^{July 05, 2025 | Edition #107}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

Funny how the darkest dips can lead to the brightest turns… like everything had to fall apart just to fall into place. That’s pretty much the mood right now for the Fever and the Wings. One lost their brightest star, the other looked like they barely had a roster left, and yet, instead of crumbling, they’re rising. Meanwhile, not everyone’s catching the same glow. For a few others, the fall couldn’t be steeper.

Does Indiana’s Best Version Need CC in the Lead?

“Defense wins games!” That’s Stephanie White’s whole coaching philosophy, and her squad showed what that looks like against the Aces. They held Vegas to just 26% shooting from the field and handed them a brutal 81-54 loss - the lowest scoring game in Aces history.

Even A’ja Wilson’s 29 points (9-18 FG) couldn’t save the day when the rest of the starters combined for only 12. Becky Hammon didn’t sugarcoat anything either. “I don’t know how you step on to the floor with 20,000 people in the stands and perform like that.”

The best part for the Fever is that it came right after a perfect Commissioner’s Cup road performance. Sure, that win didn’t count in the regular season standings, but paired with this one, the Fever pulled off something that hasn’t been done in the WNBA since 2003. That’s 22 years! Find out what it is.

With Thursday’s win, Indiana finally broke a 16-game losing streak to the Aces, one that stretched all the way back to 2019 (second-longest in history). Kelsey Mitchell (25), Aliyah Boston (20), and Natasha Howard (11) - all three went off again just like they had 48 hours earlier.

This three-game stretch might just be what the preseason hype ordered. However, this really makes us reconsider the dynamic because all three wins came without Clark. ESPN’s Carolyn Peck said, “The Indiana Fever might actually be more dangerous without Caitlin Clark because now they’re not waiting on her to save them.” They’re playing as a team.

Makes you wonder…are the Fever finally unlocking their full potential when it isn’t all about CC? Or will they take another step after Caitlin returns? Only time will tell.

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Rookies Cook While Skylar Diggins Calls Game

It was the rookie-show in Dallas on Thursday. With only eight players available, the Wings had no choice but to roll with their young guns against the league’s second-best team. Who knew they'd turn necessity into a statement win, though?

Dallas started four rookies in a historic lineup - the first time that’s happened in the W since 2000 - and led nearly wire-to-wire in a 98-89 win over a 12-5 Mercury squad led by vets like Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper.

NC State alum Aziaha James was the moment, dropping a career-high 28 points in her best game yet. Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers (23) brought UConn flashbacks in the best way. You remember that volleyball-like tap assist that had us losing our minds back in March? She did it again.

While that was a surprising yet comfortable win, the Seattle vs. Atlanta matchup was anything but.

Atlanta looked like they might pull it off after a late run. But Seattle stormed back. A pair of free throws cut it to 79-78 with 32.5 seconds to go. Overtime? Everyone thought so. Then… Skylar Diggins happened. With the game on the line, she nailed this game-winner like it was nothing.

The game had it all - 17 turnovers, rough shooting, and still came down to the final 3.4 seconds. Just like that, Seattle walked away with an 80-79 thriller, and Nneka Ogwumike, with her 24 points, quietly moved up to 7th on the WNBA all-time scoring list.

Your Verdict Is In! WNBA’s 2030 Expansion Might Be a Step Too Far

All Gas, No Finish! Sparks and Mystics Run Out Too Soon

The comebacks this week were electric, but they came at someone’s expense. The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx pulled off impressive bounce-back wins. However, that meant a second straight L for the Sparks and Mystics. Let’s start in L.A., where good vibes were high with the arrival of Julie Vanloo and the return of Rae Burrell.

The game itself was a story of two halves. L.A. started hot, building a 41-37 halftime lead, thanks to Dearica Hamby (who ended with a team-high 25). They even stretched it to 53-42 midway through the third, and then the Liberty flipped the switch. Even when L.A. cut it to five late in the fourth, Leonie Fiebich drained this dagger three to seal it.

Meanwhile, over in Minnesota, Lucy Olsen's career night of 19 points off the bench was ruined. The Lynx were clearly not in the mood to face a second loss at the hands of DC. After a solid first quarter by Washington, Minnesota woke up in the second and took over in the third, outscoring the Mystics 27-14.

Aaliyah Edwards added 15 for the Mystics, but when all starters except one score in single digits, a 92-75 loss is not surprising. While the Mystics took the loss, the night’s toughest blow might’ve come for the Lynx. See for yourself.

Still, Minnesota will try to keep spirits high, especially with Napheesa Collier continuing her stellar run and the team still holding strong at the top of the standings.

Sparks’ Latest Addition Already Winning Hearts! What Julie Vanloo Did Before Tip-off Says Everything About Her Dedication

✨ She Got Glam! ✨

The Liberty hit a rough patch with back-to-back road losses, but coming home did the trick. Through it all, Breanna Stewart stayed solid, dropping double digits on the court and standing tall off it. Because as sweet as Stewie is as a teammate, she doesn’t hold back when it comes to speaking up. Right after the WNBPA rejected the league’s first CBA proposal, she had some bold words, saying just how disrespectful it really felt.

Your WNBA Watchlist

The Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries meet for the first time on Saturday. Yes, it looks super lopsided on paper, but if we’ve learned anything about this expansion squad, it’s that they love proving people wrong. Still, pulling it off against the top team in the league will be very difficult.

While the Valks are ninth in scoring, averaging 79.5 points, the Lynx are the best defensive team in the league, shutting teams down night after night. Both squads are coming off wins, but for Golden State to even have a shot, they’ll need to bring two things to the table. Check out the game preview.

Then it’s Seattle vs. New York on Sunday. A pair of the league’s top scorers - Breanna Stewart (3rd, 20.5) and Skylar Diggins-Smith (10th, 18.5) - face off as the Liberty host the Storm. A loss here would sting for the defending champs, especially with Seattle inching closer to their record. We know that the Libs are relentless at home, but with Jonquel Jones out and the Storm heating up fast, don’t be shocked if Seattle shakes things up.

Over in Indy on Saturday, the Caitlin Clark-less Fever are out for revenge. The Sparks’ only win in their last seven games came against Indiana. On top of that, it’s personal for Aari McDonald, who gets a shot at the team that waived her. While the sample size is low, this crazy stat shows how impactful she’s been.

Considering L.A.’s guard depth behind Plum is already razor-thin… if McDonald goes off, the regret might hit quick.

This is How Champs Are Treated! See How the Liberty Immortalized Their ‘More Than Champs’ in Brooklyn

📝 More Stories to Check Out

1. Dick Vitale Rips WNBA Stars Over “Pure Jealousy” Toward Caitlin Clark - Full Story

2. Paige Bueckers Doesn’t Need Your Validation, Sends Bold Message After All-Star Crown - Full Story

3. Controversy Erupts as Refs Ignore Clear Foul by A’ja Wilson vs Indiana - Full Story

4. Stephanie White Rips Refs, Caitlin Clark Backs Her Loudly…and Financially? - Full Story

5. "First World Problems!" Cheryl Reeve Draws the Line Before Coaching Against Napheesa Collier - Full Story

That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

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