With just over three weeks remaining in the regular season, we take a look at one key player (sometimes two) from each team – some All-Stars and some X-factors – to keep an eye on as the stretch run heats up.
Teams are listed in order of standings as of Aug. 18, 2025.
1. Minnesota: Kayla McBride &amp; Courtney Williams
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201857" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-49.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
Despite losing the league’s top scorer and leading MVP candidate, Napheesa Collier, for the past two weeks (and no definitive timetable for a return), the Lynx have not missed a stride – winning all four games that Collier has missed. The key is Minnesota’s depth, led by its two other 2025  All-Stars. Williams has picked up her scoring (averaging a team-high 18.5 since Collier has been out), while McBride is shooting 46.9% from 3 in the month of August.
<hr />
2. Atlanta: Naz Hillmon
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201858" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-50.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
On a team with three All-Stars &#8212; Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones &#8212; it&#8217;s a player that just entered the starting lineup in August that leads the team in point differential (+6.4). In fact, the Dream are 12.3 points per 100 possessions better when Hillmon is on court (+12.9 net rating) compared to when she&#8217;s off (+0.6 net rating). Gray is second on that list with a 6.5 pts per 100 poss differential.
<hr />
3. New York: Emma Meeseman
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201859" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-51.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
Signed on Aug. 1 to help fill the void left by Breanna Stewart – who last played on July 26 and is projected to return near the end of August – the Liberty swapped in one former Finals MVP (Meesseman in 2019) for another (Stewart in 2018 and 2020). In her first seven games in New York, the Belgian center is averaging 15.3 points per game on 51.9% FG, 60% 3P and 90.5% FT shooting splits, along with 5.7 boards, 3.7 assists, a steal and a block in her first WNBA action since 2022 with Chicago.
<hr />
4. Phoenix: Alyssa Thomas
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201860" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-52.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-52.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-52-1024x576.png 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Alyssa Thomas did not record a single triple-double in her first eight WNBA seasons combined. Her first came on July 22, 2022 and she’s added 19 more since – including five so far in her first season in Phoenix. Thomas has more triple-doubles in her first 28 games with the Mercury than any other player in WNBA history has for their entire career. Thomas’ ability to impact all facets of the game has lifted Phoenix to its first 20+ win season since 2018 and has the Mercury in the race for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201849" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/unnamed.png" alt="" width="512" height="341" />
<hr />
5. Las Vegas: Jewell Loyd
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201861" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-53.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-53.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-53-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
As part of a three-team deal in February, the Aces acquired Jewell Loyd from Seattle, while sending Kelsey Plum to Los Angeles. After playing her first decade with the Storm, Loyd got off to a slow start in her first season in Las Vegas. However, she is currently playing her best ball of the season – coinciding with the Aces’ season-high seven-game win streak. Over eight games in August, Loyd is averaging 14.8 ppg on 45.9% shooting overall and 45.6% from 3-point range – providing a consistent perimeter scoring threat to complement A’ja Wilson’s work in the frontcourt.
<hr />
6. Indiana: Kelsey Mitchell
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201862" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-54.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-54.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-54-1024x576.png 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
With Caitlin Clark limited to just 13 of Indiana’s 35 games due to three separate injuries, fellow guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald out for the season, and Sophie Cunningham leaving Sunday’s game with a knee injury, the Fever have shown their resilience to remain in the thick of the playoff hunt. A key reason is the play of Kelsey Mitchell, who erupted for a career-high-tying 38 points (34 coming in the 2nd half and OT) to lead the Fever to a franchise-record 21-point comeback on Sunday. Ironically, Mitchell’s two 38-point games have both come against Connecticut – six years apart.
<hr />
7. Golden State: Veronica Burton
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201865" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-55.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
Burton arrived in the Bay with career averages of 5.5 points, 3.0 assists and 2.5 rebounds over her first three seasons in Dallas and Connecticut. In her first season with the Valkyries, Burton has thrived – averaging career-bests of 11.3 points, 5.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 38.2% shooting from beyond the arc. And she’s peaking at the right time. Burton has increased both her scoring and shooting percentage month over month all season, currently at 13.5 points on 48.6% shooting from deep over eight games in August, helping the Valkyries set the record for most wins by an expansion team in its inaugural season.
<hr />
8. Seattle: Brittney Sykes
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201866" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-56.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
Acquired on Aug. 5 from Washington, Sykes is averaging 14.4 points, 3.4 assists and 1.6 steals in her first five games with the Storm. As Seattle pushes for a playoff berth, Sykes’ ability to impact the game on both ends of the court will be key to complement fellow All-Stars Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams. The Storm enter this week clinging to the eighth and final playoff berth, leading the No. 9 Sparks and No,. 10 Mystics by just a half-game each.
<hr />
9. Los Angeles: Kelsey Plum
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201867" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-57.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-57.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-57-300x169.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Only one player in WNBA history has averaged at least 20 points and six assists over the course of a full season – Diana Taurasi during the 2013 season. Twelve years later, Plum is on pace to join Taurasi as she’s averaging 21.0 points and 6.6 assists – ranking third in the league in both categories – in her first season in Los Angeles. How important has Plum’s scoring been for the Sparks this season? L.A. is 12-9 when she scores 20+ points and 4-8 when she’s held below 20 points.
<hr />
10. Washington: Sonia Citron &amp; Kiki Iriafen
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201868" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-58.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
Following the Sykes trade, the burden of keeping the Mystics in playoff contention fell even more on Washington’s pair of All-Star rookies. Citron leads the Mystics in scoring (15.2 ppg, 17th in WNBA), while Iriafen leads the team in rebounding (8.5 rpg, 4th in WNBA). With five rookies on the roster and only two players – Alysha Clark (via the Sykes trade) and Stephanie Dolson – on the squad, the Mystics are building for the future. Getting Citron and Iriafen more experience this season will be key.
<hr />
11. Dallas: Paige Bueckers
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201869" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-60.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
A leading candidate for Rookie of the Year honors, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft is putting herself in historic company with her on-court play. Bueckers is one of only 15 rookies in WNBA history to average at least 18 points per game (she’s currently ninth at 19.8 ppg exactly. And she’s one of only two rookies – along with last year’s Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark – to average at least 15 points and five assists in their debut season.
<hr />
12. Chicago: Ariel Atkins &amp; Angel Reese
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201870" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-61.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-61.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-61-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-61-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
How important has Atkins been for Chicago? How about the fact that all eight of Chicago’s wins have come with Atkins on the court. The team is 0-7 in the games she’s missed in her first season in Chi-town after spending the first seven seasons – including the 2019 title run – in Washington. Meanwhile, Reese has appeared in only two of Chicago&#8217;s last dozen games due to a back injury, but is ramping up for a return. Despite appearing in only 23 games, Reese leads the W in double-doubles (17, tied with Thomas) and rebounds (12.6 rpg), while increasing her scoring, shooting, assists, steals and blocks over her rookie year.
<hr />
13. Connecticut: Aneesah Morrow &amp; Saniya Rivers
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201871" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-62.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
With the Sun eliminated from playoff contention, Connecticut has 11 remaining games to continue to develop its young talent with an eye toward next year. In April, Connecticut chose Morrow (7th) and Rivers (8th) with first round picks as the team began a new chapter in 2025. Morrow ranks 2nd among rookies and 18th in the WNBA with 6.2 rebounds per game (along with 7.4 ppg), while Rivers ranks 2nd among rookies and tied for 6th in the WNBA with 1.6 steals per game (along with 8.1 ppg).

players-to-watch-during-the-2025-stretch-run

Players To Watch During the 2025 Stretch Run

<table class=" aligncenter" style="width: 52%" width="340">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">DAY</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">DATE</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">ROUND</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">GAME</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">ET</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">TV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/14/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">1</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">1:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/14/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">1</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">3:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ABC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/14/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">1</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">5:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/14/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">1</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">10:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Tue</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/16/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">2</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">7:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Tue</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/16/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">2</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">9:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Wed</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/17/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">2</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">7:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Wed</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/17/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">2</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">9:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Thu</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/18/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">3*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">7:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Thu</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/18/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">3*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">9:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Fri</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/19/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">3*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">7:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Fri</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/19/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">R1</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">3*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">9:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/21/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">1</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">3:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ABC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/21/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">1</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">5:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Tue</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/23/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">2</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">7:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Tue</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/23/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">2</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">9:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Fri</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/26/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">3</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">7:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Fri</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/26/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">3</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">9:30PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/28/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">4*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">1PM/5PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/28/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">4*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">3:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ABC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Tue</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/30/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">5*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">TBD</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPNU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Tue</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">9/30/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Semis</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">5*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">TBD</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPNU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Fri</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">10/3/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Finals</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">1</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">8:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">10/5/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Finals</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">2</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">3:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ABC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Wed</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">10/8/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Finals</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">3</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">8:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Fri</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">10/10/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Finals</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">4</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">8:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Sun</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">10/12/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Finals</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">5*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">3:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ABC?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Wed</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">10/15/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Finals</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">6*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">8:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 10.5943%" width="33">Fri</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="100">10/17/25</td>
<td style="width: 18.0879%" width="52">Finals</td>
<td style="width: 14.7287%" width="43">7*</td>
<td style="width: 19.6382%" width="64">8:00PM</td>
<td style="width: 14.9871%" width="48">ESPN</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
*All dates and game times subject to change*

2025-playoffs-and-finals-dates

2025 WNBA Playoffs and Finals Dates

We’re officially two-thirds of the way through the 2025 WNBA season, and the storylines are stacking up. The Sparks have rattled off five straight wins, putting themselves back in the playoff mix, and they just got Cameron Brink back in the lineup. Out East, the Liberty have hit a skid, dropping three in a row, including a high-stakes Finals rematch with the Lynx. And no, I haven’t forgotten about Paige Bueckers. The rookie’s been steady as ever, averaging 18 points and nearly six assists a night over her last four.
Let’s take a look at the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA odds</a> for Finals Winner, give a weekend preview, and I’ll share my WNBA best bets for Friday and Saturday’s slates of games on DraftKings Sportsbook. You can also find more WNBA previews, picks, and daily content on <a href="https://dknetwork.com/?source=WNBAArticlebyMeghan">DraftKings Network.</a>
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<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Finals Winner</a>
The Favorite: MIN Lynx (+180)
Normally I’d start with the MVP board on DraftKings Sportsbook before moving to Finals odds, but let’s be real: Napheesa Collier (-900) is running away with it. Alyssa Thomas is the closest name at +700, but no one’s touching the reigning Defensive Player of the Year right now. The title race, though? That’s where it gets interesting. The Minnesota Lynx now lead the pack at +180, just ahead of the New York Liberty at +190. These two have owned the top of the standings all season, but Minnesota taking over as the favorite is a new shift. Back on July 11, New York held the edge at +190 with the Lynx behind at +220. So, what changed?
Minnesota’s now 23–5, riding the league’s best record with a five-game cushion over the Liberty. New York’s gone 6–4 in their last ten, but Minnesota? They lead the league in offensive rating (109.1) and defensive rating (95.9). It’s not just Collier — though she did drop 30 in a recent 100–93 win over New York. Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams keep pouring in points, while Collier and Alanna Smith hold it down on defense (Smith’s averaging 2.1 blocks a night). This team isn’t just good — they’re for real.
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WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
LA Sparks at Seattle Storm — Friday, August 1, 10:00 PM ET
Los Angeles finally got Cameron Brink back after she missed nearly a full year recovering from a torn ACL just a month into her rookie season. The 6&#8217;4&#8243; forward out of Stanford played 14 minutes in her return, easing in with five points and three rebounds. On Friday, she and the Sparks face a Seattle Storm team creeping up the standings after winning six of their last 10. Nneka Ogwumike isn’t showing her age — at 35, she’s putting up 17.4 points, 7.1 boards, and just dropped 26 in Seattle’s blowout win over the Sun.
Seattle’s still just 9th in offensive rating (101.7), but defensively they’re elite — second in the league with a 97.7 rating and allowing only 77.6 points per game. LA, meanwhile, saw its five-game win streak snapped by a 34-point barrage from A’ja Wilson on Tuesday and now has to dig in for another tough matchup. Offensively, the Sparks rank 8th, but they’ve struggled to take care of the ball, posting a TOV% of 19.5% —second-worst in the league. Look, I’m thrilled Brink is back. She’s essential to what LA wants to do defensively, but there’s no shot Lynne Roberts unleashes her for heavy minutes just yet. And against a disciplined, defensive-minded Seattle team? Yeah, I’m taking the Storm.
Lean: SEA -5.5
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o%2Fu">PICK: Nneka Ogwumike Over 16.5 Points (-125)</a>
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Minnesota Lynx at Las Vegas Aces — Saturday, August 2, 3:00 PM ET
What’s better than a showdown between the reigning MVP and the current MVP frontrunner? Maybe a Finals rematch… but we already got that. So next up? Lynx vs. Aces. A’ja Wilson is coming off a monster 34-point, double-double performance in a win over the red-hot Sparks. She was also one of our two Queens of the Court during DraftKings Sportsbook’s July 22 promo <a href="https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2025/07/22/draftkings-queen-of-the-court-wnba-picks-for-july-22/">(you saw that, right?).</a> Jackie Young has been quietly leveling up too, dropping her first career triple-double in that same win and averaging 17.0 PPG — the second-best mark of her career.
The Aces are riding real momentum heading into Saturday, but this isn’t just any opponent — they’re running into the MVP favorite and the Finals favorite. Minnesota’s defense is no joke, allowing just 76 points per game, anchored by Alanna Smith’s rim protection and Napheesa Collier’s perimeter lockdown work. So here’s the question: can the Lynx contain A’ja Wilson? Because if they can’t, Vegas might just flip the script on the top seed.
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/min-lynx-%40-lv-aces/32593377?category=odds&amp;subcategory=game-lines">PICK: MIN LYNX -6 (-110)</a>
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<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o%2Fu">PICK: Paige Bueckers Over 17.5 Points (+100)</a>
After digging into this weekend’s slate, there’s one more pick I’ve got to lock in, and it’s all about Ms. Buckets. Paige Bueckers has been everything the Wings could’ve hoped for in her rookie season: averaging 18.3 points, 5.5 assists, and logging ten 20+ point games already. She became just the 10th rookie to ever start a WNBA All-Star Game, and she’s doing it all efficiently — shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.6% from three, and keeping her turnovers low at just 2.1 per game.
She’s been steady, smart, and adapted well. With that in mind, I’ve got no hesitation backing her to hit over 17.5 points against the Fever on Friday. Give Paige her flowers!
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All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
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wnba-best-bets-for-august-1

WNBA Best Bets for August 1: Weekend Preview and Finals Winner Odds

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Editor&#8217;s Note: Read more WNBA coverage from the Athletic <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/wnba/">here</a>. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams.
***
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201242" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Tiffany Hayes breathes harder now.
So hard, she can hear herself. Sometimes, she’ll just be sitting, fully relaxed. But her breathing would sound as if she were running. Like she’s mid-workout. Like it’s a struggle.
It’s been some two months since Hayes took a blow to the nostrils on a post-up by Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin. The injury leaves her nasal passage still restricted. The wheeze lives with her for now, until she can address it comprehensively in the offseason. A black protective mask covers her face during games. Multiple hits to the face since then remind her of its necessity.
“The mask is staying for now,” said Hayes, affectionately dubbed “Tip” by most. “It’s chippy out here. People just do a little too much sometimes. So, yeah, it’s definitely going to stay. I like the mask. ‘Masked Tip’ be hooping.”
The irony, though, is that Hayes is breathing easier than she ever has.
Because what she’s inhaling now isn’t the stale, recycled air of others’ expectations. The pressurized toxicity of outside validation no longer fills her lungs. That was another life. Another version of Tip. The Hayes who did what others thought was best. Who quietly pursued affirmation in praise and accolades, who found value in their attainment.
This Hayes, the one who came out of retirement and won Sixth Woman of the Year in 2024, the one who assumed the leadership role of the expansion Golden State Valkyries, has found something rare in pro sports.
Peace.
“I used to do things that were best for other people, and I regret it,” she says now. “So I just try to do what’s best for me. And it’s been working out great.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Perfect tip to Tip 🎯
Kayla Thornton finds Tiffany Hayes for three!
PHX-GSV | League Pass <a href="https://t.co/Aoavmk8xMv">pic.twitter.com/Aoavmk8xMv</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1944960882087182531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The signing of Hayes, infusing her into the building blocks of this infant franchise, has been one of the best moves in this surprising season.
It took Hayes a long time to reach this enlightenment. She’ll be 36 in September. She’s in her 13th season. But she looks and plays 10 years younger thanks to the fresh air she’s found above the fray. Her value, she’s convinced, is independent of accolades. Her game, her character, her contributions to whatever team she’s on — they’re valuable no matter who sees them.
The peace she owns made jumping into the expansion life an easy call for Hayes. It explains why she seems to be loving it, why she embraces being in the center of this patchwork huddle.
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She came to the Bay without fanfare. No billboard. Just a lowkey deal between a veteran who’d seen it all and a franchise just opening its eyes. Golden State needed credibility. Someone who wouldn’t flinch at what was to come. Hayes needed freedom to be herself, play her game. A place where she could be Tip.
They found each other at the perfect time.
“To be a pioneer is hard,” Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said. “This was an opportunity to co-create an experience that would be beneficial for both. She has a beautiful entrepreneurial spirit. And what I pretty much told her was that this is a class in entrepreneurship — 101 to 501 in one year. To really put an idea to paper. To give us a precious year of her career to help build what we thought would be something amazing. … And she took a chance.”
Expansion teams can be a mess. Overwhelmed to the point of disorganization. A locker room lacking cohesion from its hurried collaboration, loaded with misfit pieces and fringe players hoping to carve out relevance.
But the Valkyries? They’ve been shockingly cohesive. Professional. Even joyful at times. They hit a rough patch before the All-Star break, losing five of six. But they’re still in the playoff hunt.
Somehow, Golden State has made it work. In part because of Hayes.
Hayes starred at UConn — from the 90 straight wins era — and spent 10 years with the Atlanta Dream. She made her lone WNBA All-Star appearance in 2017. Should have been more than one, if you ask her. Hayes is now on her third team in three seasons. She retired and came back. She’s started and come off the bench. She excelled at scoring and played defense. She’s played for Team USA and the Azerbaijan women’s national team. Her wealth of experiences made her ideal for this inaugural season. She came in equipped to deal with just about whatever would come.
Including the warmth she’s found. The camaraderie of being on a team furnished with overcomers.
“I still believe that I was an underdog in most of my career,” Hayes said, “and kind of unseen for most of my career. I’ve been having my head down and being a good professional and playing my hardest every single season I’ve been in the league. So to be on a team full of people like that, and a team full of people who want everybody to the left and right to succeed, it’s super dope to be part of. So I’m grateful.”
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase predicted this. She told Nyanin to go and get Hayes. Nyanin didn’t know Hayes. She knew she’d never heard a bad word about her, and remembers appreciating her reasoning for opting out of the WNBA bubble in 2020.
But Nakase was with Hayes last season in Las Vegas. Nakase was an assistant coach as Hayes came out of retirement to average 9.5 points in 21 minutes off the bench — shooting 50 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from 3.
According to Nyanin, Nakase was certain Hayes would be ideal for the locker room. Nakase knew she’d need a true vet. She also knew Hayes deserved an opportunity like this, to be liberated as a player and leader.
Nakase was proven right immediately. One illustrative moment came after she sustained a nose injury. Hayes missed the next three games. Upon her return, coaches were considering lineup combinations — including Hayes coming off the bench. An early chance to create tension in this new relationship.
But Hayes was clear. She told coaches she didn’t come to the Valkyries to start. She came to win. Whatever it takes.
“And to hear that from your ultimate vet, the person who took a chance on this new franchise,” Nyanin explained. “There’s been a ton of growth (in Hayes), and I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”
Her teammates call her auntie. Auntie Tip.
Auntie is a term of endearment, a reference to the mom-aged woman young people like being around. Aunties are cool, with their cocoa butter and classic music. They don’t call her Auntie Tip just because she’s the eldest on the squad and eight years above the league average. It’s an appreciation of her sophistication and polish. Recognition of the swag that comes with her experience.
“I don’t mind it though,” Hayes said. “It’s whatever. I don’t look like your auntie. I probably look younger than you. But go off.”
Hayes embodies the Valkyrie’s personality. The urgency. The rebellious energy. The aggressiveness. It’s the character of the roster and the foundation of the new franchise. The freedom to compete, to be uninhibited in pursuit of victory.
One play in Minnesota earlier this month, she lost her shoe during a possession and tossed it aside. She ended the same possession by draining a 30-footer. The type of moment to laugh about in film sessions. The type of moment that’s memorable because it meant more than it looked. It was gritty. Unorthodox. Unbothered. Just like this team.
Hayes sets the whatever-it-takes tone. Whether being glued to Caitlin Clark — which is why she’s 7 of 26 from the field against the Valkyries this season, including 2 of 12 from 3 — or lighting up Seattle like she did at Chase Center in June. Hayes’ energy, which still seems endless, feeds the team.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
TUFF BUCKET TIFFANY HAYES!
Tip is up to 14 PTS and counting for the <a href="https://twitter.com/valkyries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valkyries</a> 
NYL-GSV | League Pass <a href="https://t.co/Iz8xT2a2R9">pic.twitter.com/Iz8xT2a2R9</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1938066307871584733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Mask on, motor humming, cutting through defenders like it’s 2015 again. There’s still fire in her game. She still boasts the first-step quickness that made her a menace in Atlanta. But what Hayes has now is a calm spirit to match.
Hayes worked for this peace. Earned it. Built it brick by brick out of heartbreak, hard lessons, and a whole lot of self-reflection. Emotionally. Mentally. She’s never been clearer.
She meditates. She prays. She enjoys uplifting music. She savors good food. She consumes fashion. And that’s not to say she likes nice clothes. She can rock gigantic fur pants, or shorts with a blazer, or incorporate 10 ties into her outfit — and make it all look fly.
It’s all part of her bent to stimulate her mind and body.
“I don’t even like to be associated with negativity,” Hayes continued. “Nowadays it’s just like people feed off that, especially in the W. People, the fans, feed off of negativity, and it just seems like that’s growing a little too much for me. And I don’t really like that. So I try to stay out of it. I try to duck the smoke, like the kids say, whatever that is.”
It’s easier to breathe that way.
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/marcus-thompson-ii/">Marcus Thompson II</a> is a lead columnist at The Athletic. He is a prominent voice in the Bay Area sports scene after 18 years with Bay Area News Group, including 10 seasons covering the Warriors and four as a columnist. Marcus is also the author of the best-selling biography &#8220;GOLDEN: The Miraculous Rise of Steph Curry.&#8221;
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tiffany-hayes-breathes-life-into-valkyries-inaugural-season

How Masked Veteran Tiffany Hayes Has Breathed Life into the Valkyries’ Inaugural Season

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGARDING THE MAKING OF THE WNBA SCHEDULE
Why are there multiple games on at the same time? Unless a specific game time is required for an allotted national broadcast/streaming window, each WNBA team selects the start time for their home games, taking into account the optimal start times for fans in their market. The WNBA is similar to other sports leagues that have a lot of regular season games start at the same time to accommodate fans who attend games (such as NFL Sundays, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc.). 
 
Who is responsible for scheduling? The league office works with the teams and arenas, who submit to the league a list of dates on which the venues are available. The league then creates the schedule while factoring in additional elements such as, game density, travel, available windows provided by the broadcast networks and streaming partners, key matchups creating compelling national broadcast content, etc. 
 
Why do some teams play games on consecutive days? While WNBA teams infrequently play games on back-to-back dates, “back-to-backs” do occur in the WNBA as teams play more games than those on the college level.  In scheduling games, the WNBA, teams, and our broadcast and streaming partners take into account such variables as arena availability, the maximization of weekend games, travel efficiency, etc. and work to minimize the number of back-to-backs or where possible, schedule them so that the team having the back-to-back has two home games in a row.
Why are there some dates with no games? Dates on which there are no games are a product of a variety of factors including the potential lack of arena availability, an effort to reduce back-to-back games for a team(s), scheduling for reasonable travel by teams, fan demand in attending games on weekends versus weeknights particularly during the school year, filling predetermined broadcast windows (such as scheduling a minimum of two games on Fridays for the standard ION doubleheader the next night, having teams available for predetermined CBS and/or ABC windows on Saturdays, etc.).
Why aren&#8217;t games being televised? There are no other sports televised today, and all these games are on League Pass. Not all games are intended to be nationally televised (similar to other sports with a number of games at or above that of the WNBA). The WNBA has a set number of national TV games as agreed upon with our broadcast and streaming partners, some games are purposely reserved for local/regional broadcast partners, and all non- nationally broadcast or streamed games are available on WNBA League Pass.

the-making-of-the-wnba-schedule

FAQ: The Making of the WNBA Schedule

With All-Star in the rearview, it is full speed ahead as the Playoff push begins.
Only 45 days remain in the regular season, which means every winning streak, every shooting slump, every missed game takes on added importance as the days tick down toward the regular-season finale on Sept. 11.
With the calendar flipping to August this week – and the trade deadline just 10 days away – here’s a look at how the teams stack up entering the home stretch.
1. Minnesota Lynx (22-5)
Last Week: 1 ↔️
This Week: Wed. vs. NYL, Sat. at LVA
It took 15 tries, but a team finally beat the Lynx in Minnesota this season. Sunday’s 90-86 loss to Atlanta snapped Minnesota’s franchise-record 14-game home win streak.
The Lynx became the fourth team to open a season with 14+ home wins, joining the 2001 Sparks (16-0) 2010 Storm (17-0) and 2023 Aces (16-0), who all went on to win the championship that same season.
The next team to test the Lynx at home? The defending champion Liberty, who visit Minnesota on Wednesday (8 ET, ESPN).
2. New York Liberty (17-7)
Last Week: 3 ⬆️
In addition to welcoming Kia Skills champion Natasha Cloud and two-time Starry 3-point champ Sabrina Ionescu back from the All-Star break, the Liberty also saw reigning Finals MVP Jonquel Jones return to the court after a monthlong absence (ankle).
New York is 10-2 with Jones in the lineup, but that record will be tested as the Liberty open a four-game road trip tonight in Dallas without Breanna Stewart, who suffered a lower leg injury early in Saturday’s loss to Los Angeles. Stewart is expected to accompany the team on the trip as they continue to monitor her progress.
The Liberty are the busiest team this week with four games on their plate, highlighted by the Finals rematch with Minnesota on Wednesday.
3. Atlanta Dream (15-10)
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201186" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-29.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-29.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-29-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-29-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-29-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-29-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-29-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Last Week: 6 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. vs. GSV, Wed. at DAL, Fri vs. PHX, Sun. vs. WAS
After falling to Las Vegas in their first game since All-Star,  the Dream knocked off two of the top three teams in the standings to close out the week – defeating the Mercury for the second time in three meetings this season before handing the Lynx their first loss at Target Center this season.
Keep an eye on Brittney Griner, who dropped a season-high 22 points in Sunday’s win over the Lynx. 
4. Phoenix Mercury (16-9)
Last Week: 2 ⬇️
This Week: Wed. at IND, Fri. at ATL, Sun. at CHI
Sunday’s win over the Mystics snapped a season-long three-game losing streak for the Mercury. But double-digit losses to the two teams directly ahead of them in the rankings – Atlanta and New York – drop the Mercury to fourth.
In the win on Sunday, Alyssa Thomas put up numbers (27 pts, 11 reb, 8 ast) only matched by four other players in WNBA history. AT’s season numbers (15.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg. 9.4 apg) have been matched or topped by no player in league history. She is simply a class of one.
5. Seattle Storm (15-11)
Last Week: 4 ⬇️
This Week: Mon. at CON, Fri. vs. LAS, Sun. vs. IND
The Storm are 1-2 coming out of All-Star. In the two losses, Seattle was held to 63 and 58 points, respectively. Sunday’s 58-point total marked the third time the Storm have scored fewer than 60 points this season, and both their offensive rating and scoring average rank ninth in the league – the lowest among all teams playing above .500 ball.
6. Indiana Fever (14-12)
Last Week: 5 ⬇️
This Week: Wed. vs. PHX, Fri. at DAL, Sun. at SEA
Kelsey Mitchell dropped a season-high 35 points with seven 3s to lead the Fever past the Sky to close out a 2-1 week for Indiana. With the win, the Fever improved to 6-7 without Caitlin Clark in the lineup this season (they’re 8-5 when she plays).
On Thursday (July 24), the Fever released an update on Clark, saying there was no set timetable for her return as she continues to recover from a groin injury that has kept her out since July 15.
7. Las Vegas Aces (13-13)
Last Week: 8 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. at LAS, Sat., vs. MIN, Sun. vs. GSV
No team was busier coming out of the break than the Aces, who split four games this past week to remain at .500 ball for the season so far. In Sunday’s win over the Wings, it was Jackie Young (24 pts, 8 ast, 5 3pm) and Jewell Loyd (20 pts, 4 3pm) that combined for 44 points and nine 3s to lead Aces.
With A’ja Wilson leading the WNBA in usage rate (30.2%), getting big nights from players like Young and Loyd eases some of the burden that the three-time MVP brings to the court every night. 
8. Los Angeles Sparks (11-14)
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201187" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-30.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-30.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-30-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-30-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-30-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-30-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-30-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Last Week: 11 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. vs. LVA, Fri. at SEA
The Sparks are the hottest team in the league at this very moment – making a four-spot  rise in this week’s rankings thanks to a five-game win streak that was capped by Rickea Jackson’s game-winning layup at the buzzer.
Jackson finished with 22 points – her third game with 22+ points in the past four contests — as the sophomore forward is one of four Sparks averaging 17+ points during their longest win streak since Aug. 2023: Dearica Hamby &amp; Kelsey Plum (20.8 ppg), Jackson (18.2 ppg) and Azurá Stevens (17.0 ppg).
Can L.A. keep its streak alive when they host the Aces Tuesday and visit the Storm on Friday?
9. Washington Mystics (12-13)
Last Week: 7 ⬇️
This Week: Tue. vs. CHI, Thur. vs. GSV, Sun. at ATL
After winning three straight games prior to All-Star – all decided in clutch time by five points or less – the Mystics have dropped three of their last four contests to fall back below .500 on the season.
The Mystics are 8-5 at home this season and have two more home games this week – Sky on Tuesday and Valkyries on Thursday – as they try to get back on track before hitting the road for four straight. The Mystics are just 4-8 outside of Washington this season
10. Golden State Valkyries (11-13)
Last Week: 9 ⬇️
This Week: Tue. at ATL, Thur. at WAS, Fri. at CHI, Sun. at LVA
On Friday, the Valkyries used a big second half to rally past the Wings for their 11th win of the season. However, they also announced a key loss on that same day – All-Star Kayla Thornton will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury in practice that required surgery.
Two days later, the Valkyries struggled to score in a loss to the Sun, scoring just 64 points (their second lowest output of the season) in the first game of a five-game road trip that the squad will close out this week.
11. Chicago Sky (7-18)
Last Week: 10 ⬇️
This Week: Tue. at WAS, Fri. vs. GSV, Sun. vs. PHX
After defeating the Lynx on July 12 behind a pair of double-doubles from Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, the Sky have not won since. Chicago has dropped five straight games by an average of 25.2 points per game.
In order to turn things around, Chicago must find its offense. The Sky rank 12th in scoring on the season (76.8 ppg), but have averaged nearly 11 fewer points during this losing streak (66.0 ppg). 
12. Dallas Wings (7-19)
Last Week: 12 ↔️
This Week: Mon. vs. NYL, Wed. vs. ATL, Fri. vs. IND
Dallas opened its post All-Star schedule with a 24-point over the Storm in Seattle, but was unable to carry that momentum through the remainder of the week – falling to Golden State and Las Vegas.
The Wings have lost six of their last seven games, but have five of their next six contests at home, beginning tonight with the Stewie-less Liberty. It’s the first of three matchups with New York in the span of 11 days.
13. Connecticut Sun (4-20)
Last Week: 13 ↔️
This Week: Mon. vs. SEA, Fri. vs. NYL, Sun. vs. NYL
The Sun didn’t just snap a four-game losing streak with their 95-64 win over the Valkyries on Sunday, they posted their largest win of the season in terms of point differential (+31). It was the 15th win by 30+ points in franchise history.
This week, the Sun continue their season-long six-game homestand by welcoming the Storm (15-11) and Liberty twice (17-7) to Mohegan Sun – two teams that are well above .500. So far this season, Connecticut is 2-11 against winning teams.

2025-power-rankings-week-8

2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 8

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201011" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-25.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-25.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-25-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-25-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-25-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-25-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-25-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
2025 All Star weekend happened in the blink of an eye. Team Clark was handed a hearty loss by Team Collier this past weekend, and both the Skills Challenge and 3-point contest were dominated by New York Liberty guards. 
The game, specifically, offered a great glimpse into the camaraderie shared by WNBA players right now, with mostly goofy moves and ridiculous shot attempts making up the contest that ended up being a blowout thanks to All Star game MVP Napheesa Collier.  
Another aspect to the contest that really showed the support offered by WNBA players to one another was the three rookies featured during this weekend’s festivities. Washington Mystics rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, and Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, were all over the place representing the neophytes of the league. 
Citron participated in the 3-point contest alongside Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull, Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray, and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum. While she didn’t advance to the final round, she still ended up walking home with half of the winnings from the challenge &#8211; and, that’s all thanks to Ionescu promising Citron half of her $62,575 prize. 
“Well, I told Sonia I would give her half if I won when we were sitting on the bench, as being the only rookie, and she was nervous. I was nervous for her. I’ll obviously hold up my end of the bargain. So, half is gonna go to her. Just for participating. That takes a lot of courage to do that as a rookie, I was really proud of her,” <a href="https://x.com/robinlundberg/status/1946385105938731105">said Ionescu</a> in a press conference after winning her second 3-point contest in three years. 
Citron’s teammate, Iriafen, also received some grace from a Liberty player over the weekend. During the All-Star game, Iriafen badly airballed her first three point shot attempt, holding her hands to her head in disbelief at how bad the shot ended up being. Then, in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, she attempted another deep shot &#8211; a 4-pointer &#8211; and made it with ease. 
This time, that shot attempt was only possible thanks to a turnover-slash-assist from Breanna Stewart off a rebound on a missed shot by Team Clark. Stewart saw Iriafen standing in front of her and gave her the ball for a last second shot, which she completed. It was a wonderful showing of sportsmanship from the veteran Stewart, and it gave Iriafen a signature All-Star game moment in her very first appearance. 
As for Bueckers, the third rookie featured over the weekend, she didn’t have as many noteworthy moments thanks to veterans other than clips in practice of her <a href="https://x.com/WNBA/status/1946227045509271913">going at it with Collier</a>, her team captain, <a href="https://x.com/YahooSports/status/1946238733646229793">and Plum</a>, her Team Collier teammate. Both obviously respect Bueckers’ weapons on offense, even though she’s a first year player. 
All three of the rookies featured in this year’s All-Star events are considered the front runners for Rookie of the Year honors at the end of the year. Bueckers had a slow start to the season with Dallas, but has begun to heat up as we head into the second half of the year. She’s currently averaging 18.4 points per game along with 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and four rebounds. She leads the rookie class in scoring, with Citron on her tail with 14.1 points per game.
Citron does hold the best three point shot percentage amongst rookies that have taken more than 60 attempts from deep this season, hitting her three pointers at a clip of 36.5 percent so far this year. Citron is also averaging five rebounds per game, which is second-best amongst rookies in the league this year &#8211; second best to her teammate, Iriafen, who is averaging 8.5 rebounds per game.
Iriafen is nearly averaging a double double in her rookie season, touching almost 12 points per game in addition to her rebounding. 
Often, in a race this tight, you look to see how much each rookie has impacted winning. Last year, it was obvious that Caitlin Clark was the rookie impacting her team’s ability to win the most amongst all first year players that qualified for the award. This year, the Mystics do have the edge in terms of their record headed into the second half of the season. But, Bueckers’ impact on the Wings could sway things in her favor &#8211; she’s one of their most consistent scorers this season, helping to lessen the blow of a down year from Arike Ogunbowale. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201013" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-26.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-26.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-26-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-26-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-26-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-26-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-26-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Player Impact Estimate, or PIE, is a good tool to use to figure out the individual impact that a player is having on their teams’ chances at winning contests. Right now, Bueckers has the biggest PIE (​​12.7) amongst rookies who have played a majority of games this year, with Seattle Storm rookie Dominique Malonga right behind her at 12.5. Washington’s rookies follow her, with Iriafen earning a 12.1 PIE and Citron an 11.8. 
All three rookies are set to make their respective pushes for the award in the second half of this season, and the momentum they’re carrying from a successful All-Star weekend should make that push must-watch television for WNBA fans. 
WNBA reporter Candace Pedraza writes columns on <a href="http://wnba.com/">WNBA.com</a> throughout the season. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams.

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Rookies Shine During 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend

AT&amp;T 4-POINT SHOT HIGHLIGHTS SPECIAL RULES 
FOR 2025 AT&amp;T WNBA ALL-STAR GAME 
NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 – The AT&amp;T 4-Point Shot will highlight a series of four special rules being implemented for use solely during the 2025 AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game, set for Saturday, July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis (8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, Disney+ and ESPN+).
The special rules being put into effect for the purpose of providing added excitement and an enhanced pace of play for the 2025 AT&amp;T All-Star Game format, are as follows:
AT&amp;T 4-Point Shot 
• Four circles – two at each end of the court – will be placed above the current three-point line at a distance of 28-feet from the rim [approximately six feet further than the current three-point line]
• Each four-foot circle shall be designated as the “AT&amp;T 4-Point Shot” area
• Any shot made by a player who has contact within the 4-point area upon attempting the shot will be credited as four points
• For every AT&amp;T 4-Point Shot made, AT&amp;T will make a donation to foundations supported by the WNBA and selected by players
• (See court diagram below)
20-Second Shot Clock 
• The shot clock will be shortened from 24 to 20 seconds. The shot clock will still reset to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound.
Live-Play Substitutions 
Teams will be permitted to implement hockey-like player substitutions while the ball is in play, provided certain conditions are met:
• Only the offensive team may make live-play substitutions, and only one player substitution is permitted per possession
• One player can exit the court, and another can enter onto the court only while their team has possession of the ball in the backcourt
• The players exiting and entering the court must do so in the backcourt between the 28-foot mark and the half-court line
• The player entering onto the court may not touch the ball in the backcourt
Not adhering to any of the above guidelines will result in a turnover and the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team.
Automatic Points for Free-Throw Attempts: “No Free-Throws” 
• In circumstances that would require a player to shoot free throw(s), the player will automatically be credited with the maximum available point(s) given the situation. In such cases, the box score will reflect the appropriate number of free-throws as attempted and as made
• The only time in which players will physically attempt a free throw will be during the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and during the entirety of any overtime period(s)
The diagram below indicates the location of the four circles for the AT&amp;T 4-Point Shot:
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-200736" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-24.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-24.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-24-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-24-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-24-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-24-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-24-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
# # #
Contacts: Ron Howard, WNBA Communications, (212) 407-8641, rhoward@nba.com 
Sam Tager, WNBA Communications, (212) 407-8358, stager@nba.com

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AT&T 4-Point Shot Highlights Special Rules for 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-200661 aligncenter" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Newpicture.png" alt="" width="290" height="68" />
PORTLAND FIRE. REBORN. 
The WNBA Returns to Portland, the Global Epicenter of Women’s Sports, in 2026 
July 15, 2025 (Portland, OR) – Today, Portland’s WNBA expansion team proudly unveils its new name and brand identity: the Portland Fire. Based in the global epicenter of women’s sports, the Portland Fire is rooted in the resilience, spirit, and passion for sport that defines the Rose City.
A team reborn, the Portland Fire marks the revival of a movement. Rooted in the identity and energy of Portland, the Portland Fire brand is bold and modern with a nod to its history. The new brand reflects unapologetic determination and city pride, with every element – from the custom logo and commanding typography to the Fire Red, Brown, Blue, and Pink palette – evoking the power, grit, calm, and creativity that defines the team.
“As a city that has long championed women’s sports, Portland is ready to reclaim its place in the WNBA and reignite its connection to the game on the world stage,” said Clare Hamill, Portland Fire Interim President. “We are thrilled to complete the journey of bringing professional women’s basketball back to the Rose City, while honoring the legacy of the original franchise to blaze a new, bold path forward.”
Every detail of the Portland Fire brand was intentionally crafted by Adopt, a Portland-based brand and creative agency. The identity reflects the city’s deep-rooted passion for sports and drawing on distinct regional elements to tell a powerful visual story. The team&#8217;s wordmark features inspiration from the 12 bridges that connect the city from East to West, bringing the community and fan base together. The iconic silhouette of Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon, graces the top of the P. Anchored by its “Rose on Fire” emblem, the brand merges Portland’s iconic flower with the unrelenting intensity of flame. This flame motif flows through stylized letterforms inspired by the curved roofline of the Moda Center, the team’s home arena. Framed within a modern shield, the franchise’s global logo stands as a bold symbol of pride, resilience, and Portland identity.
To celebrate, the team will host a fan launch party at the Moda Center on Tuesday, July 15. This free, family-friendly event will feature interactive activations, special appearances, and exclusive merchandise drops. Celebrations will continue into the inaugural Global Women’s Sports Epicenter Week, beginning July 23 – a four-day series of fan-facing events and youth-focused programs designed to inspire and celebrate Portland’s leadership in women’s sports.
The brand launch follows a major franchise milestone as the team recently announced it surpassed 10,000 season ticket deposits, putting the Fire on pace to surpass previous WNBA season ticket deposit records. Portland was awarded the League’s 15th expansion team in fall 2024, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage of RAJ Sports. The organization’s acquisition of the Portland Thorns in early 2024 further solidifies Portland as a trailblazer in professional women’s sports.
“Portland has long stood at the forefront of women’s sports, and with nearly 11,000 season ticket deposits to-date, this community has made it clear they’re ready to embrace the return of women’s professional basketball,” said Lisa Bhathal Merage. “We’re proud to reignite the Portland Fire and can’t wait to welcome new and longtime fans to the Moda Center in 2026.”
Earlier this year, RAJ Sports unveiled plans for a first-of-its-kind, dual sport women’s performance center where Portland Fire and Portland Thorns will both train. Built with intention, the forthcoming performance center is designed to create a peak performance and recovery innovation center focused on the evolving needs of female athlete.
This intentionality is mirrored in Portland Fire’s founding partners – First Tech Federal Credit Union, Alaska Airlines, and Brandlive – designated as Community Game Changers for their exceptional commitment to advancing the growth of women’s sports.
Tipping off in 2026 at the Moda Center in downtown Portland, the Portland Fire will usher in a new era of women’s professional basketball. Fans can visit <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffire.wnba.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Claura%40berkcommunications.com%7C966b9f1e5e64491b224608ddc39d062f%7C34c857388ded48efacd05e11924c0959%7C1%7C0%7C638881801374827025%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=sGafl9d2Pm5z%2BmormqcR0IWumWVWifvrnR8Lq9AIdLw%3D&amp;reserved=0">fire.wnba.com</a> to place their season ticket deposit for only $26.
Team merchandise is now available to purchase at <a href="https://portlandfireteamshop.com.">portlandfireteamshop.com.</a>
###
Media Contact
Laura Kepus: <a href="mailto:PortlandFire@BerkCommunications.com">PortlandFire@BerkCommunications.com</a>
About Portland Fire
Portland Fire is one of the Women’s National Basketball League’s newest franchises, making its official on court debut in 2026. Owned by RAJ Sports – led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage – the team is more than a franchise; it’s the revival of a movement, honoring the legacy of the original Portland Fire while blazing a bold new path forward. Based in Portland, Oregon, the global epicenter of women’s sports, Portland Fire is rooted in the Rose City’s enduring resilience, spirit, and passion for sport.
About RAJ Sports
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.
About Adopt
Adopt is a minority-owned brand and creative agency that builds and shapes brands by harnessing the power of sport, athletes and culture. Adopt leverages its deep experience to partner with industry leaders and inspired brands, bringing big ideas to life and moving business forward.

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Introducing the Portland Fire

Welcome to All-Star week!
In addition to this weekend’s festivities being a celebration of the game and its brightest stars, All-Star gives us a chance to reflect on the season thus far.
With each team set to reach or pass the midway point of the season (22 games) this week, let’s take a look at how the teams stack up against one another and see how they compare to the <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/2025-power-rankings-preseason">preseason expectations</a>
When we see the disparities from the preseason until the midway point, just remember there’s a whole other half of the season that can continue to shake up these races post All-Star.
1. Minnesota Lynx (18-4)
Last Week: 1 ↔️
This Week: Mon. at CHI, Wed. vs. PHX
With losses at Phoenix and Chicago, the Lynx have dropped two games in a three-game span for the first time this season. After a rematch with the Sky in Chicago this tonight, the Lynx play their next five games at home, where they are a perfect 11-0 this season.
2. Phoenix Mercury (14-6)
Last Week: 2 ↔️
This Week: Mon. at GSV, Wed. at MIN
After dropping two straight games for the first time all season, Phoenix bounced back with consecutive home wins over Dallas and Minnesota this past week – the latter of which featured the return of longtime Mercury DeWana Boner. The Mercury own the second-best road record this season (5-3), which will be put to the test with seven of their next eight games outside of Phoenix.
3. New York Liberty (14-6)
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-200632" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-11.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-11.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-11-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-11-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-11-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-11-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-11-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Last Week: 5 ⬆️
This Week: Wed. vs. IND
When reigning Finals MVP Jonquel Jones went down with an ankle injury on June 19, the Liberty lost that game and three of the next four that followed. Since then, they’ve rebounded, winning three of four, including victories over Las Vegas and Atlanta this past week. Can they keep it going against Indy to close out the pre All-Star schedule?
4. Seattle Storm (13-9)
Last Week: 3 ⬇️
This Week: Wed. vs. GSV
Since a run of six wins in seven games, the Storm have gone just 4-4 in their last eight, including a 1-2 mark this week. Seattle split a home-and-home with Connecticut before falling to Washington on Sunday, allowing the Mystics to overcome a 10-point 4th-quarter deficit.
5. Indiana Fever (11-10)
Last Week: 7 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. at CON, Wed. at NYL
After falling to Golden State in Caitlin Clark’s first game back from a five-game absence (groin injury), Indiana – and particularly its offense – got back on track. The Fever posted back-to-back games with 99 and 102 points – two of their three highest-scoring games of the season – with their floor general back in the mix.
6. Atlanta Dream (12-9)
Last Week: 4 ⬇️
This Week: Wed. at CHI
The Dream opened the week with a home win against Golden State before dropping consecutive road games to Indiana and New York. Overall, Atlanta has lost five of its last seven games, with only one game – Wed, at Charlotte — remaining before All-Star, which will see Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard head to Indy
7. Washington Mystics (11-10)
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-200633" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-12.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-12.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-12-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-12-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-12-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-12-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-12-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Last Week: 9 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. at LAS
The Mystics swept the past week, with their three wins coming against Chicago, Las Vegas and Seattle by a combined nine points, including two that came down to a single bucket. Washington is now 8-6 in clutch games this season.
8. Las Vegas Aces (10-11)
Last Week: 8 ↔️
This Week: Wed. at DAL
After a pair of single-digit road losses to the Liberty and Mystics, the Aces eked out a home win over the Valkyries behind another historic performance from A’ja Wilson. The three-time MVP finished with 34 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 0 turnovers. How many players have put together such a game in WNBA history? Just A’ja
9. Golden State Valkyries (10-10)
Last Week: 6 ⬇️
This Week: Mon. vs. PHX, Wed. at SEA
The Valkyries enter this week having lost three of their last four games, with all three losses coming against teams above them in this week’s rankings. Golden State has already reached double-digit wins – something an expansion team has not done in its inaugural season in the 2000s.
10. Chicago Sky (7-13)
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-200637" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-13-1.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-13-1.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-13-1-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-13-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-13-1-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-13-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-13-1-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Last Week: 11 ⬆️
This Week: Mon vs. MIN, Wed vs. ATL
The Sky have gone 4-3 in their last seven games as they try to climb out of the 3-10 hole they dug for themselves over the season’s first five weeks. The two most recent wins – over the Wings and the league-leading Lynx – came since Kamilla Cardoso returned from playing in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup with the Brazilian National Team on July 9.
11. Los Angeles Sparks (7-14)
Last Week: 12 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. vs. WAS
The Sparks have won two of their last three games – at Indiana and home against Connecticut – with Kelsey Plum and Azurá Stevens both scoring 20+ in both wins. L.A. is one win shy of matching last season’s total (8-32). Can they get it in their final game before the All-Star break on Sunday against the Mystics?
12. Dallas Wings (6-16)
Last Week: 10 ⬇️
This Week: Wed. vs. LVA
The first half of Dallas&#8217; season has been a roller coaster. It began with a 1-11 start to the season, followed by a stretch of winning five times in a seven-game span. However, since that winning burst, the Wings have dropped three straight and all by double digits. On the bright side, rookie Paige Bueckers will represent the Wings at this week&#8217;s All-Star.
13. Connecticut Sun (3-18)
Last Week: 13 ↔️
This Week: Tue vs. IND
Despite this week’s win over Seattle as the team split a home-and-home set, the Sun have dropped 12 of their last 13 games. Since joining the league in 1999 as the Orlando Miracle (and relocating to Connecticut as the Sun in 2003), this franchise has reached 10+ wins each season. Can the Sun rally in the second half of the season to extend that streak to 27 straight seasons?

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