Tuesdays pair of nationally televised WNBA video games could be one in all this seasons finest. The motion opens with one other Finals rematch, because the defending champion New York Liberty host the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx alongside Atlantic Avenue. That headliner is adopted by two scorching ascendants: The Atlanta Dream, surging all the best way as much as No. 2 on the Ws desk, go to the Las Vegas Aces, who’ve stacked seven consecutive wins.
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The Lynx and Liberty don’t like one another. Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve stated that the 2024 Finals thriller was stolen from her facet, and blamed the refs for imbalanced calls round Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Lynx guard Courtney Williams totally loved the newest revenge bout, an 86-80 win on Saturday. The seafoam supporters ought to present out in full drive for this one.
Minnesota is now trying to go an ideal 4-0 towards New York in 2025, and can assault the perimeter to take action. It shot a clear 48.4 % on 3s within the first win, 100-93 on July 30. It shot 47.6 % behind the arc within the second W, 83-71 on Aug. 10. And whereas Saturdays triumph didnt have that very same long-range smoothness (31.8 %), Alanna Smith took over down low to anchor the fourth-quarter comeback:
Liberty heart Jonquel Jones was environment friendly final day trip, ending 7-of-11 from the sector with two made 3s. Her initiator, Sabrina Ionescu, was bottled as much as 5-for-16 taking pictures and had extra turnovers (3) than assists (2). The adorned forwards Stewart (knee) and Collier (ankle) are each nonetheless out, however theres sufficient scoring prowess and star magnetism on this matchup to dwell as much as its billing.
The nightcap tethers two of the leagues finest midseason turnarounds. Atlanta has received eight of its final 10 video games, and now touts a greater file than everybody besides Minnesota. The Dream picked up a pleasant nationwide TV win in San Francisco on Sunday, knocking off the Golden State Valkyries with a convincing third-quarter blitz. ATL comes into this sport ranked No. 2 in offensive score and No. 3 and in defensive score. It additionally performs with the second-slowest tempo and shoots the second-most 3s. The staff units up environment friendly, affected person motion via Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada, whereas a pairing of Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones lock down the paint. It funnels motion into do-it-all star Allisha Grey, who begins the week with the third-most offensive win shares of 2025. Grey had 24 factors and sunk 5-of-11 3s within the Desires final assembly with the Aces.
Las Vegas dominated that look, although, successful by 15 factors on July 22. Aja Wilson and her Aces (TM) are actually 21-14, driving a seven-game win streak into Tuesday. Vegas continues to be ninth in defensive score, nevertheless it now enjoys the leagues finest file (11-5) in shut video games (five-point lead or much less within the ultimate 5 minutes). The staff is taking pictures an absurd 45 % from 3 in clutch minutes this yr.
Jackie Younger, Jewell Loyd and Chelsea Grey are all confirmed playmakers down the stretch, and the June 30 acquisition of NaLyssa Smith has revamped the rebounding on each ends. However the whole lot runs via Wilson, the incumbent MVP who has notched at the very least 30 factors in three of her final 4 video games. She was locked in towards the Dallas Wings on Sunday:
Each of those video games can be found on NBA TV and WNBA League Go for out-of-market viewers. The groups respective native broadcasters will carry for locals.
Factors Kelsey Mitchell (IND), 38
Rebounds Aja Wilson (LV), 20
Assists Alyssa Thomas (PHX), 15 shes finished it thrice this season
Steals Gabby Williams (SEA), 8
Blocks Ezi Magbegor (SEA) and Alanna Smith (MIN), 6
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