Recent trade acquisition Jaylen Brown is preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season, his first with the Philadelphia 76ers. Ahead of training camp, the former Boston Celtics forward was seen working out with famous shooting instructor Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews. Before Matthews became a famous coach, he played for Washington State and St. Bonaventure and also spent time in the NBA G-League.
In a video posted to social media, Brown was knocking down consecutive long-range attempts, giving Philadelphia fans something to cheer about prior to the team's season opener in October. Brown, who led the league in two-pointers attempted last season, is a career 35.8% shooter from beyond the arc. Last season, Brown shot slightly below that figure, converting on 34.7% of 3-point attempts.
Following a top-six finish in MVP voting a season ago, increased shooting efficiency from Brown will help him benefit as an off-ball contributor when LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey or Joel Embiid is in possession.
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#league

After four big wins in the quarterfinals, the United States, France, Spain, and Germany all earned their spots in the semifinals. Saturday's two matchups will be intense. Each team left in the competition can find its way to the finals. Let's take a look at the two semifinal games.
France has been putting up insane statistics during this tournament. Between breaking the single-game three-point record and heavily outscoring their opponents, it is safe to say they are the team to beat. However, this semifinal clash against Germany, who have home-court advantage, will be their biggest test of the tournament.
The good news for France is their depth. There are many strong players who have been coming off the bench and making an impact. One of those players is none other than Marine Johannès. Johannès ranks eighth in the tournament in points scored per game with 16.5. She is currently leading the tournament with 16 three-pointers made so far. Once again, Johannès is not starting in games and making a strong impact each time.
August 15, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Johannes (23) shoots the ball against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, starter Gabby Williams has been playing some of her best basketball in the World Cup. If she continues this strong play, France has a strong chance to make it into the finals.

#connecticut

BERLIN (AP) — ****** an shooting guard Saki Hayashi went off with what looked a broken arm after a foul during the team's playoff against Hungary at the women's FIBA World Cup on Tuesday.
Hayashi scored despite the foul in the air from Agnes Torok but needed immediate medical attention with just over a minute left in the second quarter. She landed awkwardly on her right arm.
She was unable to continue and a somber silence fell upon the arena as she lay still on the court. A blue tarp was provided to give her privacy and fans responded with applause when she was led off.
Hayashi hit nine 3-pointers in ****** an's opening win over Mali on Friday.
Japan trailed Hungary 37-34 at halftime in their playoff to see which team will play a quarterfinal against the United States on Thursday.

#foul

BERLIN (AP) — Record 3-point shooting helped France cruise into the quarterfinals of the women's FIBA World Cup.
France broke a three-day old record, making 22 3-pointers in its 111-56 win over Nigeria on Monday. The French team topped the 20 3-pointers that ****** an hit in its opening win over Mali.
Gabby Williams led the way making six of her eight 3-point attempts. Marine Johannes hit five as France was 22-for-40 from behind the arc.
Migna Toure's 3-pointer with 5:45 left was France's 21st of the game to top ****** an's record. She said she had no idea that France was even close to a record.
"I didn't know we broke the record, to me it was just a corner 3," Toure said.

#record #pointers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Arike Ogunbowale scored 18 points, Jessica Shepard had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Dallas Wings beat the Connecticut Sun 97-71 on Sunday night in the final game before the FIBA World Cup break.
The Wings (24-16) have won four in a row and have their most wins in a season since 2007, when the franchise won 24 straight as the Detroit Shock. The Shock won a franchise-record 25 games in 2003 on their way to the first of three WNBA championships.
Dallas moved into a three-way tie with New York and Washington for sixth in the WNBA standings, two games back of Indiana and Atlanta.
Shepard had her 22nd double-double this season, second most in the WNBA — after Angel Reese with 29 — to extend the franchise record. Paige Bueckers added 15 points and six ***** ists and Maddy Siegrist scored 11 for Dallas.
Aaliyah Edwards scored 21 of her career-best tying 26 points in the first half for the Sun (10-30). Charlisse Leger-Walker hit five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points.

#WNBA #shepard

Flau'Jae Johnson continues to impress as a rookie in the WNBA. The former LSU women's basketball star plays for the Seattle Storm and set a record for the legendary franchise on Sunday. Johnson passed Sue Bird with the most 20-point games by a rookie in Storm history. She also became the second rookie in franchise history to score 500 points.
Johnson did it by scoring 23 points on Sunday against the Dallas Wings. She shot 47% from the field, knocking down five three-pointers while adding six rebounds, three steals and two **** ists. She followed it up with a 20-point performance Wednesday against the Toronto Tempo and shot 60% from the field.
Johnson averages a team-best 1.4 steals per game. Her 13.9 points and 3.9 **** ists both rank third on the team and second among the 2026 rookie class. She has started all but two games for the Storm, which ranks No. 8 in the Western Conference Standings.
As a freshman at LSU, Johnson joined the national championship team. She played four seasons under head coach Kim Mulkey, ending her career as one of the program's most successful players. Johnson finished No. 5 on the all-time scoring list with 2,063 points, just under 200 points away from Sylvia Fowles. She averaged 14.2 points per game on 47% shooting from the field over her career.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Ex-LSU star Flau'Jae Johnson sets Seattle Storm record

#field #star

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama played his first game as captain, leading France to a dominant 92-67 win over Slovenia in the ongoing FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. He finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and five three-pointers on 6-for-10 shooting from the field in under 22 minutes of action.
During his postgame interview with L'Equipe, Wembanyama didn't want all the credit. So, the San Antonio Spurs center paid homage to his frontcourt partner, Rudy Gobert, who had nine points, seven rebounds, and two blocks on 9-for-10 shooting from the free-throw line.
Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks back up the court during the fourth quarter during game one against the New York Knicks of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
"Everything depends on the circumstances. At halftime, we had almost the same score as we did against Serbia in the friendly game. We made mistakes in the previous game that we didn't repeat today. It wasn't perfect. You have to know how to find the right words depending on the context," Wembanyama said.
"That's normal," he added about his improving chemistry with Gobert. "That's the only direction it's supposed to go. I hope to share the court with him for a long time, for years. It's good. It's a step forward. We're working."

#antonio #points

PHOENIX (AP) — Georgia Amoore scored 16 of her career-high 25 points in the fourth quarter, Kiki Iriafen added 20 points and 12 rebounds for her 19th double-double of the season and the Washington Mystics beat the Phoenix Mercury 80-73 on Thursday night.
Washington (24-15) moved into sixth in the WNBA standings with the win and New York's loss to Golden State earlier Thursday.
Washington trailed 63-53 with 8:17 left in the fourth before going on a 17-2 run and taking a 70-65 lead.
Amoore made 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions to give the Mystics a 78-73 lead with 1:18 left. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton sealed it by making two free throws with 28.1 seconds left, stretching the lead to seven points.
Amoore finished with a career-high six 3-pointers, helping to easily eclipse her previous best of 14 points in a game. Shakira Austin added 11 points for Washington.

#amoore #left #high

The Indiana Fever (25-14) host the Connecticut Sun (10-27) before a long break for the Women's World Cup tournament.
Kelsey Mitchell (24.8 points, 45.5% 3-pointers) and Caitlin Clark (22.1 points, 8.3 ******* ists) and Aliyah Boston (17.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 41.7% 3-pointers) power the Fever, who are on a WNBA-record scoring pace (96.6 points per game). Clark and Boston are on Team USA for the World Cup.
Aaliyah Edwards (10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 40% 3-pointers) leads the injury-ravaged Sun, who trail the league in scoring (79.2 points) and 3-point shooting (29.6%).
Here's what you should know about the game:
Find Fever tickets on StubHub

#pointers #clark #scoring

Why Stephanie White never lost faith in Lexie Hull during Fever shooting slump originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Lexie Hull's place in the Indiana Fever starting lineup was not dependent on whether her shots were falling. That was the message from coach Stephanie White after Hull broke out of a prolonged offensive slump during Indiana's 113-90 victory over the Chicago Sky.
Hull scored 14 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting, made two 3-pointers and added two rebounds in 26 minutes. It was her first double-digit scoring performance since July 9 against the Phoenix Mercury.
The breakthrough came after a difficult stretch in which Hull recorded four scoreless games despite continuing to start for one of the WNBA's top teams. White acknowledged that the slump affected Hull, but it did not change how the guard approached her responsibilities.
"Certainly was struggling with confidence, but you could never tell in the way that she shows up," White said Wednesday. "She's always going to show up. She's always going to stay ready."

#hull

The Texas women's basketball program has once again expanded its recruiting map.
On Wednesday, Texas announced its signing of Australian guard Jayda Clark. The six-foot Clark will be eligible to compete with the Longhorns during the 2026-27 season.
Clark has not played collegiate basketball, but she should still add a veteran presence to a Texas roster that has five freshman on its. Clark is 21 years old, and she has played professionally in Australia. According to UT, Clark scored 36 points and made eight 3-pointers in her last WNBL game.
"We are thrilled to add such a great young lady and her family as well as a tremendous player to our program," Texas coach Vic Schaefer said in a statement. "Jayda has been playing in the WNBL Professional League in Australia for the past two years and she is coming to us after having a great season this year having scored 36 points in her last game. Jayda will bring experience and the ability to score the basketball at all three levels. She is a veteran player with size and strength at the guard position being able to play multiple positions."
Due to the graduation of Rori Harmon and the offseason defections of Jordan Lee and Aaliyah Crump, Texas is thin in its backcourt. But junior Bryanna Preston is back, and Clark, freshmen Addison Bjorn, Amalia Holguin and Lizzy Spaight and Oklahoma transfer Zya Vann will be among those who could compete for playing time.

#clark

The Indiana Fever's victory over the Chicago Sky on Aug. 23 was the highest rated WNBA game in 30 years.
NBC Sports said on Wednesday the matchup on Sunday Night Basketball averaged a Total Audience Delivery of 3.31 million viewers between NBC and Peacock, making it the most-watched regular-season game since the league's opening weekend in 1997.The game was also the third most-watched WNBA regular-season game ever. It peaked at 3.82 million viewers. Sunday's Fever vs. Sky matchup trails two games from the league's opening weekend (June 21-22, 1997): New York Liberty vs. Los Angeles Sparks (5.04 million viewers) and Charlotte Sting vs. Phoenix Mercury (3.59 million viewers)
It was the second contest in WNBA regular-season history broadcast by a network on Sunday in prime-time. The first was on July 12, when Indiana played the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. That game averaged a TAD of 2.64 million viewers and is the second most-watched WNBA game this season.
The Fever beat the Sky, 113-90, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Sunday. Caitlin Clark led the way with 37 points, including a career-best eight 3-pointers, and 10 ******* ists. Kelsey Mitchell added 30 points, four ******* ists, two steals and a block.Chicago finished with four players in double figures, including Natasha Cloud, who led the team with 16 points. Cloud also had seven ******* ists, four rebounds and a steal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fever vs. Sky WNBA's most-watched regular-season game since 1997

#viewers #Chicago

Caitlin Clark gave a very typical Caitlin Clark answer when asked about the incident after the Indiana Fever's win over the Chicago Sky.
Caitlin Clark put on a show against the Chicago Sky, dropping 37 points and burying eight three-pointers to lead the Indiana Fever to a 113-90 blowout.
Before tipoff, she caught up courtside with soccer icon Robert Lewandowski, sharing a warm exchange and posing for photos that blew up online.
Ever since entering the league, Clark has been under an intense spotlight, dealing with media noise, physicality on the court, and non-stop hot takes. Yet she has always managed to handle it with complete class, brushing off drama and keeping her focus strictly on basketball every time she steps in front of a microphone.
And that was no different after the Natasha Cloud and Enes Kanter altercation.

#caitlin #Chicago #fever #ever

Everyone was focused on Natasha Cloud and Enes Kanter during the Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky, but very few noticed the reaction of Caitlin Clark.
The Indiana Fever cruised to a 113–90 victory over the Chicago Sky, but late-game drama overshadowed what went on on the court.
Former NBA center Enes Kanter was ejected from his courtside seat during the third quarter after an altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. Cloud confronted Kanter, who was wearing a shirt referencing anti-trans commentary, prompting security and players to separate them before Kanter was escorted out.
Basketball-wise, Caitlin Clark put on an absolute clinic, dropping 37 points while sinking a career-high eight three-pointers, dishing out 10 ***** ists, and grabbing three rebounds to seal the dominant win.
Caitlin Clark likes to stay away from negative news, but she couldn't help but let off a reaction after the Enes Kanter and Natasha Cloud altercation.

#kanter #enes #clark

Sparks lose leading scorer from last win before difficult Dream matchup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Sparks finally ended their six-game losing streak Saturday, but they were unable to bring one of the heroes from that victory into Monday's matchup with the Atlanta Dream. Los Angeles ruled Rae Burrell out because of an illness shortly before tipoff. The 6-foot-2 guard-forward initially appeared on the injury report as questionable before the team downgraded her status.
Burrell's absence represented a substantial loss for a Sparks team searching for consecutive victories for the first time since its recent slide began.
She was coming off one of her most complete performances of the season.
Burrell led all scorers with 20 points in Los Angeles' 77-68 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Saturday. She shot 8-of-13 from the field and made two 3-pointers while adding two rebounds and two **** ists. Her influence extended well beyond the offensive end, as she also recorded three steals and three blocks in 30 minutes.

#dream

The Miami Heat are not getting the Klay Thompson who once scored 37 points in a quarter.
Miami is not getting the Klay Thompson who set the NBA record of 14 3-pointers in a game, and did it in just 27 minutes. Or the five-time all-star who averaged more than 20 points per game for seven consecutive seasons.
But the Heat are getting a piece they desperately need. One that, at 36 years old, still could be the difference in a handful of games, but one that is not going to go off for 11 3s in a quarter like he did in the 2016 Western Conference Final against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Klay Thompson's career will be defined by his long-range shooting. He was an elite 3-point shooter who created his shots by his energy, always moving and coming off screens.
Thompson is fourth all-time with 2,899 3s and played all but two of his 13 seasons with the greatest 3-point shooter of all time, Stephen Curry, to form the "Splash Brothers." The two spearheaded the Golden State Warriors' four ******* les from 2015 to 2022.

#klay #heat #points #seasons

Today in Boston Celtics history, Hall of Fame Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller declined the offer from Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge to join the 2007-08 team, as Ainge aimed to ***** emble a competitive roster that summer. Miller, a prominent star known for his exceptional shooting from beyond the arc, had been retired for two seasons following an 18-year career with the Pacers. Even so, he seriously contemplated the offer on getting Ainge's call.
"I'm always flattered when my name is mentioned as someone who can still help an NBA team win a championship," offered the then-NBA ***** yst for TNT via ESPN's JA Adande. "(I have) contacted Reggie and he is contemplating a comeback with us," shared Ainge on the prospect of adding Miller to the juggernaut he ***** embled. Ringless despite nearly two decades in the NBA, the offer was appealing to Miller even after the long break as a player and his relatively advanced age.
In the end, the prospect of life on the road was too much for the former Pacer to endure, or so he said at the time.
"I can still shoot with the best of them," offered the then-reigning all-time 3-point shooter (Ray Allen was still some time away from passing him in total 3-pointers made) via Adande.
"Mentally, I don't know if I can do eight months," he explained. "February, March, I would have been dead."

#ainge #celtics #reggie

Purdue basketball will have a new look in the 2026-27 season: NCAA career ******* ists leader Braden Smith, Boilers career 3-pointers leader Fletcher Loyer and big man Trey Kaufman-Renn are gone after becoming the recruiting class with the most wins in program history.
However, given the recent rounds of NCAA rules changes, lawsuits and injunctions, any or all of them could seek more eligibility. Would coach Matt Painter take him back?
He says no.
The 22nd-year coach wouldn't begrudge any of them applying for more eligibility; it just wouldn't be with Purdue.
"Trey wouldn't apply for this ... even though everything can be battled these days," Painter said on the "Inside College Basketball" podcast with Jon Rothstein. "The other two guys, there's just no way we could take them back because these other guys, it's their turn. You've given them that word."

#ncaa #Basketball

The big additions for the Philadelphia 76ers are obvious. Everybody has their eyes set on the additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, and for good reason! Those two are set to really change things around this franchise as everybody moves forward and Philadelphia looks to contend for a championship.
However, depth is so key in today's NBA, and President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey made sure he found some in the 2026 offseason.
One under the radar addition is Dean Wade, who coach Nick Nurse is a big fan of, as he is somebody who provides a ton of versatility and can do so without the basketball.
On paper, Wade's numbers don't stand out. He averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025-26 season. However, the biggest stat is his usage percentage of 9.9%. On a team that will feature high usage players like Brown, James, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, it's so important to have a guy who doesn't need the ball and find a way to be effective. That's the role Wade will fill.
Per Cleaning the Glass, Wade shot 41% on corner 3-pointers in 2025-26. That 3-point percentage is hugely important when considering the double teams Embiid receives on a regular basis as well as how many times James and Maxey attack the paint and kick it to the corners. He understands how to play the game and find opportunities when they present themselves. Finding role players who don't need the ball will be essential for this group.

#Basketball

The defending national champions have had their fair share of turnover and uncertainty this offseason, but Michigan recently made an important signing who should help them in their quest to win it all again.
USA TODAY's Detroit Free Press reports that the Wolverines have landed former All-Ivy League guard Kenny Noland, who will be entering his fifth season in college basketball.
Noland spent the last four seasons at Columbia, where he started 54 out of the 55 games he appeared in for the Lions in each of the last two seasons. As a senior last year, he averaged over 17 points per game to go along with nearly four **** ists and one and a half steals per contest.
Noland has also shot three-pointers at a shade below 38% throughout his college career.
He is expected to fill the spot vacated by guard LJ Cason, who transferred to Miami earlier in the offseason after former Wolverines head coach Dusty May left to take the Dallas Mavericks job.

#noland #former #seasons

Azzi Fudd's fans expressed dissatisfaction with the Dallas Wings' social media team on Monday after they celebrated Arike Ogunbowale's latest milestone. In the 78-70 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, Ogunbowale recorded her 1000th career **** ist. The Wings' X account posted a graphic, congratulating the veteran for her latest feat.
Fudd's fans didn't have a direct issue with the team celebrating Ogunbowale. However, they were angered that the No. 1 pick didn't receive the same recognition for breaking the franchise 3-point rookie records. Fudd has the most 3-pointers in a season, in a game, and in a quarter by a Wings rookie.
The Wings never posted about her setting the franchise rookie record of 61 3-pointers in a season, which she clinched on Aug. 3 against the Connecticut Sun. After seeing the shoutout for Ogunbowale, several Fudd fans slammed the social media team.
"it's not too late to post one for Azzi Fudd… no need to be shy, c'mon now," one fan said.
More reactions followed.

#Social #latest

On Aug. 15 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Gonzaga Bulldogs alum and 6-2, 220-pound guard Jeremy Pargo was named the BIG3's Most Valuable Player. The 2007-08 West Coast Conference Player of the Year is also a three-time all-star with the 3-on-3 league founded by rapper Ice Cube.
At 40 years old, Pargo has still got it. The captain hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat the Chicago Triplets, 50-47, and send the Boston Ball Hogs to their first-ever ***** le game against the Dallas Power next Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. PT on CBS/BET. He finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and four ***** ists in the semifinal victory over the Triplets.
This summer with the Ball Hogs, the Chicago, Illinois native led the BIG3 in total points (180), ***** ists (35), three-pointers made (20), and four-pointers made (seven, a single-season record).
Most recently, Pargo competed with Grindavik of the Urvalsdeild Karla in Iceland. He won the Icelandic League championship and was named the Most Valuable Player there as well, scoring 48 points on 10-of-16 three-pointers in the championship-clinching game over Tindastoll.
During his 17-year professional basketball career, Pargo has played in countries like Israel, Russia, China, Italy, Lebanon, and Spain, to go along with three seasons in the NBA.

#four #Chicago

There are still some people who doubt Luka Doncic and his ability to carry a team to the NBA championship, perhaps mostly because he hasn't done so yet. But his basketball abilities are immense and unmatched by very few players in the league today.
His ability to consistently hit contested 3-pointers off the dribble makes him extremely dangerous offensively. While he doesn't shoot a very high percentage overall from 3-point range, NBA 2K27, which will be released to the public on Sept. 4, did show him some love in that category.
The Slovenian superstar was given a 92 rating in 3-point shooting by the video game, and while some disagree with that rating, it is indicative of how potent a shooter he is.
Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 ***** ists and 1.6 steals a game last season while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range. He led the NBA in scoring average for the second time in three years, and he got a bit of MVP consideration.
NBA 2K27 also rated him very high in a somewhat surprising category: ball-handling. He got a 95 rating in that department, which put him sixth overall.

#point #high #overall

For the second time in a week, the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Las Vegas Aces, 92-87, in what could be a preview of the WNBA Finals.
The defeat dropped the Aces to third place in the league standings at 24-12. The defending WNBA champions are now five games behind the top-seeded Lynx (29-7) and 1.5 games back from the Golden State Valkyries (24-9) with eight games remaining in the regular season.
Olivia Miles led Minnesota with 23 points, 8 ***** ists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Napheesa Collier followed with 19 points while grabbing 6 boards. Natasha Howard and Kayla McBride each scored 13 points, and Howard snared 11 rebounds. Courtney Williams and Nia Coffey both contributed 12 points, with Coffey shooting 4-of-5 on 3-pointers.
After going into halftime tied 48-48, the Lynx ran out to a 62-52 lead midway through the third quarter on a 3 by Coffey. But the Aces went on an 10-2 run capped by a Jewell Loyd 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 64-62 with 1:49 remaining in the quarter. Coffey then hit consecutive 3s to put Minnesota back ahead 72-64 and two Miles free throws restored the 10-point margin.
In the fourth, Las Vegas closed to within 74-73 with 7:27 left in regulation, but Collier sank 3s on the Lynx's next two possessions to put them back ahead by seven points. The Aces twice cut Minnesota's lead to four points and made it a 90-87 game on a Chelsea Gray 3-pointer with 11.3 seconds remaining. But two free throws by Collier clinched the win.

#lynx #collier #back #vegas

Minnesota Lynx Strengthen Grip On WNBA's No. 1 Seed originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Lynx continue to create separation in the race for the WNBA's No. 1 playoff seed. Minnesota defeated the Las Vegas Aces 92-87 on Saturday night, improving to a league-best 29-7. The Lynx have won four consecutive games and nine of their last 10, giving them a 3.5-game advantage over the Golden State Valkyries.
Rookie guard Olivia Miles led Minnesota with 23 points and eight **** ists against Las Vegas. Natasha Howard grabbed 11 rebounds, while the Lynx connected on 11 3-pointers and made 15 of their 16 free-throw attempts.
A'ja Wilson delivered 32 points for the Aces, but Minnesota held off Las Vegas late to earn its second victory over the championship contender in eight days. The Lynx already have clinched a playoff berth. Their attention now turns toward locking down home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
All times Eastern.

#lynx #aces #playoff

Caitlin Clark singles out Fever's unlikely hero after perfect shooting night originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were the headliners at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday. Tyasha Harris became the Indiana Fever's unexpected difference-maker.
Harris came off the bench and scored 15 points in only 17 minutes during Indiana's 98-87 victory over the Dallas Wings. She attempted five shots, all from beyond the arc, and made every one of them. It was a perfectly efficient performance from a veteran whose value to the Fever has not always appeared in the box score. Afterward, Clark made sure Harris received recognition for everything she contributes.
"Ty is probably one of the best teammates I've had," Clark said. "She's always there supporting everybody, uplifting everybody. So it's really fun to see her kind of come into her own and thrive."
Harris' five 3-pointers provided a crucial boost on a night when the Fever needed help overcoming a halftime deficit. Clark carried the offense with 29 points and 10 ******* ists. Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points, while Aliyah Boston recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds.

#five

The Indiana Fever (22-12) visit the Atlanta Dream (21-12) on Sunday, Aug. 16. These teams are fourth and fifth in the WNBA standings.
Kelsey Mitchell (24.3 points, 43.6% 3-pointers), Caitlin Clark (21.9 points, 8.3 ******* ists) and Aliyah Boston (16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 45.2% 3-pointers) power the Fever, winners of three straight games and league's highest-scoring team.
Allisha Gray (19.2 points), Rhyne Howard (17.8 points, 37.9% 3-point shooting) and Angel Reese (15.6 points, 12.0 rebounds) lead the Dream, who have won three of their past four games on the strength of their defense and rebounding.
The Dream own a 2-1 edge over the Fever this season. Here's what you should know about the game:
Find Fever tickets on StubHub

#rebounds #three #indiana #atlanta

Ben Simmons is trying to make an NBA comeback at 30 years old after injuries kept him out of the league last season. The forward is training with the Australian national men's basketball team in private runs this week with the hope of making the 2028 Olympic roster, and as videos from those sessions start to circulate, it's time for one of modern basketball's greatest late offseason traditions.
It feels like every offseason features videos of Simmons showing off an improved outside shooting stroke. This of course never actually holds when the games matter, as Simmons has made just five three-pointers in 383 career NBA games. I was worried that we'd never get another mid-August video of Simmons stroking jumpers in a pickup run again after his career stalled out last year, but I was wrong! Watch a shirtless Simmons connect from deep in the video below:
Simmons has legitimately never recovered from refusing to take an open dunk during Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons was named an All-Star for the third consecutive season that year, but his body started to break down after repeated back and nerve injuries, and he's never been able to rediscover his best level.
Videos of Simmons ripping jumpers in pickup runs have been circulating for a decade. Here's a video from July 2019:
Here's Simmons ripping jumpers in offseason training sessions from 2021:

#offseason #season #runs

This WNBA season has featured several impactful bench players who have helped shape their team's success. However, few have been as consistently impactful as Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun.
Whether it's knocking down three-pointers, providing instant offense, or bringing energy on both ends of the floor, Salaun has proven to be a reliable reserve for the Valkyries.
After going undrafted in 2021, Salaun earned a training camp contract with Golden State in 2025 after her performance in the 2024 Olympics. From there, she has developed into one of the most important pieces of the Valkyries' foundation and is building a compelling case for Sixth Player of the Year.
Salaun's greatest value off the bench is her scoring ability.
This season, she is averaging 13.1 points while shooting 42.6% from the field in just 22.3 minutes per game. She is also shooting 39.8% from three-point range while averaging 2.5 made three-pointers, making her one of the most dangerous shooters.

#salaun

LOS ANGELES -- The Sparks (12-19) take on the Phoenix Mercury (12-22). But in this instance, the Sparks will be playing at Galen Center in the University of Southern California.
This game had a lot of intrigue. After all, both teams made a big trade with each other. The Sparks sent Kelsey Plum to the Mercury in exchange for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first round pick, and a 2028 second rounder.
It turns out that Plum will be out for this Tuesday game while Akoa Makani is listed as questionable. So Plum won't be able to take on her former team in her first return to L.A. since the trade occurred. The Sparks are 2-2 since the deal while the Mercury are 1-3.
The playoffs are blurry in both teams' view at this point so they gotta see what they have. And it's a little tough for both. Akoa Makani is under contract for next season but Plum is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Plum had mentioned that she was going to go through the full process of free agency so the Mercury have to show Plum why she should stay.
There are plenty of reasons to stay. Alyssa Thomas (who had a triple-double when they last visited L.A. on July 22nd) and Kahleah Copper are perennial all-stars. With Plum, they have a "big three" that they can call their own. Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts also encourages three-pointers in his system and Plum could similarly thrive in that as she did under Lynne Roberts in Los Angeles.

#plum #mercury