news:

Sun coach Curt Miller prepares for a busy offseason.

USA Basketball news:

The National Team has wrapped up domestic training.

College player news:

The NCAA has granted a medical hardship waiver to Duke's Mikayla Boykin for last season, leaving her four years of eligibility left.

The night before the next Finals game

Game 3 is tomorrow at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on ESPN2

Finals storylines:

Three impressions as the Storm hit the road in the Finals.

Seattle looks to finish the series quickly this time.

Four keys to extend Washington's Finals run.

A story of friendship,competition and respect between Sue Bird and the Mystics.

How Bird uses tech to beat her competition.

Bird has seen the Storm's rebuild through to seek another title.

Seattle star Breanna Stewart wants to add a WNBA Championship to her trophy case.

Elena Delle Donne and her fast recovery.

Even-keeled LaToya Sanders keeps things calm for the Mystics.

Today's practice report.

Hurricane Florence could effect the WNBA Finals.

WNBA player news:

Jennifer Hamson has returned to volleyball, as a pro.

Bonus:

On WNBA mascots.

As Tina Thompson's HOF induction reminds us, Houston needs a WNBA team.

USA Basketball news:

The 16 finalists for the World Cup team were named.

International news:

Sami Whitcomb's endorsement lead to the Perth Lynx signing Brittany McPhee.

College player news:

Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu and Ruthy Hebard wet their feet with USA Basketball.

Point guard Alexis Morris has been dismissed from Baylor.

Get to know Notre Dame freshman Samantha Brunelle.

College coach news:

Memories of Sept. 11 are still fresh for Muffet McGraw, originally set to be on flight 175.

McGraw talks about Arike Ogunbowale's fame and the UConn rivalry.

Two days until Game 3

WNBA playoff team news:

Kristi Toliver said the Mystics will be better in Game 3.

Down two games to one, Washington sees a path forward in the Finals.

What the Storm needs to do to close out the Mystics.

History says Seattle's WNBA coronation is only a matter of time.

WNBA playoff player news:

Elena Delle Donne has been slowed by her knee injury but is starting to adapt.

Natasha Cloud is focused on a Washington turnaround.

Jordin Canada is the next Sue Bird protege.

Other WNBA player news:

Nneka Ogwumike has won the the season WNBA Cares Community Assist Award.

Bonus:

The WNBPA will partner with Sportscastr basketball streaming ICO.

Becky Hammon is featured in an empowering Macy's commercial.

USA Basketball and International news:

Team USA rallied once again tonight to beat Japan, 102-87.

USA Basketball is waiting for the WNBA playoffs to end.

The Finals are leaving a question mark for the USA as the World Cup nears.

A knee injury has knocked Kayla Alexander out of competition for the Canadian National Team.

Leilani Mitchell has withdrawn from the Australian squad.

College team news:

Reinvented Weber State looks forward to the upcoming season.

Missouri may turn to the three-pointer more often.

College coach news:

Vanessa Abel is a new assistant coach at Western Michigan.

Seattle tops Washington for a 2-0 Finals series lead

The Storm edged the Mystics, 75-73, to grab a 2-0 series lead.

They "Stormed out to a lead."

Defense was the key for Seattle in Game 2.

Breanna Stewart played like the MVP that she is in the win.

Sue Bird used "the Sue Bird move" as part of her arsenal.

Are the Mystics half full of half empty after Game 2?

Playoff player news:

Alysha Clark has evolved into a star for the Storm.

Stewart and Elena Delle Donne will be featured on the next episode of "Detail" on ESPN+

Awards:

A'ja Wilson is the unanimous rookie of the year.

The all-rookie team also included Diamond DeShields, Ariel Atkins, Azura Stevens and Kelsey Mitchell.

Wilson's rookie year rates among the greatest in WNBA history.

Game 2 tips off tomorrow on ABC

Game 2 will tip at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

About last night:

The Storm dominated from start to finish to take a series lead over the Mystics.

The game was drama-free.

Elena Delle Donne said "excuses are for losers."

Storm fans were out in full force for the game.

Jewell Loyd shined in the Game 1 spotlight.

Ariel Atkins made history for the Mystics by breaking two rookie records.

Playoffs news:

Today's practice quotes.

Sue Bird and the art of winning everywhere.

The Mystics are making no excuses as they ready for Game 2.

WNBA player news:

A'ja Wilson is one of Las Vegas Weekly's "women of intrigue" for the year.

Sherri Sam retrospective.

USA National Team news:

The National Team rallied from 16 points down to beat Canada.

College coach news:

George Washington coach Jen Rizzotti continues to influence players at her alma mater, UConn.

Hall of Fame induction:

Tina Thompson and Katie Smith were the foundation of WNBA greatness.

Virginia coach Thompson was inducted, with picture of now-tall son Dyllan.

Thompson's speech.

Ohio great Katie Smith was inducted.

Smith's speech.

Photos.

College player news:

Their rings are far more than bling for Notre Dame players.

Gulf Coast State College's Keshawn Johnson died in a car accident last night.

Storm punch first, take Mystics in Game 1

Game 1:

The Storm opened Game 1 in convincing fashion with an 89-76 win over the Mystics.

Finals team news:

The Storm are in the Finals ahead of schedule.

The Mystics strengthened their camaraderie through preseason connections.

Finals player news:

Elena Delle Donne is the greatest free throw shooter ever.

How she became that shooter.

Sue Bird: So I broke my f*cking nose......a great read that covers a lot of ground.

MTSU coach Rick Insell is pulling for Alysha Clark in the Finals.

Rookies Jordin Canada and Ariel Atkins are in the spotlight.

Former Tar Heels LaToya Pringle-Sanders and Tierra Ruffin-Pratt have lead the Mystics to the Finals.

Finals coach news:

Out of basketball a year ago, Dan Hughes has led the Storm into the Finals.

Bonus:

The all-improved team.

Is Diana Taurasi the GOAT? (No)

Taurasi, Maya Moore and Candace Parker will be featured in an interview Monday.

Natalie Achonwa led Canada past Japan in a pre-World's Cup tuneup.

College player news:

Former Morgan State standout Tracey Carrington was shot and killed last night.

College coach news:

Gary Fifield will be an assistant coach at UMaine for one year.

Finals Game 1 is 21 hours away

Playoff storylines:

The battle-tested Storm and Mystics are ready to meet in the Finals.

Things to know about the match up.

Both teams look to enjoy the experience of the series.

Breaking it down.

The mayors of Seattle and Washington D.C. have made a friendly bet on the series' outcome.

Practice quotes from today.

In Seattle's Finals run, there is no bigger fan than Lauren Jackson.

The Storm rebuilds, but Sue Bird keeps going to the Finals.

Seattle wouldn't be in the Finals without the heroics of Sami Whitcomb.

Former UCLA standout Jordin Canada is in the Finals in her rookie season.

The Storm expect a tough series against the Mystics.

Mystics super-rookie Ariel Atkins is making a big difference in the playoffs.

WNBA player news:

Tina Charles leads on and off the court.

Angel McCoughtry on the benefits of taking a forced break.

After a nightmare injury, Alaina Coates saw flashes of her old self in her rookie year.

Hall of Fame news:

A quest for perfection led Katie Smith to the Hall.

Smith reflected and gave thanks in her induction speech.

High school news:

The class of 2019 has three new top picks.

Leilani Kapinus is late but great.

College team news:

No bigs, no problem for Missouri.

They are embracing a new style of offense.

College coach news:

Duke coach Joanne McCallie is back and excited for the upcoming season.

The day after

About last night:

Jewell Loyd was selfless in the win for Seattle, as Sue Bird's burst lifted them.

Inside the two semifinal wins.

WNBA Finals team news:

The Storm and Mystics will meet in the Finals.

Five things to know about the match up.

How the 2018 Seattle Storm made the WNBA Finals.

All board the Washington Mystics bandwagon.

No mistake about it: Washington is headed to the Finals.

The Mystics will play at George Mason's arena, in Virgina.

Now that Washington has made the Finals, the Storm awaits.

WNBA Finals player news:

Sue Bird was transcendent in Game 5 and lifted the Storm to the Finals.

Bird stole the spotlight and is still schooling the youngsters.

How Elena Delle Donne went from potential season-ending injury to the WNBA Finals in five days.

The Finals will feature the battle of the two out superstars.

A trio of Terps can bring a title back to the D.C. area.

More WNBA team news:

The Mercury are expected to return the same core next year.

More WNBA player news:

Courtney Vandersloot reflects on her record-breaking season.

USA Basketball news:

In their first scrimmage tonight, White beat Red, 100-75.

The National Team now heads to New York with 15 athletes.

After that, they play in Connecticut.

International news:

Natalie Achonwa and Kia Nurse headline Team Canada at the World Cup.

College coach news:

Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw has more prestigious honors in store this fall.

Hall of Fame news:

Tina Thompson's storybook career has taken her to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame.

Bonus:

ESPN will release a basketball project that will include a segment on the Tennessee-UConn rivalry.

Beats by Dre has partnered with the WNBA.

Sportscaster has partnered with the WNBPA to offer live interactive video to fans.