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On Friday, the Golden State Valkyries set the record for most wins by an expansion team with 18 wins. Golden State is currently seventh in the WNBA standings, 1.5 games ahead of Seattle in eighth and two games ahead of Los Angeles and Washington in 10th. The Valkyries are poised to make the playoffs in their inaugural season despite their first-round draft pick missing the season, and despite their first all-star, Kayla Thornton, going down with a season-ending knee injury last month... August 19, 2025 What Can Expansion Teams learn from the Valkyries? Steve Pimental On Friday, the Golden State Valkyries set the record for most wins by an expansion team with 18 wins. Golden State is currently seventh in the WNBA standings, 1.5 games ahead of Seattle in eighth and two games ahead of Los Angeles and Washington in 10th. The Valkyries are poised to make the playoffs in their inaugural season despite their first-round draft pick missing the season, and despite their first all-star, Kayla Thornton, going down with a season-ending knee injury last month. Even if the Valkyries fall short of the playoffs, this season has been wildly successful. As such, they offer a blueprint for the five expansion teams that will join the league in the next five years. Here are five things those expansion teams can learn from the Valkyries. 1. Go for Experience Each WNBA team was allowed to protect up to six players for the expansion draft. That meant that extensively, the Valkyries would get the seventh-best player from each team. I expected the Valkyries would go for young players with upside in the expansion draft and perhaps even negotiate some trades for future draft assets. Instead, they built a smart, savvy roster of players who know how to play. Seven of Golden State’s 11 picks in the expansion draft were at least 27 years old. Even some of the players with less WNBA experience like Julie Vanloo and Maria Conde had extensive professional experience in Europe. They may not have a lot of high-end talent, but you can go a long way in this league simply by not having any bad players in your rotation and that is one reason Golden State owns a winning record. 2. Hire the Right Coach The WNBA had eight new coaches entering this season, including seven first-time hires. A few of those have been wildly successful, including Karl Smesko in Atlanta and Sydney Johnson in Washington, but the frontrunner for Coach of the Year is Natalie Nakase, who the Valkyries hired following three years as an assistant to Becky Hammon in Las Vegas. Nakase was the perfect coach for this veteran team. No WNBA team has played more zone defense than Golden State this season, and the Valkyries will often switch up their zone from one possession to the next to confuse opposing offenses. Golden State was never going to have the best offense in the league but they are fourth in the league in defensive rating, which is a credit to the roster and especially the coach. 3. Create a Home-Court Advantage Golden State currently leads the WNBA in home attendance, per Across the Timeline . Not only have the fans packed the arena, they have helped create an atmosphere that is loud and fun and difficult to play in. Eight WNBA teams have winning records at home this season, including the Valkyries at 10-6. Seven of those eight teams are in playoff spots. By taking care of their home court and winning just enough on the road, Golden State has found a winning formula future expansion teams can replicate. 4. Take a Ton of Threes One of the reasons I thought Golden State would struggle in its first year was a lack of players who could create advantages on offense. They have made up for that deficiency by moving the ball and shooting a ton of threes. Golden State is fourth in the WNBA in assist percentage. The three teams above them have the three best records in WNBA. The Valkyries are 11th in three point percentage but first in three point attempts, shooting 2.3 more per game than the next closest team. They have scored 37.5 percent of their points on threes, also tops in the league. On the other side of the ball, the Valkyries have the third-highest defensive rebounding rate despite their heavy use of zone defense. By limiting the opposing team’s second-chance opportunities and taking more valuable shots on the other end, Golden State can make up for what they might lack in talent. 5. Make Smart Free Agent Signings Golden State was largely quiet in the offseason in both trades and free agency. It was thought they might pursue Kelsey Plum but instead their big acquisition outside of the expansion draft and rookie draft was Tiffany Hayes, who was coming off her 12th WNBA season. Hayes won Sixth Woman of the Year with the Aces in 2024, but the Valkyries were able to offer her a starting role with more minutes and the keys to the offense. Hayes is averaging the most rebounds and assists per game of her career in her 13th WNBA season. That almost certainly wouldn’t have happened had she joined a more established team. Free agency will be much different for the new expansion teams. We will have a new collective bargaining agreement following this season, and nearly every veteran in the league will be a free agent. If Portland or Toronto wants to try to lure a star or stars to their city, they can do that, but there is a decent chance they’ll have to overpay if they’re not able to attract All-WNBA caliber talent. I think they could be better served by offering a veteran player an on-ball role and surrounding her with shooting and defense. Someone like Aari McDonald, who did not make a roster out of training camp but kept Indiana’s offense afloat with Caitlin Clark out, could be the perfect person to drive an offense for an expansion team. SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author Steve Pimental would rather write 20,000 words about Stef Dolson than write two sentences about himself. He lives near Chicago with his beagle/shepard mix, Hootie.

RotoWire expert Joe Mayo outlines his top fantasy WNBA risers and fallers for this week, including Monique Akoa-Makani and other rookies whose roles are evolving. The WNBA is back to its regularly scheduled programming after a light schedule in Week 7, and there are plenty of opportunities to add value across fantasy formats... July 7, 2025 Fantasy WNBA Week 8: Top Risers and Fallers Joe Mayo Top Fantasy WNBA Risers for Week 8 Aziaha James, Dallas Wings: The rookie guard continues to impress, averaging 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 three-pointers across 30.6 minutes per game in her last six outings (three starts). She has been extremely efficient during that span, posting shooting splits of 47.7/52.4/88.5. This includes a career-best performance in Thursday's win over Phoenix, during which the NC State product posted 28 points (10-20 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes. Arike Ogunbowale (thumb) and DiJonai Carrington (ribs) have both ruled out for Monday's rematch against the Mercury, so there remains ample opportunity for James. As an added bonus, Dallas plays three games this week. Kathryn Westbeld, Phoenix Mercury: Westbeld continues to see solid playing time as a starter and has recorded at least one steal in each of her last eight appearances, averaging 5.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals across 18.9 minutes per game during that span. While that marks a slight dip from her season average of 22.3 minutes per game, Satou Sabally's ankle injury could open the door for increased playing time. Sabally has already been ruled out for Monday's game against the Wings, and while head coach Nate Tibbetts labeled the star forward as day-to-day after she missed Sunday's practice, her visible limp and walking boot could signal further limitations this week. That would likely allow Westbeld to take on additional minutes. Monique Akoa-Makani, Phoenix Mercury: Akoa-Makani delivered an extremely efficient performance in Thursday's loss to the Wings, during which she posted 14 points (5-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four assists, two rebounds and one steal across 22 minutes. With Kahleah Copper (hamstring) and Satou Sabally (ankle) ruled out for Monday's rematch against the Wings, Akoa-Makani could see an uptick in playing time. The rookie guard has averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 20.0 minutes per game in her last five outings. Key Fantasy WNBA Fallers to Avoid This Week Sarah Ashlee Barker, Los Angeles Sparks: Barker played just five minutes in Thursday's loss to the Liberty and didn't see the floor in Saturday's win over Indiana. The Sparks claimed Julie Vanloo off waivers and welcomed back Julie Allemand and Rae Burrell from extended absences during that stretch. As a result, Barker's minutes have decreased. The rookie guard took on an increased role early in the season, averaging 5.1 points across 21.0 minutes per game over her first 15 WNBA appearances. However, she'll likely continue to see decreased playing time heading into the All-Star break. Kiah Stokes, Las Vegas Aces: Stokes isn't known for being a major contributor in fantasy formats, and her value has dipped even further since NaLyssa Smith joined the Aces via trade last Monday, appearing in the team's last two games. Over her last three appearances, Stokes has averaged 1.3 points and 4.0 rebounds across 13.0 minutes per game, and she moved to a reserve role for the first time this season during Sunday's game against the Sun. While the veteran center logged 18 minutes in Sunday's 18-point win, 10 of those minutes came in the fourth quarter with the starters watching from the sideline. Laeticia Amihere, Golden State Valkyries: Amihere enjoyed a successful Week 6 while Janelle Salaun and Cecilia Zandalasini were sidelined due to EuroBasket commitments. However, both players returned to the lineup in Saturday's loss to the Lynx, logging nine minutes apiece. Amihere didn't see the floor Saturday, and with Salaun and Zandalasini likely to see an increase in minutes, Amihere's playing time will presumably remain limited. Fantasy WNBA Player to Watch in Week 8 Aari McDonald, Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark (groin) was limited in Friday's practice and immediately ruled out for Saturday's loss to the Sparks, so McDonald may continue to receive an expanded role this week. The 26-year-old guard has averaged 9.8 points, 5.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game over her last four outings (three starts) due to Clark being sidelined. The Fever play three games this week, and if Clark misses any of them, McDonald could remain a viable streaming option. SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author Joe Mayo writes about fantasy sports for RotoWire X - @WiscoMayo

July 31, 2025 Jaden's Weekly WNBA Picks Jaden Fode SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author

Right now, I’m giving myself the space to explore. For the first time in a long time, I’m not on a set path—and that’s both exciting and a little intimidating. June 20, 2025 In The Know W/ Meghan Klingenberg Meghan Klingenberg As someone who has had a tremendous amount of success in your college, international, and club career, what is next for Kling?! Right now, I’m giving myself the space to explore. For the first time in a long time, I’m not on a set path—and that’s both exciting and a little intimidating. Soccer lit me up for years, and now I’m chasing that same spark in new places. I’m trying things, having conversations, following curiosity wherever it leads. This year is about asking: What makes me tick now? Are there any hobbies or ways you enjoy spending your time that you look forward to doing more of in your retirement? Honestly? One of the toughest parts of playing professionally is that you don’t own your time. Your calendar rules your life—every training, every recovery session, every bite of food. So I’m looking forward to being in charge of my own time again. Seeing my people. Spontaneous road trips. Eating ice cream for breakfast if I feel like it. I want to spend more time with the folks I love, and explore more of what life has to offer beyond a training pitch. When it comes to watching women’s sports, who are some of your favorite athletes that you love rooting for and why? I’ve been loving the WNBA lately—there’s so much personality, skill, and swagger on the court. I’m rooting hard for the Liberty this season. And in the NWSL, the young players have been fun to watch. That leap into the league isn’t easy—it messes with your confidence, your rhythm, even your identity as a player. So when I see them battling through it, finding their feet, getting better every game—I can’t help but cheer them on. I’ve been there. SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author Meghan Elizabeth Klingenberg played in 2024 as a defender for the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). A former member of the United States women's national team , she is a FIFA Women's World Cup champion, two-time NWSL champion , and two-time NWSL Shield winner. She also played for three teams in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league, for Tyresö FF in Sweden's Damallsvenskan , and for the Houston Dash in the NWSL. Klingenberg attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a four-year starter for the Tar Heels winning two NCAA Championships.

Three of the top contenders to make the All-Rookie Team (& 2 of the top contenders for ROY) will clash! June 20, 2025 A Spicy Week 6 Ahead + Passing Maya Moore in Scoring & Other Milestones EJ Arocho An All-Rookie Affair: Washington vs Atlanta | Friday, 7:30 pm ET Three of the top contenders to make the All-Rookie Team (& 2 of the top contenders for ROY) will clash! KiKi Iriafen (avg 13.3 PPG) & Sonia Citron (avg 13.3 PPG) will look to lead the Mystics over Te-Hina Paopao (6.1 PPG) & Atlanta. The teams have split their H2H so far this season, with Washington winning the first meeting on opening day and Atlanta exacting revenge this month (in blowout fashion). Iowa alum Lucy Olsen is still looking for her rookie breakout game. Will today be the day?! Three-in-a-Row for Angel Reese? Chicago vs Phoenix | Saturday, 1:00 pm ET Although the Sky are still struggling to string together wins, Angel Reese has looked stellar the last two games. Arguably the two best of the season: a career-first TRIPLE-DOUBLE vs Connecticut and a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double (53.8% FG). She’ll need another efficient performance if Chicago wants to avenge their May loss to Phoenix. Is another triple-double in the cards? A 20-20 game?? Two Teams with Something To Prove: Indiana vs Vegas | Sunday, 3:00 pm ET It’s been a rocky start to the season for Vegas. With 4 Olympians & the reigning MVP on the Aces roster, they’ll look to lock in & turn this season around. Beating Indiana, arguably the hottest team in the league, would certainly be a great place to start! They’re fresh off a big win over Connecticut that landed them in the Commish Cup Chip next month. With their star Caitlin Clark back from injury, the Fever want to prove they have all the pieces to contend for a title this Fall. This first meeting between these two teams is going to bring ALL the intensity. All eyes on Sophie Cunningham in this one. The Bottom Two Both Dallas & Connecticut are having underwhelming starts to the season. Dallas sits in the place in the standings at 2-11 while CT isn’t too far ahead at 2-10. They’ll battle it out tonight and then each play two more games this week. EVERY GAME IS CRUCIAL. Neither team can afford to lose a game, but the Sun surely have the toughest route: trying to contain Paige & Arike first, a surging Golden State on Sunday and reigning MVP A’ja & Vegas Wednesday. Though early, postseason hopes seem to be fading for both teams. Milestone Tracker -A’ja Wilson & Kayla McBride are set to pass GOAT Maya Moore on the all-time scoring list this week. A’ja (4,949 points, 30th place), Kayla (4,951 points, 29th place); Maya (4,984 points, 28th place). -Kayla is also just 11 made 3’s away from passing Kristi Toliver & moving into 7th place on the all-time list. -Jewell Loyd twelve 3’s away from passing Kara Lawson & moving into the Top 10 on the all-time list. -Nneka Ogwumike is 13 rebounds away from passing legend Tina Thompson for 9th place all-time. She’s also just 2 steals away from passing Jia Perkins for 6th place all-time. SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author EJ Arocho is Mr. Women’s Basketball and lives in New Jersey. Lives by the shore but looking to make waves everywhere!

Let's Fantasy Game is a vibrant, safe, and supportive online community dedicated to fans of women's sports. With a focus on empowering women athletes and offering a wealth of engaging content. LFG on Discord Join our Community! It’s fun, safe and supportive. JOIN US AT DISCORD DOWNLOAD DISCORD FOR MAC DOWNLOAD DISCORD FOR PC

DB hasn’t gotten herself going yet in her first seven games in Indy threads... but I have a feeling that’s going to change this week... June 6, 2025 Commissioner’s Cup Week 2: The Ultimate X-Factors EJ Arocho DeWanna Bonner | Indiana DB hasn’t gotten herself going yet in her first seven games in Indy threads... but I have a feeling that’s going to change this week. She’s one of the greats, ranking 3rd all time in points, 8th in rebounds & 12th in steals and it’s only a matter of time before that mentality kicks in. The 2x champ can be a nightmare on both sides of the ball & most importantly, she knows how to win. I don’t expect these career lows to last long. If she gets back into vintage form this week, the Fever have a real chance to head into next week 3-0 in the Cup standings. Aziaha James | Dallas We caught a glimpse of what ZaZa can do back on May 27th vs Connecticut. 9 points in 9 minutes, to be exact! It’s been a hot & cold start for the rookie, but the same can be said for the team as a whole. If she can get going, not only can Dallas beat LA & Phoenix, they’ll also have a real chance to cause a shocking upset over undefeated Minnesota; Za did not play in their last meeting when the Wings lost by only 4 points! A 3-0 or even 2-1 week would totally swing momentum & give this team newfound confidence. Aaliyah Nye | Las Vegas Nye was one of the best rookies in the preseason and showed flashes of that on Sunday vs Seattle scoring 10 points in 11 minutes off the bench. She was the x-factor then and will surely be the x-factor moving forward as the Aces take on California with games vs the Valks & Sparks for a chance to go 3-0 in the standings. If she can get the 3 ball clicking at a high clip like she’s capable of doing, it will be a major difference-maker. Dominique Malonga | Seattle This could be a very interesting week for Seattle with games against Phoenix and Minnesota. Their first meeting with the Storm was a forgettable 81-59 blowout. 6 days later, revenge was exacted with a 7 point win. Against Minnesota, they struggled in the closing minutes and lost by just 5. Needless to say, these 2 games are very winnable, especially if their 6’6” rook gets going early! Malonga’s minutes have steadily increased and so has her production/efficiency. A 2-0 week would certainly shake things up in the Western Conference. Naz Hillmon | Atlanta The Dream are currently riding a four-game win streak and are one of the hottest teams in the W. Naz has A LOT to do with their success, averaging just over 26 mpg and 9.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.7 apg & 1.7 spg off the bench in the last three contests. She could very well find herself in the starting rotation soon, maybe even as early as this week! Atlanta opens Commissioner’s Cup play against Connecticut on Friday. Elizabeth Williams | Chicago Chicago is coming alive & so is Williams. Riding a two-game win streak, they open CC play on Saturday in a showdown with Indiana. In their last meeting [on opening day], Elizabeth was held to just 1 point. Since then, she’s come into her own & has given the Sky quality production coming off the bench. If Angel Reese or Kamilla Cardoso get in foul trouble or are having an off-night, she can sub in and put in work on the glass. She’s well known for her stout rim protection, having garnered All-Defensive Team accolades in recent years. Lexi Held | Phoenix The rookie no one is talking about… yet! That’ll soon change following a breakout on Tuesday & Thursday vs the Lynx & Valkyries. 29 minutes off the bench saw her pour in 16 points vs Minny, followed by 24 minutes in 27 minutes vs Golden State. Phoenix currently does not have depth at the guard spot, and with Megan McConnell going down with injury in her first game, more will be expected from Lexi. They’ve been up & down to start off the season and boast a 2-1 record in CC play. With this surge of confidence, I think it’s safe to expect a boost in production from the rook. Natisha Hiedeman | Minnesota No surprise here really. Tisha has been incredible all season long and if she keeps up this stellar play, she may find herself in the running for Sixth Woman & Most Improved at season’s end. She’s fresh off tying a career-high 18 points to move the Lynx to 2-0 in Cup play. She’s the ultimate spark plug and a big reason why this team is undefeated. Current averages of 8.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg & 2.8 apg. Kate Martin | Golden State “The Glue”… but also, the x-factor! If anyone is going to will her team to more tough wins this season, it’s Kate Martin. She’s everything you’d expect from an x-factor. Hard-nosed, gritty & committed on both sides of the ball. She gets crucial stops! She makes clutch plays! Sunday’s loss to Minnesota saw her rack up a career-best 14 points off the bench. With two Cup games this week (including a matchup with Kate’s former team Vegas), she’ll have to replicate that magic and get GS back on the winning track. A poor performance this week could totally take them out of Cup contention in the Western Conference. Kate will come out guns blazing! Marine Johannès | New York It almost seems unfair to have Marine as an option off the bench for an already loaded team. The Frenchwoman is one of the most devastating 3-point shooters in the league who gets right to work when she checks. It’s instant production! She sees the floor remarkably well and uses those elite combo skills to be effective both dishing and scoring. “La Magicienne” has emerged as a super role player and an integral part of the Libs’ early season dominance. SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author EJ Arocho is Mr. Women’s Basketball and lives in New Jersey. Lives by the shore but looking to make waves everywhere!

Read the cookie policy for the Let's Fantasy Game website. Cookie Policy Effective Date: April 4, 2025 This Cookies Policy explains how Let's Fantasy Game ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website https://www.letsfantasygame.com/ . 1. What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your device to improve your browsing experience by remembering preferences and tracking usage. 2. How We Use Cookies We use cookies to: Enhance website functionality and user experience Analyze site traffic and trends Remember preferences and settings Deliver relevant advertisements (if applicable) 3. Types of Cookies We Use Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic website functionality Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our Site Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (if applicable) 4. Managing Cookies You can disable cookies through your browser settings. However, some features may not function properly without cookies. 5. Updates to This Policy We may update this policy from time to time. Please review this page for changes. If you have any additional concerns and or questions, please contact us .

At Defy the Odds, we work with LFG – Let’s Fantasy Game because we recognize the incredible momentum behind women’s sports and the untapped potential of fantasy gaming to drive even greater engagement. April 15, 2025 Startup Accelerator Defy The Odds Partners with LFG! Defy The Odds Staff At Defy the Odds , we work with LFG – Let’s Fantasy Game because we recognize the incredible momentum behind women’s sports and the untapped potential of fantasy gaming to drive even greater engagement. Fantasy gameplay doesn’t just deepen the connection of existing fans—it also creates new pathways for audiences to discover and invest in women’s sports. By blending connections, competition, and community-building, LFG has the power to turn moments into a movement, helping to grow the popularity around women’s sports in a way that is both sustainable and meaningful. We’re excited to support their journey and help shape the future of this rapidly evolving market. VISIT WEBSITE SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author Defy The Odds (DTO) is a startup accelerator founded by gaming industry veterans Kelly Kehn, Sue Scheider, and Paris Smith. DTO is on the LFG Advisory Board.

August 15, 2025 Jaden's Picks - Rivalry Week Jaden Fode SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author

Sitting at 1 & 2 in the Eastern Cup standings, these two will play in a game that could end up being one of the most-watched of the year! June 13, 2025 Must-Watch Games + MVP, DPOY & ROY Leaders heading into Week 5 EJ Arocho Seattle Storm vs Golden State Valkyries Saturday, June 14th at 8:30 pm ET Seattle is beginning to gel & look like the team we all thought they’d be! Balanced scoring saw a huge upset of [previously] undefeated Minnesota to take the lead in the Commissioner’s Cup Western Conference. They’ll face a pair of Cali teams in LA & Golden State for the first time this season to close out Cup play, but it’s Saturday’s contest vs the surging Valkyries that I’m circling in bright red as must-see TV! The Valks are riding a wave of momentum, beating both Vegas (in blow-out fashion) & LA last week. Rookie Janelle Salaün will be away competing in EuroBasket and leaves a sizeable hole in the offense at 11.8 PPG. This game will be crucial for both teams and could ultimately determine the Top 3 in the leaderboard. Las Vegas Aces vs Minnesota Lynx Tuesday, June 17th at 8:00 pm ET The two leaders in the early race for ROY will clash for the first time this season. Minnesota is one of the hottest teams in the league, while Vegas finds themselves in a struggle and near the bottom of the Commissioner’s Cup standings. Something that may totally change the outcome of this game will be whether or not reigning MVP A’ja Wilson will suit up. She exited Wednesday’s contest vs Los Angeles in what the team called “a head injury.” I don’t think there’s a single player on the Aces roster who can make up for the type of production A’ja brings on both offense and defense, so if she’s out, it could spell big trouble. We haven’t quite seen Jewell Loyd get going, but if she can play like the Olympian she is, Vegas has a shot against anybody. For Minnesota, it’s excellent ball movement and balanced scoring that’s been the catalyst for their early season success. While they have a clear superstar in Napheesa Collier, they have three others averaging at least 11.0 ppg and another three averaging at least 6.0 ppg. Collier (averaging 25.4 ppg) has looked like the best player in the W through one month and has emerged as the leader for MVP. New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever Saturday, June 14th at 3:00 pm ET Sitting at 1 & 2 in the Eastern Cup standings, these two will play in a game that could end up being one of the most-watched of the year! Indy has been without Caitlin Clark or Sophie Cunningham (both have yet to play a Commissioner’s Cup game) for the past two weeks but are hopeful for a return this weekend. It’s likely New York will be missing Jonquel Jones who went down on June 5th with an ankle injury, but receive good news from Nyara Sabally who withdrew from EuroBasket and is marked “available.” With their full lineup in-tact, I think Indiana has a big chance to take down the reigning champs, but if still short-handed, I think Stewie, Sabrina & co. will prove too much to handle. Too many options, too much depth. Dallas Wings Make-or-Break Week Paige Bueckers is back and looking better than before, but Dallas still isn’t winning. While they’re certainly out of Cup contention, games this week against Vegas and Golden State will be crucial to try and swing some momentum and build confidence. It could get ugly quick if they don’t start clicking soon, and if a winless June ensues, it would drop the Wings to 1-17 & all but take them out of playoff contention. We saw what can happen when Paige gets assertive with the ball & dictates the offense: a 35-point explosion vs Phoenix. Dallas’s super-scorer Arike Ogunbowale has struggled with efficiency lately, going 2-10 from the field on Wednesday and 6-20 on Sunday. This team features one of the league’s most prolific scorers, best rookies & best defenders. If they can play to their strengths, the growing pains of playing together could all be worth it come the second half of the season. Chicago Sky vs Atlanta Dream Friday, June 13th at 7:30 pm ET A loss to Atlanta would drop Chicago to 0-3 and out of CC contention. Needless to say, they need this dub badly! They’re on a two-game skid which have both been blowouts, so a win here would do wonders for team morale and renewed focus. But it won’t be easy: The league’s leader in rebounds, Angel Reese, will face a tall task, going head-to-head with 6’9” Brittney Griner on the glass. 6’7” Kamilla Cardoso will have to be aggressive on the boards if Chicago wants to win that battle. Also, losing one of the best pass-first point guards in league history in Courtney Vandersloot (ACL tear) leaves them down a starter and focal point of their offense. Reese is coming off the best game of the season vs NY, while Bec Allen, pushed into the starting rotation for the first time, is coming off her worst. DPOY Leader: A’ja Wilson Ranking 3rd in defensive rebounds (7.5 drpg) tied for 2nd in steals (2.0 spg) & leading the league in blocks (2.6 bpg). A’ja is well on her way to winning her 3rd DPOY Award in the past 4 seasons. Others to watch: Napheesa Collier, Natasha Cloud, DiJonai Carrington, Gabby Williams, Jonquel Jones. ROY Leader: KiKi Iriafen Averaging 14.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg & 1.0 apg. She leads the Mystics in rebounds & ranks 2nd in scoring. She also currently ranks 3rd in the WNBA in o-boards, 9th in defensive boards & 4th in rebounds overall. Others to watch: Sonia Citron, Paige Bueckers, Lexi Held, Janelle Salaün. SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author EJ Arocho is Mr. Women’s Basketball and lives in New Jersey. Lives by the shore but looking to make waves everywhere!

July 1, 2025 Aaron's Must-Watch Players for Euros 2025 Aaron West SEE MORE ARTICLES & VIDEOS About the Author