What's Trending: League-Leading Sparks And Lynx Collide Tuesday Night

Jack Maloney

What’s Trending brings you the the top 10 things you need to know, listen to and/or watch in the past and upcoming week. It’s your one-stop shop for all things W, from which teams/players are on a roll to what the league’s superstars are up to off the court.

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Here’s What’s Trending on May 22, 2017:

#IceMe: The Sparks Receive Their 2016 Championship Rings

The Sparks were presented with their 2016 Championship rings at Staples Center by Lisa Borders before they took on the Washington Mystics.

Candace Parker and Essence Carson made their season debuts for the Sparks after returning from playing in Turkey.

#Shesback: Candace Parker’s season debut

Candace Parker returned from playing overseas in Turkey and in her debut had 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists to beat the Mystics 99-89.

 

#BirthdayGirl: Elena Delle Donne Turns 27 On September 5

Elena Delle Donne turns the big 2-7 on September 5, but the Chicago Sky forward had been celebrating all week. She averaged 28.5 points and 6 rebounds on the week, as she helped the Sky continue their winning streak, which is now at four. In addition, Delle Donne is now the league’s leading scorer, with her season average up to 22.1 points per game.

In honor of her birthday, check out EDD’s best plays this season.

Elena Delle Donne’s Top Plays

 

#WNBATopPlays: Aerial Powers, Dribbling Machine

Aerial Powers has been one of the league’s best rookies this season, and she continued that trend Sunday with a career-high 21-point performance against the Washington Mystics. She also pulled off one of the plays of the season, clowning Kahleah Copper with this nasty double crossover.

#WNBAPlayoffs: The Race Is Heating Up

The San Antonio Stars have unfortunately been eliminated from playoff contention, but the 11 other teams are still alive, and only three–Minnesota, Los Angeles, and New York–have clinched playoff spots.

Here’s a look at the standings at the moment. As a reminder, the top eight teams will make the postseason, regardless of conference.

playoff picture

Atlanta Dream (5) vs. Seattle Storm (8)

Indiana Fever (6) vs. Phoenix Mercury (7)

New York Liberty (3), Chicago Sky (4) receive single bye to second round

Los Angeles Sparks (1), Minnesota Lynx (2) receive double byes to the semifinals

#SparksVsLynx: Two Top Teams Keep Pace With Each Other Ahead Of Tuesday’s Showdown

The Sparks and Lynx have been the top two teams all year, and that continued this week, as they finished tied for the best record in the league at 24-5. Coincidentally, they mirrored each other, each picking up win 23 on Friday, and win 24 on Sunday.

Best From Sparks And Lynx’s 24th Wins

 

But when they meet Tuesday in Los Angeles at 10 PM EST on ESPN 2, only one team will be able to claim win number 25.

#StewieSzn: Breanna Stewart Turns In Impressive Week

Breanna Stewart has been playing non-stop for nearly a year now, between UConn, the Storm, and the Olympics, and coming out of the break, it appeared that grueling schedule may have finally caught up to her. In the first two games after Rio, she scored just 15 points while shooting a dismal 6-24 from the field.

It seems, however, that Stewie is just fine. She averaged 17.6 points on 57 percent shooting, 10 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.3 blocks over three games this week, as the Storm went 2-1 and, for the time being, grabbed the eighth and final playoff spot.

#4,000PointClub: Tina Charles Reaches A Big Milestone

Tina Charles has put up MVP-level numbers this season, averaging just under a double-double at 21.1 points and 9.9 rebounds a night. Her high level of play has been the catalyst for the Liberty’s strong season, a trend which continued on Saturday night as she put up 23 points and 15 rebounds in their rout of the Phoenix Mercury.

Along the way, Charles also reached a personal milestone, joining the 4,000 point club. She is just the 29th player to ever achieve that feat in WNBA history, and currently sits at 28th on the all-time scoring list.

#NoMorePartiesInLA: Tamika Makes Her Final (Regular Season) Visit To Staples Center

With Tamika Catchings’ final season winding down, she is now making her final (regular season) visit to various cities. This week, she made her last trip to San Antonio, and, most notably, Los Angeles and the Staples Center, where she faced fellow Tennessee alum, Candace Parker.

As she told WNBA.com before the game, playing in Staples Center over the years meant a lot to her. “Just going to Lisa and playing in L.A., and her being one of my role models and mentors over the years, I’m just super excited. First time I ever got a chance to play in L.A., and going up against her not–necessarily nervousness, more like awe.”

She continued, “Being on the same court, and Staples Center, just what it represents. All the great players, almost like Madison Square Garden but on the other coast.”

#SwinCashNight: Liberty To Honor Cash Wednesday

On Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, the New York Liberty will honor Swin Cash after their game against the Seattle Storm, who Cash won a championship with in 2010.

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