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Posts published in “WNBA”

Dallas Wings secures the No. 1 pick for the 2025 WNBA draft

The Dallas Wings today won the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery and will have the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft slated on April 14, 2025. Dallas bested Chicago,
Washington and Los Angeles for the first overall pick in the coming WNBA Draft. All 4 teams are the bottom teams of the last WNBA season.

The Dallas Wings is expected to pick college star Paige Bueckers, who is currently playing her last season at UConn.

Here is the results of the WNBA Draft Lottery 2025

  1. Dallas Wings
  2. Los Angeles Sparks
  3. Chicago Sky
  4. Washington Mystics
  5. Golden State Valkyries
  6. Washington Mystics from Atlanta Dream (15-25) via Dallas Wings (Allisha Gray, 1/21/23) (Stephanie Soares draft rights, 4/10/23)
  7. New York Liberty from Phoenix Mercury (19-21) (Mabrey, DeShields, Onyenwere, 2/11/23)
  8. Indiana Fever (20-20)
  9. Seattle Storm (25-15)
  10. Chicago Sky from Connecticut Sun (28-12) (Marina Mabrey, Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, 7/17/24)
  11. Minnesota Lynx (30-10)
  12. Phoenix Mercury from New York Liberty (32-8) (Mabrey, DeShields, Onyenwere, 2/11/23)

Indiana Fever official introduce Stephanie White as the Team’s Head Coach

It’s official, Indiana Fever has introduce Stephanie White as the Fever’s Head Coach. Joining her in the introductory press conference, is newly minted Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Amber Cox, Kelly Krauskopf, the Fever’s President of Basketball and Business Operations, with Fever Superstars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull.

You can watch the 28-mins Introductory Press Conference below;

An Indiana native, Stephanie White earn the moniker Indiana Miss Basketball at Seeger High School in West Lebanon, then in college while in Purdue, led the Boilermakers to the 1999 NCAA National Championship.

Stephanie White spent five seasons in the WNBA, the majority with the Fever, joining the team for their inaugural season in 2000. Her contributions to the franchise are significant, as she ranks among the top 20 in games played, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made.

Stephanie White is a seasoned WNBA coach, spending 17 seasons of experience as a player and coach in the league. She previously led the Indiana Fever, guiding them to the 2015 WNBA Finals and the 2016 playoffs. Her coaching journey also includes assistant roles with the Fever, Chicago Sky, and various collegiate teams, highlighting her diverse experience and strategic acumen.

Here’s an exclusive 1-on-1 interview of the new Indiana Fever Head Coach Stephanie White with Pat Boylan.

Indiana Fever has let go of head coach Christie Sides after a Historic Season with Rookie Superstar Caitlin Clark

It appears that Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will have a new Head Coach next season, as the team announced that they have parted ways with Christie Sides.

In their announcement, “We are incredibly thankful to Coach Sides for embracing the challenge of leading us through an integral transition period over the last two seasons, while also positioning us well for future growth,” said Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf. “While decisions like these are never easy, it is also imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which includes maximizing our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana. Coach Sides was an incredible representative of the Fever and our community, and we wish her nothing but success in the future.”

Christie Sides still have 2 years remaining in his 4-year contract with the team and in those two years she had 33-47 (.413) regular-season record, which includes the 20-20 this season and making it to the playoffs since 2016. It’s unclear why Sides was let go but it could have been the 1 – 8 “slow” start of the season and the sweep in the postseason, even though the team had the best offensive rating (109.6 points per 100 possessions) in the league after the Olympic break.

Indiana Fever will be the sixth WNBA team to part ways with their coach, together with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics. Then add the management change of the Las Vegas Aces.

Caitlin Clark drains 25-straight threes during an offseason workout

Caitlin Clark is entering Steph Curry territory with her shooting!

It is currently off-season for Caitlin and the entire WNBA. Clark is schedule to participate in the coming LPGA pro-am at The Annika this November.

In an article on Sports Illustrated, Scott Agness of “Fieldhouse Files with Scott Agness” explained that Catlin Clark is practicing in the old practice court of the Indiana Pacers, “Fever use the practice court inside The Fieldhouse, what used to be for the Pacers. Now the Pacers have a $50M facility across the street, the St. Vincent Center, which opened in 2017,”

New York Liberty defeats Minnesota Lynx in OT to win their first WNBA Championship (67 – 62)

New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a classic Game 5 OT to take home the franchise first WNBA Championship. It was a low scoring ballgame, which is understandable, since both team have a defensive mindset right out of the gate. By the end of regulation, both team only managed to score 60 points, compare to the last 4 games, where the winning team scores at least 80 points.

Breanna Stewart has a chance to tie the game but misses both of the free throw with 38 secs remaining in regulation but Minnesota Lynx failed to capitalize on the possession and gave Breanna Stewart another chance to redeem herself by sinking bother of her free throw to tie and send the game to over time. Then in OT, Liberty took over by limiting Lynx to just 2 points while scoring 7 points; a 23-footer three point jumper by Leonie Fiebich, a two point lay-up by Nyara Sabally of a steal and a 2-for-2 free throw by Breanna Stewart to seal the game.

Like in the previous game, Minnesota Lynx was able to limit New York Liberty’s stars; Breanna Stewart just scored 13 points but was a monster on the boards, grabbing a game high 15 rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu just scored 5 points but impacted the game by keeping her teammates involved in the game by dishing 8 assists with 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Jonquel Jones, who won the WNBA Finals MVP, scored a team high 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

Prior to the 2024 WNBA season, NY Liberty is one of the eight original franchises of the league that has yet to win a championship and the team have been in the WNBA Finals 5 times before winning it all this year.

Minnesota Lynx forces a “Winner-Takes-All” Game 5 of WNBA Finals behind Bridget Carleton Free Throws (82 – 80)

WNBA;

Bridget Carleton made two free throws with 2 seconds left, and the Lynx beat the New York Liberty 82-80 on Friday night. The teams will meet Sunday night in New York in the first Game 5 of the Finals since 2019, when Washington topped Connecticut.

All of Minnesota Lynx starting five scored in double-digits; Kayla Mcbride, lead the team with 19 points, Courtney Williams added 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Napheesa Collier chipped-in 14 points and 9 rebounds with 4 assists and 4 steals. Both Alanna Smith and Bridget Carleton scored 12 points apiece but it was Carleton final free throw that sealed the game for the Lynx.

It was a close game and the largest of any team is just 6 points and there have been 14 lead changes and 13 ties.

Lynx was able to contain Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina to a combined 21 points, and limit their impact to the game. Lynx appeared happy to just let other Liberty players score particularly Jonquel Jones, who scored a game-high 21 points and 8 rebounds.

Game 5 of the WNBA Finals will this Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Here’s the high-lights of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.

NY Liberty takes Game 3 behind Sabrina Ionescu’s step-back 3 with 1 sec left (80 – 77)

If Minnesota Lynx stole Game 1 from the New York Liberty, it appears that NY Liberty did the same to the Lynx by stealing Game 3 of the WNBA Finals behind Sabrina Ionescu’s step-back 3 dagger. Liberty came back down-15 in the first qtr and crawl their way back for more than three qtr.

But before Sabrina Ionescu heroics took place, it was Breanna Stewart to anchored Liberty’s comeback scoring 30 points, 11 rebounds and blocking 4 shots. Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich added 13 points a piece. Sabrina Ionescu ended the game with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, before burying the Lynx with that dagger three, Ionescu was 2-7 from behind the line.

Before the game, WNBA named Sabrina Ionescu as part of the All-WNBA second team.

Four Minnesota Lynx players scored double-digits point; Napheesa Collier lead the Lynx with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals. Bridget Carleton scored 14 points, Kayla Mcbride added 19 points and Courtney Williams, the hero of Game 1, contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists.

Game 4 will be this Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at the Target Center Minneapolis. NY Liberty will have a chance to wrap-up the finals for the franchise’s first WNBA Championship.

WNBA announces 2024 All-WNBA First Team headline by Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier

Just hours before Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, the league announced the 2024 All-WNBA First Team which is headline by the Caitlin Clark, who was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year; A’ja Wilson, the first unanimous MVP and Napheesa Collier, who was named as the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Caitlin Clark is the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008 to be selected to the All-WNBA First Team, and the fifth rookie so honored since 2000, joining Sue Bird (2002), Tamika Catchings (2002) and Diana Taurasi (2004).

Joining Clark, Wilson and Collier, the league also named Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart as part of the 2024 All-WNBA First Team.

The 2024 All-WNBA Second Team consists of Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper, Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale and Liberty center Jonquel Jones.

New York Liberty evens the series behind Stewart and Laney-Hamilton (80 – 66)

Doug Feinberg – AP Basketball Writer via WNBA;

Breanna Stewart wasn’t going to let history repeat itself.

With the Minnesota Lynx making another fourth quarter run, the two-time league MVP refused to let the New York Liberty lose again.

Stewart scored 21 points and had a WNBA Finals record seven steals to help the Liberty beat the Lynx 80-66 on Sunday in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.

Just like Game 1, New York built a double-digit lead in the first half, only to see it evaporate. This time they didn’t completely collapse, holding on to even the series 1-1 as it shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Wednesday night.

New York Liberty made sure that Minnesota Lynx won’t be stealing this game, even after the Lynx erasing the Liberty’s 9-point lead early in the 4th qtr, to just 2 points. But from the 3:40 mark in the final qtr the New York Liberty went on a 12 to nothing run to build a 14-point cushion to end the game.

There are four Liberty players who scored double-digits points, you have the regulars like Breanna Stewart who lead the team in almost every category, she had 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals and 1 block. Sabrina Ionescu, because of the “Caitlin Clark” treatment that she received, was not able to score in the 2nd half but was a big contributor in the first half. She added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

Then you also have the towering Jonquel Jones who was also a monster on the boards and got some timely tip in to help secure the W for the Liberty. Jones scored 14 points, a game-high 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Then there’s Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who was the unlikely-hero of the team by draining 4 pressure packed three-pointers, she end up with 20-points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

The next two games of the WNBA Finals will be hosted by the Minnesota Lynx. Game 3 will be this Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at the Target Center Minneapolis.

Minnesota Lynx stole Game 1 of the WNBA Finals from the the top-seeded New York Liberty in OT (95-93)

ESPN;

The Lynx, who trailed by as many as 18 points, are the first team in WNBA postseason history to win a game after trailing by 15-plus points in the final 5 minutes of regulation.

Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals will forever be a classic. This was a game that New York Liberty should have won, or must win. Since this is just a best of 5 series, one win could swing the whole series and this is a great start for the Lynx.

Three Lynx players scored 20-plus points; Courtney Williams, who went berserk in the 4th quarter and made a 4-point play in the last 5.5 seconds left in regulation, scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Napheesa Collier finished the game with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks and 3 steals. Kyla McBride added 22 points and 4 rebounds.

Game 2 will still be at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY this Sunday, Oct 13, 2024.

WNBA to change Game Format of Playoffs and Finals of 2025 Season

WNBA just announcedx that they will change the game format of First Round of the WNBA Playoffs and the WNBA Finals.

The league said “the WNBA Board of Governors has approved a new, best-of-seven format for the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, effective with the 2025 season, replacing the best-of-five format. The Board has also approved a 1-1-1 setup for the best-of-three First Round of the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 3 and its opponent hosting Game 2 – a change from the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2 and its opponent hosting Game 3.

Currently, the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs is 2-1. From a financial perspective, the current 2-1 format benefits the higher-seeded team. This is because they host the entire first round, assuming they sweep the series. This gives them an advantage in ticket sales, broadcast revenue, and other game-related income.

A good example, is the first round series between the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever. The Fever got swept in the series, since the first two games was hosted by the Sun, both games got an attendance of total of 17,820. If there was at least 1 game being played in Indiana, them being the most popular team because of Caitlin Clark, we can assume that the attendance will be similar to their last home game in the regular season, with an attendance of 17,274.

The WNBA announced an increase in regular-season games to 44 per team starting next season, up from 40 games in the past two seasons. This is to accommodate the addition of the Golden State Valkyries as the league’s 13th franchise. Each WNBA Teams have played 40 regular-season games in each of the last two seasons.

“We are seeing an incredible demand for WNBA basketball, as reflected in the number of cities pursuing expansion franchises, fans attending games and engaging with our social and digital platforms in record fashion, and game broadcasts and streams being consumed like never before,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “The incredible demand for WNBA basketball makes this the ideal time to increase the regular season to 44 games per team and expand the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV to a best-of-seven series,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “These changes will create more opportunities to watch the best players in the world compete at the highest level and give our fans a championship series format that they are accustomed to seeing in other sports.”

Minnesota Lynx eliminate the Connecticut Sun to advance to the 2024 WNBA Finals (88-77)

via ESPN;

Collier had 27 points on 10-for-16 shooting and 11 rebounds and Courtney Williams contributed 24 points and both-ends-of-the-court energy to lead the Minnesota Lynx past the Connecticut Sun 88-77 and into the WNBA Finals for the first time in seven years on Tuesday night.

Collier, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, added four blocks in a vintage all-around performance.

They will face the NY Liberty who eliminated the defending champs, the LV Aces, two days ago.

Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled this Thursday, October 10, 2024, and will be hosted by the NY Liberty in Barclays Center.

Caitlin Clark bags 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award

WNBA News:

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been named the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, the WNBA announced today. She gives the Fever back-to-back winners of the annual award after Indiana forward-center Aliyah Boston earned the honor last season.

Clark received 66 votes from a national panel of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received one vote.

After weeks of waiting, the WNBA has officially named Caitlin Clark as the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. The announcement of the ROTY award have been controversial, since the league had been delayed its announcement, the league announced the MVP awards, took home by A’ja Wilson, last Sept. 22nd.

Caitlin Clark writes “Thank You” message to Fans after Historic Rookie Season

WNBA Rookie Phenom Caitlin Clark rookie season is now in the books and to appreciate all the supports that Clark has received, she posted an emotional “Thank You” message to her fans for their support in her first year in the league and then ended with a “See you all in year two 🖤💫”

Caitlin Clark helped the Indiana Fever reached the WNBA Playoffs (20-20 record) for the first time since 2016 and lead the team in scoring, assists and steals (19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 1.3 steals).

Clark also broke and set a number of WNBA records including the first triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history, set single-game record for assists (19), single-season rookie record for three-pointer, and accolades like “Unanimous Associated Press Rookie of the Year and AP All-WNBA First Team,” being named both WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month and WNBA Rookie of the Month for August, and much more.

Not to mention all the records for digital consumption and merchandise sales for the league.

The same message was posted to her official IG account (@caitlinclark22.

If this just the start of Caitlin Clark’s WNBA career, I’m sure that her fans will be excited to see what her second year will be, where we will be getting a full off season of rest and time for working on her game.

2024 WNBA Individual Awards   

Shams Charania via X (@ShamsCharania);

Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark has won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier has been awarded the Defensive Player of the Year, sources confirm.

Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson received MVP and Connecticut’s DiJonai Carrington won Most Improved Player.

Except for Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson MVP award, WNBA has yet to officially announce this years 2024 WNBA Individual Awards.

It would have been great if A’ja Wilson was also named as the DPOY, since Wilson lead the league in blocks, and top 5 in steal and rebounds.

As for the Rookie of the Year, with all other rookies sideline by the end of the regular season, Caitlin Clark will be the runaway winner for ROY, I was thinking that Cameron Brink could at least make it to a interesting race at the start of the season.

Connecticut Sun sweeps Indiana Fever, will face Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Semifinals (87 – 81)   

ESPN;

Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun were happy to finally close out an opening round series at home in two games.

Thomas had 19 points and 13 assists to help the Sun sweep Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever out of the playoffs with an 87-81 win Wednesday night.

Compared to Game 1, Indiana’s “Big 3” played a much better game; Caitlin Clark scored 25 points and 9 assists, Aliyah Boston had 16 points and 19 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell added had 17 points but committed 5 turnovers. But it was Sun’s veteran players who carried the team with five players scoring in double digits points.

Connecticut Sun will now face Minnesota Lynx, who swept the Phoenix Mercury, this Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Target Center, Minneapolis.

New York Liberty sweeps Atlanta Dream, advances to 2nd round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs (91 – 82)   

ESPN News Services;

They moved one step closer as Sabrina Ionescu tied a franchise playoff record with 36 points to help the Liberty beat the Atlanta Dream 91-82 on Tuesday night and advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.

The Liberty shouldn’t have any problem advancing to the 2nd round, since the Dream barely qualified for the playoffs. They need to move past the Las Vegas Aces to advance to the 2024 WNBA Finals.

The first game of the 2nd round of the WNBA Playoffs will on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Caitlin Clark Named Unanimous Associated Press Rookie of the Year and AP All-WNBA First Team   

Indiana Fever, WNBA;

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was unanimously named the 2024 Associated Press WNBA Rookie of the Year, it was announced today. This recognition follows Clark’s achievement as a four-time WNBA Rookie of the Month, three-time WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week and WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month in August. Clark joins Aliyah Boston as the only Fever players to earn AP Rookie of the Year.

Clark was also named to the AP All-WNBA First Team with Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson. AP All-Rookie Team with Kamilla Cardoso, Leonie Fiebich, Rickea Jackson and Angel Reese.

2024 WNBA Playoff Bracket, First Round starts on the 22nd of September

Now that the 40 games WNBA regular season is done, we now have the complete picture of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs.

  • New York Liberty (1st) vs Atlanta Dream (8th)
  • Minnesota Lynx (2nd) vs Phoenix Mercury (7th)
  • Connecticut Sun (3rd) vs Indiana Fever (6th)
  • Las Vegas Aces (4th) vs Seattle Storm (5th)

This is the mechanics of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs;

Top eight teams with the highest winning percentage (regardless of conference) will qualify for playoffs. Bracket is NOT divided by East/West. First Rounds will be 2-1 (first two games hosted by the higher seed). Semi-Finals and Finals will be 2-2-1 (higher seed hosting the first two games and final game, if necessary).

First Rounds will start this Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Portland, Oregon Awarded WNBA’s 15th Franchise   

WNBA;

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today that it has awarded Portland, Oregon, the league’s 15th franchise. The Portland team, set to begin play in the 2026 season, will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Portland is the third expansion franchise awarded by the WNBA during this round of expansion, following the Golden State Valkyries and a Toronto franchise, bringing the league from 12 to 15 teams.

This is the best time to have your own WNBA team, since the value of your team will surely increase with the “Caitlin Clark effect” and the influx of new players from the college rank like Paige Bueckers and Juju Watkins.

I predict that before the next media deal, after 11 years, the league will add 5 more teams, making it to a total of 20 WNBA teams and the league will have at least 50 to 60 games per season.

Caitlin Clark WNBA records: Indiana Fever honors to know   

Keith Jenkins, writing for ESPN;

Here’s a look at Clark’s professional accolades:

▪︎ WNBA rookie single-season scoring record.

▪︎ WNBA single-season record for assists.

▪︎ Set franchise record for most double-doubles in a season with Indiana Fever.

▪︎ Set franchise record for most three-pointers in a season with Indiana Fever.

▪︎ First WNBA rookie to record two triple-doubles.

▪︎ WNBA single-season rookie record for three-pointers.

▪︎ WNBA single-season rookie record for assists.

▪︎ WNBA single-season turnover record.

▪︎ Most assists by a rookie in WNBA All-Star Game history (10).

▪︎ WNBA Rookie of the Month for July.

▪︎ WNBA single-game record for assists (19).

▪︎ First triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history and first triple-double in Fever history.

▪︎ Ninth rookie to be named a WNBA All-Star starter.

▪︎ Only player with more than 700,000 votes for the WNBA All-Star Game.

▪︎ Fastest player to reach 350 points and 150 assists to start a WNBA season (regardless of years in the league).

▪︎ Twenty points, three assists, two steals and 10 turnovers in her WNBA debut on May 14.

▪︎ No. 1 overall pick by Indiana Fever in 2024 WNBA draft on April 15.

Calling Caitlin Clark’s rookie season “LEGENDARY” would be an understatement.

Aces’ A’ja Wilson 1st Player in WNBA History to Score 1,000 Points in 1 Season   

Doric Sam, writing for Bleacher Report;

After setting the WNBA single-season scoring record earlier this week, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson added another unique distinction on Sunday.

Wilson became the first player in league history to ever score 1,000 points in a season during Sunday’s 84-71 win against the Connecticut Sun.

For context, this is the 2nd year that the WNBA is playing a 40 games per season. In 2022, the number of games was 36. The WNBA single-season scoring record last year was set by Jewel Lloyd, who scored 939 points, playing 38 games. Wilson set the 1,000 Points in 1 Season playing just 37 games.

Caitlin Clark breaks WNBA single-season assists record then set the WNBA rookie season scoring record in a span of 24 hours

Alexa Philippou, ESPN;

Rookie star Caitlin Clark broke the WNBA single-season assist record Friday night in the Indiana Fever’s 78-74 loss to the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

Clark recorded her 317th assist of the season at the 4:55 mark of the second quarter when Kelsey Mitchell took her pass and scored on a drive. The rookie passed Alyssa Thomas’ 316 dimes from last season. Clark finished the game with nine assists, giving her 321 assists on the season.

This was in a loss against the Las Vegas Aces, where Aces’ A’ja Wilson set a record for points scored in a season.

Then after 24 hours.

Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer;

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark recalls Seimone Augustus being the first WNBA player she ever met when she went to a Minnesota Lynx game as a child.

On Sunday, Clark set the WNBA rookie season scoring record, previously held by Augustus, and called it a full-circle moment.

“I got my picture with her on my dad’s little phone — it was maybe like a BlackBerry back in the day,” Clark said after Indiana’s 110-109 win over Dallas. “I vividly remember it. I was always a fan of her game and the way she could shoot the ball.”

Clark now has 761 points in 39 games, so there is the caveat that Augustus — who will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in October — set her mark of 744 points in 2006, when the WNBA season was 34 games.

For context, Clark set the WNBA rookie season scoring record, while Seimone Augustus set the rookie scoring record when WNBA season was only 34 games a season.

Indiana Fever fall to the Las Vegas Aces as A’ja Wilson breaks WNBA Single-Season Scoring Record   

ESPN WNBA;

A’ja Wilson became the WNBA’s single-season scoring leader and finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds to help the Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 86-75 on Wednesday night for their 14th straight win in the series.

Wilson passed Jewell Loyd’s total of 939 points on a jumper from the free-throw line with 26.4 seconds left before halftime. Wilson needed just 35 games to top last year’s record by Loyd, who needed 38 games. Wilson’s previous high was 912 points, set in 40 games last season.

She finished the game with 956 points this season and could potentially be the first player in league history to reach 1,000 in a year.

This is a good measuring stick for the Fever to gauge on how they fare against the best team and facing the best player in the WNBA. Add the shooting woes of Caitlin Clark and foul trouble on Aliyah Boston. Kelsey Mitchell, as always kept them in the game but not enough for them to overcome the 12-point deficit.

Las Vegas Aces is the only team that the Indiana Fever have not beat this season and they will have another chance this Saturday, Sept 14th.

Indiana Fever sweeps Atlanta Dream in their last game (100 – 104)

Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer;

The Indiana Fever had their biggest comeback win of the WNBA season Sunday, rallying from a 16-point deficit to beat the Atlanta Dream 104-100 in overtime at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

One heck of a game by Indiana Fever, erasing a 16-point deficit and winning in OT. A monster game from Indiana Fever’s Big 3; Caitlin Clark had 26 points, 12 assists and 5 rebounds, her fifth 25 and 10 game of the season. Aliyah Boston scored a career-high 30 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and 5 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell added 21 points.

The scores;
Atlanta Dream 100 – N. Hillmon 5, T. Charles 17, A. Gray 15, J. Canada 17, R. Howard 36, N. Coffey 5, L. Cubaj 2, M. Caldwell 3, H. Jones 0, C. Parker-Tyus DNP, L. Amihere DNP, A. Powers DNP

Indiana Fever 104 – N. Smith 6, A. Boston 30, K. Mitchell 21, L. Hull 12, C. Clark 26, D. Dantas 0, K. Samuelson 0, T. Fagbenle 9, E. Wheeler 0, V. Saxton DNP, K. Wallace DNP, G. Berger DNP

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr OT Total
Atlante Dream 21 27 21 21 10 100
Indiana Fever 22 22 22 24 14 104

Angel Reese suffered season-ending wrist injury against the Los Angeles Sparks   

Angel Reese, posted on her @angelreese5 Instagram account;

What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol🥲 Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so. I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break. “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.”

You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon!

A not so good news for Chicago Sky fans and fans of Angel Reese. The news comes at a time when Chicago Sky are fighting for the final playoff spot. The Sky have 6 remaining games and are currently 8th in the standings with 12-22 (win-loss), the same with Atlanta Dream and just a game ahead of Washington Mystics (11-23).

Napheesa Collier’s 26 points powers Minnesota Lynx win over Indiana Fever (99 – 88)   

ESPN WNBA;

Napheesa Collier scored nine of her 26 points in the third quarter, Bridget Carleton made three 3-pointers in the final four minutes and the Minnesota Lynx overcame a 25-point night by Caitlin Clark to snap Indiana’s five-game winning streak with a 99-88 win over the Fever on Friday night.

The Indiana Fever are 7 – 3 in their last 10 games, two of those loses are from Minnesota Lynx. This may very well be a playoff preview between Minnesota Lynx (2nd) and Indiana Fever (6th), that is if the Fever are able to go deep in the post season.

Fever’s “Big Three” had a huge game but not enough to get the win.

Caitlin Clark scored 25 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists and Aliyah Boston scored 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points.

Indiana Fever’s 5th straight win over LA Sparks behind Caitlin Clark’s Triple-double

ESPN;

Caitlin Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 100 3-pointers in a season and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her second career triple-double as the playoff-bound Indiana Fever beat the Los Angeles Sparks 93-86 on Wednesday night.

Clark connected on her second 3 of the game and 100th of the season midway through the third quarter and added two more to reach 102 and finish 4 of 10 from long range. The No. 1 overall draft pick is the first rookie with 100 3s.

Their 6 reaming game will be available against top teams and those who are vying for playoff spot. It’ll be interesting how they will matchup against Lynx and Aces, who are the two of the top teams in the league.

Indiana Fever Clinch 2024 Playoff Spot   

WNBA;

Following losses from the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky on Tuesday night, the Indiana Fever officially clinched a spot in the WNBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2016 regular season.

The 2024 postseason will be the franchise’s 14th playoff appearance as Indiana reached the playoffs 12 consecutive times from 2005-2016 and made its first postseason appearance in 2002. The 2024 WNBA postseason will begin on Sunday, September 22.

How the playoff works in the WNBA?

The top eight teams regardless of conference will qualify for the playoffs and be seeded based on their record. The first playoff round follows a best-of-three format where the teams are seeded based on their regular-season record. The first-round series games will include a 2-1 format in which the higher seed will host Games 1 and 2 and the lower seed will host Game 3 if necessary. The semifinals and WNBA Finals will each feature a best-of-five series following the 2-2-1 format with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2 and 5, and the lower-seeded team will host Games 3 and 4 in their respective series.

With their current seeding, the Indiana Fever (6th) will face the Minnesota Lynx (3rd) in the first round of the playoffs. But with seven more games remaining, the Fever could end up higher in the standings.