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Fever Outlast Dream 95–91 in Overtime Thriller in Atlanta (95-91)

The Indiana Fever escaped State Farm Arena with a 95–91 overtime victory over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, a crucial result with major playoff-seeding implications. The win extended Indiana’s (23–12) lead over Atlanta (21–13) to 1½ games, evened the season series at 2–2, and denied the Dream a head-to-head tiebreaker with ten regular-season games remaining.

The game was a back-and-forth battle throughout. Atlanta closed the first half on a 17-4 run for a 44-40 lead, powered by Allisha Gray, who finished with a career-high 32 points. The Dream stretched the lead to eight in the third quarter before Indiana’s defense clamped down, holding Atlanta to nine points in the fourth as the Fever clawed back to tie it.

Atlanta had the final look to win it in regulation, but the chance slipped away: Rhyne Howard’s missed three set up an Angel Reese putback that rolled off the rim, and a second attempt off a Naz Hillmon rebound also failed to fall, sending the game to overtime tied at 81.

Atlanta briefly grabbed the lead in overtime, but Indiana answered with a decisive run. Makayla Timpson was the story of the extra period, repeatedly scoring in the paint on her way to a career-high 20 points. Aliyah Boston added a double-double game, and the Fever pushed the lead out before Atlanta cut it to 93-91 in the final seconds. Caitlin Clark, who finished with 26 points and 9 assists, sealed it with two free throws and the game’s final rebound.

Kelsey Mitchell added 20 points, extending her WNBA-record streak of 20-point games to 19 straight, while Boston nearly notched a triple-double with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. The win opens a demanding stretch for Indiana, the first of five games in eight days as the Fever push toward the postseason.

Game highlights;

Next
Indiana will now travel to Toronto for a rematch with the Tempo, while the Dream will go to Las Vegas to face the Aces, both games will be this Tuesday night.

Eala Advances Past Ruse at Cincinnati Open

Alex Eala delivered a dominant performance in the round of 64 at the 2026 Cincinnati Open on Saturday, securing a swift victory over Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Eala took total command early at Holcim Stadium 3, unleashing precise baseline play and aggressive returns. She claimed the opening set 6–1 in convincing fashion. Carrying momentum into the second frame, Eala quickly broke serve to rush out to a 3–0 lead. Following a rain delay, Ruse was forced to retire due to a foot injury, handing Eala the win.

Throughout the abbreviated contest, Eala won 67% of her first-serve points and converted five of five breakpoint opportunities without committing a single double fault. The victory extends a stellar summer swing for the 21-year-old Filipina star following her breakthrough title run in Washington, D.C.

Next Matchup
Eala advances to the round of 32 for a blockbuster showdown against 9th Seed Amanda Anisimova on Monday, August 17, marking their first-ever meeting on the WTA tour.

Indiana Fever Rally Past Dallas Wings in 98–82 Showdown

The Indiana Fever secured a 98–87 victory over the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, breaking open a tight contest with a decisive fourth-quarter surge. Dallas held a 66–63 lead entering the final frame, but Indiana responded with a 35–21 fourth quarter to lock in the win.

Caitlin Clark led the Fever with a game-high double-double of 29 points and 10 assists. She got plenty of help from her core supporting cast: Aliyah Boston delivered a dominant 16-point, 10-rebound double-double—scoring 10 of her points in the fourth quarter—while Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points to extend her single-season WNBA record with an 18th consecutive 20-point game. Sharpshooter Tyasha Harris provided a critical spark off the bench, going a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc for 15 points, hitting key three-pointers in the final frame to seal the game.

For Dallas, 2nd year guard Paige Bueckers paced the effort with 29 points, six rebounds, and six assists, spearheading the offense alongside Arike Ogunbowale’s 20 points. Both teams will square off again when the Wings host the Fever at the American Airlines Center on August 20, 2026.

Full game highlights

Next

Indiana Fever will kick-off their 5 game road trip against Atlanta Dream this Sunday evening, while the Dallas Wings will head to the Bay Area for a match against the Golden State Valkyries Monday night.

Triple-Double King: Russell Westbrook Retires After 18 Relentless Seasons

After 18 relentless seasons in the NBA, future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook officially announced his retirement on social media, capping off one of the most explosive and statistically dominant careers in basketball history. Captured in a poignant farewell video captioned, “You had to be there. And now it’s over,” the 37-year-old guard steps away on his own terms as the undisputed king of the triple-double.

Drafted 4th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008 before immediately transitioning with the franchise to become an Oklahoma City Thunder legend, Westbrook’s journey spanned seven teams. Following 11 iconic seasons in OKC—where he led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals—he suited up for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and finally, the Sacramento Kings.

Westbrook re-wrote basketball record books during his electrifying career. The 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player made history by becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double across an entire season, doing so four separate times and retiring as the league’s all-time leader with 209 career triple-doubles. A nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA selection, two-time scoring champion, three-time assist leader, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Westbrook leaves behind an unmatched legacy of pure intensity, passion, and historic versatility.

Sources: Josh Kushner, Bob Iger to buy Lakers for $12.5B  

Ramona Shelburne, reporting for ESPN;

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, a record-breaking price, multiple sources told ESPN.

The businessmen were involved in the expansion process in Las Vegas, but in a stunning turn, they pivoted to make an aggressive offer to buy the Lakers from Mark Walter, who purchased a controlling interest in the team from the Buss family last year for a then-record franchise valuation of approximately $10 billion.

Getting a $2.5 billion or a 25% net profit for just a year is not a bad business move. Then again, this is the Lakers franchise, who knows how much it will it worth a from now.

Josh Kushner is a founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm Thrive Capital, while Bob Iger is the former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Walt Disney Company.

Mitchell and Clark Combine for 50 as Indiana Stuns New York (106 – 91)

The Indiana Fever delivered a resounding statement Tuesday night, overpowering the New York Liberty 106-92 with a record-setting offensive clinic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana blitzed New York early, fueled by Kelsey Mitchell’s scorching 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting. This marked Mitchell’s 17th consecutive game scoring at least 20 points. Point guard Caitlin Clark orchestrated the attack flawlessly, posting a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists, while center Aliyah Boston dominated the paint with 19 points and seven rebounds.

The Fever’s efficiency was staggering. They shot 54% from the field and an incredible 64% from beyond the arc, crossing the 100-point threshold for a WNBA-record 13th time this season.

New York fought back behind 19 points apiece from Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, alongside a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double from Jonquel Jones. However, the Liberty couldn’t match Indiana’s firepower, snapping their four-game winning streak.

With their seventh victory in nine games, the surging Fever continue to build momentum, proving their high-octane offense makes them a formidable threat as the playoffs approach.

Full Game highlights;

Next:
The Indiana Fever will host the Dallas Wings on Friday evening, while the NY Liberty host the LA Sparks.

Minnesota Lynx Rookie Olivia Miles Breaks Sue Bird’s WNBA Rookie Assist Record

Minnesota Lynx rookie point guard Olivia Miles continues her historic debut season, surpassing legendary point guard Sue Bird’s rookie assist total (191) to climb higher on the league’s all-time freshman leaderboards. Selected second overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles has energized Minnesota with elite court vision, high-volume scoring, and signature playmaking.

Through 32 games, Miles has compiled 193 assists, averaging roughly 6.0 assists per game. At her current pace, she is projected to finish the expanded 44-game WNBA regular season with approximately 265 assists, which will put her at 2nd in the All-Time Rookie Assist ranking.

While Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark holds the overall WNBA rookie record at 337 assists (set in 2024), Miles passing iconic playmakers like Bird underscores her immense impact. As the engine of the WNBA-leading Lynx, Miles remains the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

ESPN: Lynx’s Kayla McBride sets single-game 3-point record with 10  

ESPN News Services;

The five-time All-Star and four-time EuroLeague champion broke the WNBA single-game record by making 10 3-pointers Sunday in a 103-90 victory over the Dallas Wings.

McBride made 10 of 14 shots from behind the arc and finished with a career-high 43 points — and she did it in front of a home crowd that seemed to be urging her to chase the record.

The record breaker came with 2:23 to play and gave the Lynx a 98-83 lead. She left the game with 1:21 remaining to a roaring ovation. Afterward, she thanked the fans and the organization for their support.

McBride was in the zone.. shooting 71.4% from beyond the arc.

Also, the Minnesota Lynx made sure that Kayla McBride’s record-setting night would be spoiled by picking up the win over the Dallas Wings.

Bencic Downs Eala in Straight Sets to Advance to the 2026 Canadian Open Quarterfinals (6-4, 6-0)

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala was eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2026 Canadian Open in Toronto, falling 4-6, 0-6 to 12th seed Belinda Bencic. After a competitive opening set where Eala traded early service breaks with the Swiss veteran, Bencic dominated the second set to end Eala’s seven-match winning streak.

Despite the loss, Eala’s strong run underscores her rapid rise on the WTA Tour following her maiden singles title at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington. Next, the 21-year-old world No. 20 continues her North American hard-court campaign as she prepares for the US Open.

Fever Outlast Sky Behind Mitchell’s 27 Points and Clark’s Double-Double (90 – 86)

The Indiana Fever edged out the Chicago Sky 90–86 in a high-intensity showdown at the United Center.

Fever Guard Kelsey Mitchell spearheaded Indiana’s victory as the game’s top performer, dropping a team-high 27 points to anchor the offense. Her stellar scoring was bolstered by Caitlin Clark, who racked up 26 points and 11 assists in a masterful double-double game.

The contest wasn’t without drama. During the third quarter, Clark received a controversial technical foul after stumbling out of bounds and inadvertently bumping into an official. Fever head coach Stephanie White immediately came to Clark’s defense, furiously arguing the call as pure incidental contact and earning a technical foul of her own. The WNBA quickly rescinded Clark’s technical post-game, saving her from an automatic suspension.

Full game highlights;

Looking ahead, the Indiana Fever (20–12) return home to host the New York Liberty on Tuesday, August 11. Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky look to bounce back on Monday, August 10, when they travel to face the Seattle Storm.

Eala Outlasts McNally in Toronto Thriller to Reach National Bank Open Round of 16

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala extended her remarkable summer run by turning back American Caty McNally, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, in a hard-fought third-round clash at the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto.

Coming off her maiden WTA 500 title in Washington, the 20-year-old Eala set the tempo early, controlling the opening set with baseline depth and sharp return play. McNally fought back aggressively in the second set, utilizing her net game to break late and force a deciding set. Despite needing a medical timeout in the second set to have her right foot taped, Eala displayed fierce resilience in the third. She secured crucial break points and served out the match after a grueling battle on court.

The victory propels Eala into the Round of 16 at the National Bank Open, marking another significant milestone in her young professional career. She will take on 12th-seeded Swiss star Belinda Bencic on Sunday, August 9, 2026, as she aims for her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance.

Match Highlights from Caty McNally vs. Alexandra Eala from Round 3 in Toronto;

Aces Survive Overtime Thriller to Down Fever (86 – 84)

The Las Vegas Aces escaped Indianapolis with an 86-84 overtime win over the Indiana Fever on Thursday night, in a game that swung wildly from a 20-point Fever lead to a nail-biting finish. Chelsea Gray was the story of the night, burying back-to-back buzzer-beating three-pointers — one to force overtime and another to seal the win — finishing with 11 points and seven assists.

For Las Vegas, A’ja Wilson was the top performer, pouring in 26 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks while also coming up with the defensive stop that set up Gray’s game-winner. Jackie Young chipped in 22 points, including a stretch of 15 straight Aces points spanning the first and second halves.

Indiana’s best performer was Kelsey Mitchell, who led all Fever scorers with 28 points, including a go-ahead bucket late in overtime that briefly gave Indiana the lead. Aliyah Boston nearly matched her with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Full game highlights;

Chelsea CLUTCH Gray! She seals the deal yet again with a triple that gets the Las Vegas Aces the WIN in overtime! 🥶

The Aces get the last second win (86-84) over the Fever

Gray: 11 PTS | 7 AST | 4 STL | 3 3PM | 2 REB
Wilson: 26 PTS | 13 REB | 3 AST | 2 BLK
Young: 22 PTS | 9 AST | 4 REB | 2 3PM

The loss dropped Indiana to 19-12, while Las Vegas improved to 22-9 and moved into sole possession of second place.

Next
The Indiana Fever travel to face the Chicago Sky on August 8, while the Aces head to Minnesota to take on the Lynx the same day.

PDI: Alex Eala, Venus Williams bow out of Canadian Open doubles  

Celest Flores-Colina – Online Sports Editor for Inquirer.net;

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala and Venus Williams ended their doubles campaign after losing to Liudmila Samsonova and Miyu Kato, 6-4, 6-3, in the Canadian Open Round of 32 in Toronto on Friday.

Eala and Williams, the wild-card pair playing together for only the second time, put up a fight and tied the opening set at 4-4 with a break before Samsonova and Kato found their groove, stringing together six straight games to take control of the match.

Alex Eala isn’t getting a break when playing doubles, especially when paired with the likes of Venus Williams. Previously, Eala was paired with Coco Gauf but the duo bowed out in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Italian Open, losing a tight three-set battle to Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini (7-5, 3-6, [10-7]).

In the Singles, Alex Eala will be facing Caty Mcnally in the quarterfinals of the round of 32 this Saturday at the 2026 Canadian Open in Toronto.

USA Basketball Announces Roster for 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup

USA Basketball announced the roster for the 2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team, which will compete at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, set for Sept. 4–13.

“I’m so excited to announce the 2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team,” said USA Basketball Women’s National Team managing director Sue Bird. “This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together.”

Here’s the official 12-player roster announced August 6, 2026 for the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany (September 4–13):

  • Aliyah Boston
  • Paige Bueckers
  • Caitlin Clark
  • Napheesa Collier
  • Kahleah Copper
  • Chelsea Gray
  • Rhyne Howard
  • Kelsey Plum
  • Angel Reese
  • Breanna Stewart
  • A’ja Wilson
  • Jackie Young

Clark, Bueckers, Reese, and Boston will be making their debut in a major international competition at the senior level, while Wilson and Stewart bring the most international experience on the roster. Notable names who didn’t make the cut include Olivia Miles, Sabrina Ionescu, and Alyssa Thomas.

The WNBA will be on break from Monday, August 31 through September 16 for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Alex Eala Advances to Toronto Third Round After Defeating Alycia Parks (6-1, 4-6, 6-2)

Fresh off her historic WTA title run in Washington, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala kept her winning momentum alive with a hard-fought victory over American Alycia Parks in the second round of the 2026 National Bank Open in Toronto.

Eala sprinted out of the gates at Sobeys Stadium, asserting her dominance early by breaking Parks twice to wrap up a crisp 6–1 opening set. However, the 71st-ranked Parks found her groove in the second set, leveraging her powerful serve to push back. Securing a crucial break at 5–4, the American took the second set 6–4 to force a decider.

The third set remained locked in a tight battle until Eala broke Parks to love in the fifth game. Fueled by a passionate local Filipino crowd, the 25th-seeded Eala elevated her returning game, winning four consecutive games to close out the match 6–1, 4–6, 6–2 in one hour and 51 minutes.

Alexandra Eala vs. Alycia Parks WTA Match Highlights at the 2026 Toronto Round 2

With the victory, Eala moves on to the round of 32, further solidifying her breakout hard-court summer campaign.

Kelsey Mitchell Earns 2026 WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for July

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell was named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for July after delivering a monumental offensive run. Mitchell led the league with 272 cumulative points across ten games, averaging 27.2 points per contest—a franchise record for the highest scoring average in a single month.

Sustaining a remarkable 14-game streak of scoring 20-plus points, she sparked Indiana to an 8-2 record, capping the month on a five-game winning streak. This marks the first Player of the Month honor of Mitchell’s career, cementing her status as one of the league’s premier scorers.

A’ja Wilson Earns WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week

Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson was named the WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week on August 4, 2026, earning her 31st career weekly honor.

Marking her third award of the 2026 campaign, Wilson averaged a league-leading 32.3 points alongside 12.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game across three contests. The dominant center shot 52.5% from the field and recorded double-doubles in every matchup, highlighted by a 33-point display against New York and a 36-point performance against Chicago.

With this accolade, Wilson extends her record for the most Player of the Week selections in Western Conference history, closing within two of Tina Charles’ all-time WNBA record.

Caitlin Clark Earns Her 3rd WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week Award

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has earned WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for the third time this season, following a spectacular three-game stretch where she orchestrated Indiana’s high-powered offense.

Over the three-game slate, Clark delivered league-leading playmaking while averaging 25.7 points, 9.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game on an efficient 53.7% shooting from the field. She generated 77 total points and a league-best 27 assists, leading the Fever to a 2–1 week.

Clark opened the week with a 32-point, 7-assist performance in a 105–95 victory over the Seattle Storm. She followed up against the Portland Fire by recording her fourth career triple-double, posting 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 112–98 win. She capped off the week with her 27th career double-double, logging 19 points and 10 assists against the Minnesota Lynx.

Securing her third weekly award of the campaign reinforces Clark’s status among the league’s premier floor generals. Her elite court vision, scoring volume, and rapid decision-making continue to serve as the engine behind Indiana’s playoff push.

Cleveland Unveils “Sirens” as Official Name for WNBA Expansion Franchise

Professional women’s basketball is making its long-awaited return to Northeast Ohio under a bold new identity: the Cleveland Sirens. Unveiled by Rock Entertainment Group at Rocket Arena, the name marks the official branding of the WNBA’s 16th expansion franchise, which is scheduled to begin play in the 2028 season.

Departing from the city’s original WNBA moniker—the Cleveland Rockers—the Sirens brand draws direct inspiration from Greek mythology and the magnetic power of Lake Erie. Designed to reflect a spirit that is sharp, fearless, and unapologetic, the identity highlights a presence built to command attention. The team’s visual palette introduces Sirens Blue, Erie Blue, and a mint foam accent, incorporating wave motifs that pay homage to both local geography and the rising tide of women’s athletics.

Led by team president Allison Howard, the franchise has already secured major community partnerships and thousands of season-ticket deposits well ahead of its debut. Sharing Rocket Arena with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Sirens are set to deliver year-round professional basketball back to Northeast Ohio.

Eala Stuns Top Seed Pegula for 2026 Mubadala DC Open Crown

In a display of grit and tactical brilliance, 21-year-old Alex Eala made history at the Mubadala DC Open, defeating top-seeded Jessica Pegula 4–6, 6–4, 6–0 to become the first Filipino player to win a WTA 500 singles title.

The final was interrupted on Sunday when heavy rain and lightning halted play with Pegula holding a 6-4, 2-1 lead. Pushed to Monday afternoon, the overnight suspension proved to be a turning point. Eala returned under clear skies with renewed energy, leveling the match by taking the second set before delivering a dominant 6-0 sweep in the decider.

Eala’s Washington breakthrough caps a giant-killing week where she defeated Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, and Naomi Osaka before topping Pegula.

Alexandra Eala vs. Jessica Pegula | 2026 Washington, D.C. WTA Final Match Highlights

What’s Next for Eala?
The 500 ranking points propel Eala into the WTA Top 20 for the first time. Up next, she heads to Toronto for the WTA 1000 National Bank Open with a first-round bye, followed by a guaranteed seed at the upcoming US Open.

Lynx Outlast Fever 108–100 Behind Olivia Miles’ Big Night (108 – 100)

In one of the most explosive offensive clashes of the WNBA season, the Minnesota Lynx held off a relentless fourth-quarter rally by the Indiana Fever to secure a 108–100 victory at Target Center. Both teams came out firing in a blistering first quarter that ended tied at 36 points apiece—matching the league record for the highest-scoring opening period. Minnesota seized control in the second quarter to build a 64–53 halftime lead, eventually extending their advantage to 96–82 midway through the fourth quarter before Indiana mounted a furious late run.

Indiana cut the deficit to 100–98 with under three minutes remaining, but crucial late baskets from Minnesota’s backcourt sealed the win. The Lynx out-executed Indiana down the stretch, capitalizing on a 12 to 6 turnover advantage and an 11–5 edge on the offensive glass to notch their 10th consecutive victory.

Rookie sensation Olivia Miles spearheaded Minnesota’s hyper-efficient offense, pouring in 28 points. Miles set the tone in the second quarter with a dominant 14-point frame that gave the Lynx room to breathe. Paired with Courtney Williams’ 27-point effort, Miles displayed poise beyond her years, orchestrating key possessions in the final minutes to fend off Indiana’s comeback attempt.

Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell was nearly unstoppable for Indiana, finishing with a game-high 37 points on a remarkably efficient 14-of-21 shooting from the field, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. The performance marked her fifth 30-point game of the season and her 14th consecutive game scoring 20+ points—the second-longest such streak in WNBA history behind only A’ja Wilson.

Full game highlights;

Next
After wrapping up a three-game road trip, the Indiana Fever return home to host the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx hit the road for a four-game swing, starting Thursday against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Eala versus Pegula Final at 2026 Mubadala DC Open Canceled Due to Heavy Rain

Persistent heavy rain and lightning forced tournament organizers to cancel all remaining matches on Sunday night at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open in Washington.

The weather disruption interrupted the highly anticipated women’s singles championship match between top seed Jessica Pegula and 21-year-old star Alexandra Eala. Play was suspended after 55 minutes with Pegula leading 6-4, 1-2, though Eala held the advantage in the second set. Multiple attempts by grounds crews to dry Stadium Court were repeatedly undone by returning showers, rendering the surface unplayable.

The stoppage applies to all games scheduled for Sunday evening, including the men’s singles final. Organizers confirmed that the Eala vs. Pegula final will resume on Monday, August 3, at 12:00 p.m. EDT from the exact point of suspension. The men’s final will follow immediately after, taking place not before 1:00 p.m. EDT.

The organizer announced that “Sunday tickets will be honored for Monday’s finals. We are also offering an additional 1,000 tickets for tennis fans to come and watch the matches to provide the best atmosphere possible. More ticketing and parking information to come soon.”

Alex Eala Upsets Naomi Osaka to Reach Mubadala DC Open Final 6-4, 6-2

Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala delivered a landmark victory at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, stunning four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 in their semifinal showdown.

In a dominant 76-minute performance, the unseeded 21-year-old effectively neutralized Osaka’s formidable power game. After trading early breaks, Eala broke Osaka at 4-4 to claim the opening set, before seizing control in the second set by winning over 70% of her serve points and converting four total break opportunities.

Alexandra Eala vs Naomi Osaka Match Highlights.

The victory marks the biggest final of Eala’s burgeoning tennis career. In the Finals, she will battle top seed and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in Sunday’s championship match. Pegula secured her spot in the final after battling back to defeat Diana Shnaider 7-5, 6-4.

ICYMI: Clark has 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the Fever’s victory over the Fire  

ESPN:

Caitlin Clark had 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her fourth career triple-double, and the Indiana Fever won their their fifth straight with a 112-98 victory over the Portland Fire on Friday night.

Kelsey Mitchell also had 26 points for the Fever (19-10), who have won nine of their last 11 and had five straight games with 100 points.

This was one of Caitlin Clark’s best all-around games, placing her firmly in MVP contention, also the best game that we’ve seen where the Fever Big 3 are healthy and playing without any minutes restrictions.

Full game highlights;

Next
Indiana Fever will travel to Minnesota to face the league leader Lynx, while the Portland Tempo will host the LA Sparks, both games will be this Sunday.

Alex Eala defeats defending champion Fernandez 6-2, 7-6(1)

Alexandra Eala produced a magnificent display of grit at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, defeating defending champion Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6 (1) to secure a spot in the quarterfinals in Washington, D.C.

Eala dictated play early, breaking Fernandez twice and cruising through the opening set 6-2 with sharp baseline depth. However, the second set quickly turned into a battle of nerves as Fernandez elevated her intensity. The Canadian seventh seed raced out to a commanding 5-1 lead, appearing poised to force a deciding set.

Refusing to break, the 21-year-old Filipino star launched an astounding comeback. Eala reeled off five consecutive games to snatch a 6-5 lead. Although Fernandez managed a crucial hold to force a tiebreak, Eala dominated the tiebreaker 7-1 to lock up the win in one hour and 53 minutes.

The victory leveled their head-to-head series at 1-1 following Fernandez’s win in Stuttgart earlier this season. Showcasing remarkable mental toughness under pressure, Eala advances to the final eight in D.C., marking one of her most impressive comeback performances on the WTA Tour.

Alexa Eala vs Leylah Fernandez Full Match Highlights

Alex Eala advanced to the quarterfinals of the Mubadala DC Open. She will face the winner of the match between No. 2 seed Elina Svitolina and Uzbek qualifier Polina Kudermetova on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Alex Eala Overcomes Slow Start to Defeat Zheng Qinwen 4-6, 6-4, 6-1

In a thrilling first-round matchup at the 2026 Mubadala Citi DC Open, Filipina star Alex Eala staged a gritty comeback to defeat China’s Zheng Qinwen, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, in two hours and 26 minutes.

The contest initially favored Zheng. After trading early breaks in the first set, the former World No. 4 captured three consecutive games to claim the opener, 6-4. Zheng carried that momentum into the second set, breaking Eala at love to build a 4-3 lead and moving within two games of closing out the match.

WTA Match Highlights

However, Eala displayed remarkable resilience under pressure. The World No. 28 immediately broke back at love, launching a decisive seven-game surge that took the second set, 6-4, and built a commanding 4-0 lead in the decider. Though Zheng momentarily halted the run, Eala quickly sealed the 6-1 third set, leveling their head-to-head record at 1-1 and advancing to face defending champion Leylah Fernandez.

ICYMI: LeBron James Joins Philadelphia 76ers on Two-Year Deal

In a major NBA free agency move, LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. The agreement includes a player option for the second year, offering the 41-year-old superstar flexibility while providing Philadelphia with valuable salary cap room.

Entering a record 24th NBA season after eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the league’s all-time leading scorer confirmed the decision on social media, emphasizing that his choice was driven purely by championship ambition rather than finances.

James’ signing instantly positions Philadelphia as a top title contender, pairing James with an elite star core:

  • Joel Embiid: Former MVP and premier interior anchor.
  • Tyrese Maxey: All-Star guard and dynamic playmaker.
  • Jaylen Brown: Newly acquired All-Star wing offering high-caliber two-way performance.

“I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.” James shared on social media regarding his choice.

By bringing his veteran leadership to the City of Brotherly Love, James aims to end Philadelphia’s title drought and capture the fifth championship ring of his career.

ICYMI: Here are the Participants to the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars and 3-Point Contest

The WNBA All-Star Weekend is just around the corner and the WNBA has announced the participants to the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars and 3-Point Contest, and yes no Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu in the 3-Point Contest, which will be a missed opportunity for the league.

Shooting Stars
Below are the participants for the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars event:

Team WNBA Legend Current Player Nike NYBL Player
Minnesota Rebekkah Brunson Courtney Williams To be assigned
Seattle Lauren Jackson Flau’jae Johnson To be assigned
Washington Elena Delle Donne Shakira Austin To be assigned
Dallas/Detroit Deanna “Tweety” Nolan Jessica Shepard To be assigned

The WNBA Shooting Stars is a two-round, timed shooting competition in which teams have 70 seconds to score as many points as possible from seven shooting locations around the court. The competition features shots ranging from a layup to a long-range three-pointer, with the two teams posting the highest scores in the opening round advancing to the championship round.

3-Point Contest
Below are the participants for the 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest:

Player Team Years in the W
Bridget Carleton Portland Fire 8
Azzi Fudd Dallas Wings Rookie
Natisha Hiedeman Seattle Storm 8
Rhyne Howard Atlanta Dream 5
Marina Mabrey Toronto Tempo 8
Janelle Salaün Golden State Valkyries 2

The State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest participants will compete in a two-round, timed competition with ball racks positioned at five main shooting locations around the three-point arc. Four of the racks contain four official WNBA game balls worth one point each and – in a nod to the league’s original orange-and-oatmeal-colored game ball – one oatmeal-colored “money” ball worth two points. The fifth rack will be a special “allmoney ball” rack containing five oatmeal-colored “money” balls with each made basket worth two points; eachcompetitor will choose their preferred spot for the “all money ball” rack to be located from among the five shooting locations.

Both the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars and 3-Point Contest event will be this Friday, July 24th atthe Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Source: WNBA

Indiana Fever Routs Connecticut Sun by 35 Points Heading Into WNBA All-Star Weekend

The Indiana Fever closed out the first half of their 2026 season with an offensive clinic, thrashing the Connecticut Sun 123-88 on Wednesday, July 22, in their final game before the WNBA All-Star break. The 35-point margin marked the second-largest win in franchise history, while the 123 points set a new single-game franchise record.

Indiana’s star trio — all set to represent the Fever at All-Star Weekend in Chicago — set the tone from the opening tip. Caitlin Clark posted a commanding double-double with 27 points and 11 assists, shooting an efficient 8-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Kelsey Mitchell continued her hot streak, adding 23 points and knocking down at least three three-pointers for the tenth straight game. Aliyah Boston rounded out the trio with a strong all-around performance in the paint.

The Fever were nearly unstoppable from deep, connecting on 11 of 22 three-point attempts while shooting 62% overall from the field — building a big first-half lead they never relinquished. Connecticut struggled to keep pace, with Diamond Miller leading the Sun with 15 points in a game Connecticut played without Aaliyah Edwards and Brittney Griner.

Carrying big momentum into the break, Indiana (17-10) heads into All-Star Weekend looking like one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.

Full game highlights;

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After the All-Star the Indiana Fever will travel to Seattle to face the Storm on the 29th of July, while the Connecticut Sun will go to the Capital for a match against the Washington Mystics on the 29th as well.