Las Vegas Aces become first repeat WNBA champs in 21 years, beating New York Liberty 70-69 in Game 4
The Las Vegas Aces became the first team in 21 years to win back-to-back WNBA championships, getting 24 points and 16 rebounds from Aโja Wilson and a defensive stop in the closing seconds to beat the New York Liberty 70-69 in Game 4 of the Finals.
Wilson's double-double leads Aces to 67-64 win over Sun
Aโja Wilson had 24 points and 11 rebounds and the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Connecticut Sun 67-64 on Sunday in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals The Aces staved off a late run by the Sun, who erased a seven-point deficit with 1:24 left when Alyssa Thomas hit back-to-back shots to pull Connecticut within three.
Young beats buzzer, Aces top Storm 110-98 in OT in Game 3
Jackie Young sent the game in overtime with a buzzer-beating basket and then Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum hit big shots in the extra session to help the Las Vegas Aces beat the Seattle Storm 110-98 to move within a victory of advancing to the WNBA Finals.
College players will need to opt-in to upcoming WNBA Draft
The WNBA and the Players' Association have agreed to an opt-in process for this season's draft, the league confirmed to The Associated Press, late Sunday, March 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)NEW YORK โ The WNBA and the Players' Association have agreed to an opt-in process for this season's draft, the league confirmed to The Associated Press on Sunday night. In the past, players who have run out of college eligibility are automatically entered into the draft. While this is a new situation in the WNBA, itโs unclear what the NCAA will do as far as allowing players to pull out of the draft. The NBA implemented similar rules, making players opt-in for the draft.
Stewart leads Seattle to 2nd WNBA title in 3 years
Stewart scored 26 points and Seattle completed a sweep of the Las Vegas Aces with a 92-59 rout Tuesday night. It was the biggest margin of victory in WNBA Finals history. Seattle had pretty much the same core group that won the 2018 championship back for this year, led by Stewart, Bird and Jewell Loyd. Seattle has now won a record 11 games in a row in the WNBA Finals, dating to the team's first championship in 2004. She led the Dream to three WNBA Finals appearances but the team was swept in each one.
Stewart, Bird help Storm rout Aces; go up 2-0 in WNBA Finals
The team had 33 assists to set a WNBA championship round record as the Storm had a more balanced offense. Las Vegas couldn't respond. A'ja Wilson had 20 points to lead Las Vegas while Angel McCoughtry and Emma Cannon added 17 each. The Storm, who had 17 assists on their 18 baskets, built the lead to 13 before Las Vegas rallied to the six-point halftime deficit. ... Stewart had her fifth consecutive 20-point game in the WNBA Finals spanning back to the 2018 season.
Stewart lifts Storm to Game 1 WNBA Finals win over Aces
Seattle Storm forward Breanna Stewart (30) celebrates after the team defated the Las Vegas Aces during Game 1 of basketball's WNBA Finals Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)BRADENTON, Fla. โ The Seattle Storm's lead down to two with a quarter left, Breanna Stewart took over. The big-game player scored the first 11 points of the fourth quarter and finished with 37 to help the Storm beat the Las Vegas Aces 93-80 on Friday night in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. She was a point short of the WNBA Finals record set by Angel McCoughtry. McCoughtry scored 20 points to lead Las Vegas, which was playing in the WNBA Finals for the first time since the franchise moved to the Nevada city three years ago. Eight players had reached 11 assists in a finals game before Bird's record performance.
WNBA renews partnership with Twitter for live game streams
The WNBA and Twitter recently announced the schedule of 10 live regular season WNBA games, which will be streamed on Twitter during the 2020 season. To bring fans closer to live game action, the WNBA will stream a unique broadcast on Twitter hosted by alternative commentators. In addition to live games, Twitter will also run WNBA highlights and features throughout the season. WNBA fans on Twitter are passionate about their hoops and these hyper-engaged fans continue to fuel an increased popularity of the league, said TJ Adeshola who is the Head of Sports Partnerships at Twitter, according to a league press release. The conversation around WNBA players, teams and their fans is happening on Twitter and is helping the leagues visibility.
WNBA: Recap of the three matchups on Wednesday
Half the league went head to head on Wednesday with three teams adding a win to their win column. Connecticut Sun 70, Dallas Wings 66DeWanna Bonner scored 18 points and Alyssa Thomas added 17 as the Connecticut Sun defeat the Dallas Wings. Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 19 points and Allisha Gray had 15 points and eight rebounds. Chicago Sky 89, Phoenix Mercury 71Allie Quigley scored 20 points and Kahleah Cooper poured in 15 points as the Chicago Sky get an impressive win over the Phoenix Mercury. Sophie Cunningham and Skylar Diggins-Smith led the way for Phoenix with 15 points apiece.
WNBA: Recap of the three games from Tuesday
Six teams went head to head in WNBA action on Tuesday, but only three came out on top. Aja Wilson had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds while Kayla McBride scored 15 points for Las Vegas. Rookie Crystal Dangerfield added 12 points and Napheesa Collier had eight points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota. Myisha Hines-Allen led Washington with 12 points while Tianna Hawkins and Emma Meesseman each scored 10 points. Candace Parker added 16 points for Los Angeles while Brittney Sykes scored 15 points and Nneka Ogwumike poured in 11 points.
WNBA: Recap of the three games on Monday
The WNBA had three competitive games on Monday and has a even sharper line up of games on Tuesday. DeWanna Bonner scored 12 points for Connecticut (2-6), and grabbed nine rebounds to move into 20th on the WNBA career list. Brittney Griner had 22 points and 13 rebounds while Briana Turner added 13 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix. Sami Whitcomb added 17 points for Seattle and Ezi Magbegor scored 13 points and Alysha Clark had 12 points. Allie Quigley led Chicago with 13 points andCheyenne Parker added 12 points.
WNBA: Preview of the 3 Friday night games
Three games are set for Friday night action to begin a weekend filled with notable games. Yet the team recently fell to the Las Vegas Aces but is looking to get a win. 1 pick Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty have lost the last two games after getting blown out by Minnesota recently. Los Angeles Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces, 9 p.m. With out star Nneka Ogwumike, the Sparks will try to keep the Las Vegas Aces from a third straight victory.
WNBA: Recap of Wednesdays three games
Minnesota Lynx 92, New York Liberty 66Bridget Carleton scored 25 points and second year player Lexie Brown had 15 points and swiped seven steals, as the Minnesota Lynx beat the New York Liberty. Amanda Zahui B. led a winless New York team with 13 points. Eastern conference player of the week Myisha Hines-Allen added 18 points and 10 boards and Leilani Mitchell scored 11 points. Riquna Williams added 13 points for the Sparks along with Sydney Weise who had eight points. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 24 points, veteran Candice Dupree scored 16 and Teaira McCowan had 13 points.
WNBA: Preview of three Wednesday night games
ETLooking to run their winning streak to three games, the Minnesota Lynx look to keep the winless New York Liberty at bay. Both have been a spark in the Minnesota offense and will be relied upon to help the Lynx pick up a win. Las Vegas Aces vs. Washington Mystics, 8 p.m. They both were key in a recent win over the Dallas Wings. On Sunday, Kelsey Mitchell had 23 points and Candice Dupree scored 21 in a recent win over Atlanta.
WNBA: Recap of the weekend action
The weekend was full of WNBA action, both on Saturday and Sunday with teams getting into the swing of things. Chicago Sky 88, Washington Mystics 86Gabby Williams and Cheyenne Parker each scored 16 points as the Chicago Sky barely beat the Washington Mystics. Jewell Loyd added 17 points, Jordin Canada poured in 16 points and rookie Ezi Magbegor had a career-high 12 points for Seattle. Diana Taurasi had 18 points, nine assists, three steals and two blocks and Brittney Griner added 16 points for Phoenix. Kia Nurse led the Liberty with 16 points while Layshia Clarendon added 12 points and Amanda Zahui B. scored 11.
WNBA: 4 more games to set up action for Wednesday
The WNBA action continues this week with four games of action for Wednesday. Phoenix Mercury vs. Indiana Fever, 7 p.m. ESTBoth teams are looking to bounce back and secure a win after dropping their season openers. For the Indiana Fever, they will look to 2019 WNBA All-Star MVP Erica Wheeler and Kelsey Mitchell who averages 25 points per game. Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces, 10 p.m. ESTThe Dream are looking to keep their win streak against the Aces who dropped their season opener. The Dream will need their star power from Monique Billings who leads the team in scoring with 30 points per game.
WNBA announces 2020 season is dedicated to social justice
The mission of the Social Justice Council is to be a driving force of necessary and continuing conversations about race, voting rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and gun control amongst other important societal issues. Players will lead Justice CouncilThe work of the Social Justice Council will be led by players such as Layshia Clarendon, Sydney Colson, Breanna Stewart, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, Aja Wilson and Satou Sabally, among others. The expanded list of Social Justice Council members, advisors, and programming will be announced at a later date. Players to wear social justice messagesThroughout the season, players will wear NIKE-branded warm-up shirts that display Black Lives Matter on the front. We are incredibly proud of WNBA players who continue to lead with their inspiring voices and effective actions in the leagues dedicated fight against systemic racism and violence, said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
WNBA: 7 players test positive for COVID-19
NEW YORK CITY With the WNBA planning to begin its season later this month, teams along with personnel had to get tested before entering training camp. With almost 140 players being tested in that timeframe, only seven tested positive for COVID-19. According to the WNBA, players who have tested positive will remain in self isolation until she has been cleared by a physician and has followed public health protocols. Players and staff will be arriving at the bubble location, which is IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The 12th team -- the Indiana Fever -- will not be arriving for another five days due to CDC health protocols.
Most of WNBA's older coaches OK with Florida virus risk
Thibault knows that he could be at higher risk for severe illness if he gets the coronavirus because of his age. The 69-year-old coach didn't hesitate about going down to Florida with his team Monday, July 6, 2020, to prepare for the upcoming WNBA season. The 69-year-old Washington Mystics coach didn't hesitate about going down to Florida with his team Monday to prepare for the virus-delayed WNBA season. I'm not at the same risk as that grocery store worker or restaurant owner heading to work every day. I know that Dan had a difficult decision to forego the 2020 WNBA season," said Indiana Fever coach Marianne Stanley, who is 66.
Here are the latest WNBA team power rankings for the upcoming season
Player-wise, none of the squad has opted out and they will be returning WNBA veteran Sue Bird. With a 22-12 record in 2018, the Sparks added some new faces to the squad including WNBA star Kristi Toliver, Tea Cooper and Reshanda Gray. The team signed WNBA star Skylar Diggins-Smith creating the leagues Big 3 which is comprised of the all-star along with WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi and center Brittney Griner. The squad brings back Victoria Vivans, who had a good rookie season in 2018 but was out last season due to a knee injury. The team added newcomer Layshia Clarendon, whos entering her eighth WNBA season.
WNBA Recap: Sun, Mystics and Aces all come out victorious
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 26: Kayla McBride of the Las Vegas Aces competes during the 3-Point Contest of the WNBA All-Star Friday Night at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 26, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Washington Mystics 99, Phoenix Mercury 93The Washington Mystics beat the Phoenix Mercury 99-93 in a game that broke the Mercury three game winning streak. Elena Delle Donne score 33 points for Washington, while veteran Kristi Toliver added 25 points and Natasha Cloud scored 12 points for the Mystics. Las Vegas Aces 86, Dallas Wings 54The Las Vegas Aces continue to stay hot as they defeat the Dallas Wings 86-54. Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 15 points and the Wings shot less than 30 percent from the field.
WNBA Recap: Sun, Mystics and Aces all come out victorious
Jonquel Jones had 27 points and 11 rebounds while Jasmine Thomas added 18 points and Alyssa Thomas and Courtney Williams each scored 12 points. Washington Mystics 99, Phoenix Mercury 93The Washington Mystics beat the Phoenix Mercury 99-93 in a game that broke the Mercury three-game winning streak. Elena Delle Donne scored 33 points for Washington, while veteran Kristi Toliver added 25 points and Natasha Cloud scored 12 points for the Mystics. Las Vegas Aces 86, Dallas Wings 54The Las Vegas Aces continue to stay hot as they defeated the Dallas Wings 86-54. Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 15 points and the Wings shot less than 30 percent from the field.
WNBA All-Star weekend guide: Everything you need to know
The Three Point Contest (Friday, 7 p.m. EST)Allie Quigley of the Chicago Sky is the two-time reigning Three-Point Contest champion, having won the event at the 2018 All-Star Game in Minneapolis and the 2017 All-Star Game in Seattle. She will be joined this year by Las Vegas Aces guard Kayla McBride, Los Angeles Sparks guard Chelsea Gray, New York Liberty guard Kia Nurse, Connecticut Sun guard/forward Shekinna Stricklen and Indiana Fever guard Erica Wheeler. The Skills Challenge (Friday, following three-point contest)In the Skills Challenge, there will be seven players who will be competing against Brittany Griner of the Phoenix Mercury. WNBA All-Star Game (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EST)Even though the roster is filled with a lot of All-Star veterans, there are five newcomers to the star studded squads. The whole list of All-Star starters and reserves:The final teams were chosen by captians Elena Delle Donne of the Washington Mystics and A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces.
WNBA: Sparks, Aces and Mercury all get wins before All-Star break
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 27: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces is guarded by Jordin Canada #21 of the Seattle Storm during the Aces' inaugural regular-season home opener at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on May 27, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Three games of WNBA action on Tuesday result in wins for the Phoenix Mercury, Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks. Nneka Ogwumike had 24 points, nine rebounds, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt scored 23 points while Chiney Ogwumike added 15 points and Chelsea Gray chipped in 10 points for the Sparks. Monique Billings scored a career-high 16 points and Tiffany Hayes came back from injury and scored 15 points for the Dream. Las Vegas Aces 79, Seattle Storm 62The Las Vegas Aces get their sixth straight home win with five players scoring in double digits. Phoenix Mercury 95, Indiana Fever 77Brittney Griner and DeWanna Bonner each scored 22 points and the Phoenix Mercury handed the Indiana Fever their sixth straight loss.