2 months ago
Surely that was closer than most would have liked.
Team USA will play for a fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal after escaping Spain, 76-66, in the semifinals on Saturday. They are now 6-0 all-time against Spain at the World Cup. The win secured a rematch against France, which defeated home country Germany, 86-64, earlier in the day.
The U.S. trailed by as many as eight early in the semifinal, but pulled out a win with an 18-8 fourth quarter led by veteran Breanna Stewart. Stewart will play in her fourth gold medal game, with the chance at a second World Cup MVP. She would become the first two-time winner of the award.
Here's what stood out from another close call (is the world coming, or is it already here?) and a lookahead to an enticing redo against France on Sunday (2 p.m. ET).
The USA needed someone to step up in another offensive slog. That nod went to Stewart, playing in her record-tying fourth World Cup and making it clear this is her team. A fourth gold medal would tie Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, and add to a trophy case that includes four NCAA championships, three WNBA championships and three Olympic golds.
#stewart #medal
Team USA will play for a fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal after escaping Spain, 76-66, in the semifinals on Saturday. They are now 6-0 all-time against Spain at the World Cup. The win secured a rematch against France, which defeated home country Germany, 86-64, earlier in the day.
The U.S. trailed by as many as eight early in the semifinal, but pulled out a win with an 18-8 fourth quarter led by veteran Breanna Stewart. Stewart will play in her fourth gold medal game, with the chance at a second World Cup MVP. She would become the first two-time winner of the award.
Here's what stood out from another close call (is the world coming, or is it already here?) and a lookahead to an enticing redo against France on Sunday (2 p.m. ET).
The USA needed someone to step up in another offensive slog. That nod went to Stewart, playing in her record-tying fourth World Cup and making it clear this is her team. A fourth gold medal would tie Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, and add to a trophy case that includes four NCAA championships, three WNBA championships and three Olympic golds.
#stewart #medal
2 months ago
The future is bright, and the future is now for Indiana Fever writes Robin Lundberg, as he believes the current crop of WNBA stars led by Caitlin Clark will bring plenty of success in Team USA's campaign in Berlin for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup.
With plenty of firepower in coach Kara Lawson's side, many feel that the time has come for the passing of the baton from the likes of Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi a decade ago to Clark and Angel Reese as they lead the charge for Team USA.
In a video posted on X on Sunday, Lindberg shared his thoughts on the "new era" of women's basketball in the country and how it will give more hope for the growth of the sport.
"Anytime you get this changing of the guard, in real time for Team USA, that is reason for increased interest," Lindberg said. "Being representative of this new era, it's nice to see that for Team USA."
He also pointed out that the trio of Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers will surely turn a lot of heads once the tournament starts on Friday.
#clark
With plenty of firepower in coach Kara Lawson's side, many feel that the time has come for the passing of the baton from the likes of Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi a decade ago to Clark and Angel Reese as they lead the charge for Team USA.
In a video posted on X on Sunday, Lindberg shared his thoughts on the "new era" of women's basketball in the country and how it will give more hope for the growth of the sport.
"Anytime you get this changing of the guard, in real time for Team USA, that is reason for increased interest," Lindberg said. "Being representative of this new era, it's nice to see that for Team USA."
He also pointed out that the trio of Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers will surely turn a lot of heads once the tournament starts on Friday.
#clark
2 months ago
Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever hit the 20-point mark for the 21st consecutive game in Thursday's matchup versus the Dallas Wings.
Mitchell broke A'ja Wilson's record of 20 games, which was set across two seasons from the 2023 to 2024 campaign. Prior to Wilson's streak, the previous record was 13 games set by Diana Taurasi between the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
The record was set on a layup with 4.4 seconds remaining in the first half. Prior to that, Mitchell hit a technical foul free throw and a short jumper to get to 19 points. She was freed up for one more shot before halftime after Dallas' Paige Bueckers was whistled for grabbing Caitlin Clark's left arm while guarding her.
This story will be updated with more information.
#mitchell #indiana
Mitchell broke A'ja Wilson's record of 20 games, which was set across two seasons from the 2023 to 2024 campaign. Prior to Wilson's streak, the previous record was 13 games set by Diana Taurasi between the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
The record was set on a layup with 4.4 seconds remaining in the first half. Prior to that, Mitchell hit a technical foul free throw and a short jumper to get to 19 points. She was freed up for one more shot before halftime after Dallas' Paige Bueckers was whistled for grabbing Caitlin Clark's left arm while guarding her.
This story will be updated with more information.
#mitchell #indiana
2 months ago
Diana Taurasi's No. 3 now hangs in the rafters in Phoenix. The Phoenix Mercury retired Taurasi's jersey Sunday during halftime of their game against the Portland Fire, adding her to the franchise's Ring of Honor. The ceremony came in front of an announced sellout crowd of 16,513.
Taurasi spent her entire 20-season WNBA career with Phoenix. The Mercury selected her with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft after she won three consecutive national championships at UConn.
As a rookie, Taurasi averaged 17.0 points in 34 games. She was named Rookie of the Year.
Phoenix won championships with Taurasi in 2007, 2009 and 2014. She was Finals MVP in 2009 and 2014 and won the league's regular-season MVP award in 2009.
Taurasi also won five scoring ****** les and made an All-WNBA team 14 times, including 10 First Team selections. She was selected to 11 All-Star teams before playing her final season in 2024.
#taurasi #diana
Taurasi spent her entire 20-season WNBA career with Phoenix. The Mercury selected her with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft after she won three consecutive national championships at UConn.
As a rookie, Taurasi averaged 17.0 points in 34 games. She was named Rookie of the Year.
Phoenix won championships with Taurasi in 2007, 2009 and 2014. She was Finals MVP in 2009 and 2014 and won the league's regular-season MVP award in 2009.
Taurasi also won five scoring ****** les and made an All-WNBA team 14 times, including 10 First Team selections. She was selected to 11 All-Star teams before playing her final season in 2024.
#taurasi #diana
2 months ago
PHOENIX — The Diana Taurasi jerseys were impossible to miss outside Mortgage Matchup Center as Phoenix Mercury fans lined up on the sidewalks Sunday afternoon.
A sea of No. 3s in purple, orange and black filled the crowd as fans excitedly waited to celebrate the player who spent two decades turning a basketball uniform into something more like a citywide identity.
Aug 16, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Former Phoenix Mercury player Diana Taurasi reacts as she joins the Ring of Honor during a half time ceremony of the WNBA game against the Portland Fire at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Inside the arena, the Mercury leaned into that identity even more. The team placed orange and purple T-shirts with the legend's picture and number on the seats of the lower bowl in preparation for what was to come later on. The energy was part of game day, but also part of a reunion — a celebration of one of the most important figures in Phoenix basketball history.
Taurasi's induction into the Ring of Honor brought plenty of reflection on the accolades she earned, the people she's inspired and the league she helped change. Friends and family also had the opportunity to celebrate the career of a player who meant so much to them. But one important thing that never changed in her 20-year career was the city that stood by her side — Phoenix.
#phoenix
A sea of No. 3s in purple, orange and black filled the crowd as fans excitedly waited to celebrate the player who spent two decades turning a basketball uniform into something more like a citywide identity.
Aug 16, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Former Phoenix Mercury player Diana Taurasi reacts as she joins the Ring of Honor during a half time ceremony of the WNBA game against the Portland Fire at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Inside the arena, the Mercury leaned into that identity even more. The team placed orange and purple T-shirts with the legend's picture and number on the seats of the lower bowl in preparation for what was to come later on. The energy was part of game day, but also part of a reunion — a celebration of one of the most important figures in Phoenix basketball history.
Taurasi's induction into the Ring of Honor brought plenty of reflection on the accolades she earned, the people she's inspired and the league she helped change. Friends and family also had the opportunity to celebrate the career of a player who meant so much to them. But one important thing that never changed in her 20-year career was the city that stood by her side — Phoenix.
#phoenix
2 months ago
PHOENIX — Diana Taurasi stepped foot on the basketball court at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Sunday, Aug. 16, like she's done so many times throughout her 20-year career in Phoenix.
But this time was different. The Phoenix Mercury's game against Portland Fire doubled as Taurasi's Ring of Honor induction, where her No. 3 jersey was officially retired and hung in the rafters alongside Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom (22), Bridget Pettis (32), Penny Taylor (13) and Michele Timms (7).
"Driving to the game today, I didn't know whether I was going to suit up and play, if it was my funeral or a celebration," Taurasi joked during her induction speech. "It's all of those things and it's amazing. And I wouldn't have it any other way because that's how I live every single day of my life. With every single one of those emotions in this building."
Despite the Mercury's 88-85 loss to the Fire, there was a sense of celebration both before and after the game because of Taurasi, the greatest scorer in WNBA history.
What makes Diana Taurasi great? The stories behind the GOAT
#phoenix #diana #every
But this time was different. The Phoenix Mercury's game against Portland Fire doubled as Taurasi's Ring of Honor induction, where her No. 3 jersey was officially retired and hung in the rafters alongside Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom (22), Bridget Pettis (32), Penny Taylor (13) and Michele Timms (7).
"Driving to the game today, I didn't know whether I was going to suit up and play, if it was my funeral or a celebration," Taurasi joked during her induction speech. "It's all of those things and it's amazing. And I wouldn't have it any other way because that's how I live every single day of my life. With every single one of those emotions in this building."
Despite the Mercury's 88-85 loss to the Fire, there was a sense of celebration both before and after the game because of Taurasi, the greatest scorer in WNBA history.
What makes Diana Taurasi great? The stories behind the GOAT
#phoenix #diana #every
2 months ago
Kahleah Copper was traded to the Phoenix Mercury in 2024 in time for Diana Taurasi's 20th and final season.
The two shared only one season as teammates, but Taurasi welcomed Copper with open arms and helped usher in a new era for Phoenix.
When Copper went to the Paris Olympics, Taurasi and Kelsey Plum were Copper's shooting partners. After Copper didn't play in a group game against Belgium, she felt down on herself.
"I'm missing my shots and she's like, 'You're good.' And I'm like, 'Whatever,'" Copper said. "She goes, 'You're going to win a game for us.'
I'm like, 'OK, I'm going to win a game.'"
#like #you 're #going
The two shared only one season as teammates, but Taurasi welcomed Copper with open arms and helped usher in a new era for Phoenix.
When Copper went to the Paris Olympics, Taurasi and Kelsey Plum were Copper's shooting partners. After Copper didn't play in a group game against Belgium, she felt down on herself.
"I'm missing my shots and she's like, 'You're good.' And I'm like, 'Whatever,'" Copper said. "She goes, 'You're going to win a game for us.'
I'm like, 'OK, I'm going to win a game.'"
#like #you 're #going
2 months ago
PHOENIX (AP) — Carla Leite scored 23 points and the Portland Fire rallied to beat Phoenix 88-85 on Sunday night, when the Mercury had halftime and postgame ceremonies celebrating franchise icon Diana Taurasi.
Leite had the final two baskets in a 6-0 run and the expansion Fire (15-20) moved in front 81-80 with 1:12 remaining. Portland's Emily Engstler and the Mercury's Kahleah Copper traded baskets before Katie Lou Samuelson hit the second of two foul shots with 20 seconds left to put the Fire up 84-82.
Bridget Carleton blocked a shot by Copper and grabbed the rebound with 12 seconds to go, then sank two free throws for a four-point lead after Copper fouled her. Alyssa Thomas buried a 3-pointer, but Carleton sank two free throws to preserve the win.
Leite shot 9 for 15 and added five ***** ists. Megan DiLeo had 15 points.
DeWanna Bonner scored 23 to lead Phoenix (13-23). Copper totaled 19 points and seven rebounds. Thomas finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, falling one ***** ist shy of a triple-double.
#leite
Leite had the final two baskets in a 6-0 run and the expansion Fire (15-20) moved in front 81-80 with 1:12 remaining. Portland's Emily Engstler and the Mercury's Kahleah Copper traded baskets before Katie Lou Samuelson hit the second of two foul shots with 20 seconds left to put the Fire up 84-82.
Bridget Carleton blocked a shot by Copper and grabbed the rebound with 12 seconds to go, then sank two free throws for a four-point lead after Copper fouled her. Alyssa Thomas buried a 3-pointer, but Carleton sank two free throws to preserve the win.
Leite shot 9 for 15 and added five ***** ists. Megan DiLeo had 15 points.
DeWanna Bonner scored 23 to lead Phoenix (13-23). Copper totaled 19 points and seven rebounds. Thomas finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, falling one ***** ist shy of a triple-double.
#leite
2 months ago
PHOENIX — Many fans across the globe know Diana Taurasi as the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, with 10,646 points across her 20-year career in Phoenix. Or as a six-time Olympic gold medalist, the most in basketball history.
But the teammates and coaches she shared the court with throughout her career know Taurasi as so much more. She's the ultimate competitor, an elite trash-talker and fearless leader who pushed you (and your ****** ons).
"It could either ****** you off or it could either elevate you," Hall of Famer Swin Cash told USA TODAY Sports.
"The thing that separates the WNBA players and the greats is, what was the impact you had with your teammates, with the organization, with the community? As (Taurasi's) jersey goes into the rafters, think about all she created off the court for those that have opportunities, whether it's in Phoenix or whether it's back in her hometown in California. ... I don't think she ever had a big megaphone around that, but she did a lot."
USA TODAY Sports talked with Taurasi's teammates and coaches from every level of her career ahead of her jersey retirement on Sunday, Aug. 16, with her No. 3 joining Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom (22), Bridget Pettis (32), Penny Taylor (13) and Michele Timms (7) in the Mercury's Ring of Honor. Here's the stories that they shared:
#taurasi #sports #know
But the teammates and coaches she shared the court with throughout her career know Taurasi as so much more. She's the ultimate competitor, an elite trash-talker and fearless leader who pushed you (and your ****** ons).
"It could either ****** you off or it could either elevate you," Hall of Famer Swin Cash told USA TODAY Sports.
"The thing that separates the WNBA players and the greats is, what was the impact you had with your teammates, with the organization, with the community? As (Taurasi's) jersey goes into the rafters, think about all she created off the court for those that have opportunities, whether it's in Phoenix or whether it's back in her hometown in California. ... I don't think she ever had a big megaphone around that, but she did a lot."
USA TODAY Sports talked with Taurasi's teammates and coaches from every level of her career ahead of her jersey retirement on Sunday, Aug. 16, with her No. 3 joining Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom (22), Bridget Pettis (32), Penny Taylor (13) and Michele Timms (7) in the Mercury's Ring of Honor. Here's the stories that they shared:
#taurasi #sports #know
3 months ago
After a trade late Saturday night, Kelsey Plum is member of the Phoenix Mercury. And after a wild couple of days, Plum will be making her debut in a Mercury uniform as the team takes on the Chicago Sky.
In an introductory press conference on Monday, Plum spoke about her excitement to play rejoin Team USA teammates Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. She also spoke about a message she received from Mercury legend Diana Taurasi, who is a personal idol of Plum's.
"It means everything," she said of hearing from Taurasi, via Dylan Kane of The XI Sports. "She actually texted me today and just said there's no one she'd rather have (on the Mercury), and so I'm just very honored."
Plum was in Portland on Sunday ahead of the the Los Angeles Sparks' game against the Fire, and had said she was fully prepared to play for L.A. despite rumblings that she'd get dealt by the Sparks ahead of Sunday's trade deadline. After the trade went through, Plum flew to Chicago late last night to join her new team on Monday.
One of the larger questions around the Plum trade is whether Phoenix will be able to keep the point guard in the long run. Plum's contract is up at the end of this year, and she reportedly intends to explore free agency this offseason, though she could still return to the Mercury.
#taurasi
In an introductory press conference on Monday, Plum spoke about her excitement to play rejoin Team USA teammates Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. She also spoke about a message she received from Mercury legend Diana Taurasi, who is a personal idol of Plum's.
"It means everything," she said of hearing from Taurasi, via Dylan Kane of The XI Sports. "She actually texted me today and just said there's no one she'd rather have (on the Mercury), and so I'm just very honored."
Plum was in Portland on Sunday ahead of the the Los Angeles Sparks' game against the Fire, and had said she was fully prepared to play for L.A. despite rumblings that she'd get dealt by the Sparks ahead of Sunday's trade deadline. After the trade went through, Plum flew to Chicago late last night to join her new team on Monday.
One of the larger questions around the Plum trade is whether Phoenix will be able to keep the point guard in the long run. Plum's contract is up at the end of this year, and she reportedly intends to explore free agency this offseason, though she could still return to the Mercury.
#taurasi
4 months ago
The WNBA announced its All-Star reserves on Tuesday, completing the player pool following last week's reveal of starters for the game.
A trio of Atlanta Dream players in Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were among the 12 players revealed to round out the All-Star rosters.
Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream
Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream
Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream
Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks
Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics
Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics
Marina Mabrey, Toronto Tempo
Courtney Williams, Minnesota Lynx
Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces
Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty
Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm
The selection for Ogwumike marked the 11th of her career, tying her with Diana Taurasi for the second-most in WNBA history. Sue Bird is in first place with 13 career All-Star selections.
The reserves were selected by the league's 15 head coaches. Coaches were prohibited from voting for players on their own teams.
A trio of Atlanta Dream players in Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were among the 12 players revealed to round out the All-Star rosters.
Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream
Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream
Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream
Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks
Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics
Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics
Marina Mabrey, Toronto Tempo
Courtney Williams, Minnesota Lynx
Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces
Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty
Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm
The selection for Ogwumike marked the 11th of her career, tying her with Diana Taurasi for the second-most in WNBA history. Sue Bird is in first place with 13 career All-Star selections.
The reserves were selected by the league's 15 head coaches. Coaches were prohibited from voting for players on their own teams.
4 months ago
The WNBA’s treatment of its biggest star. Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark has become a hot-button issue in the last week. Clark’s back was injured in a game against the Phoenix Mercury after a reckless closeout. Clark was struck in the neck area by Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas, resulting in Clark’s missing the Fever’s next game and Thomas being awarded a flagrant 2 foul after the game and an accompanying one-game suspension.
Still, many feel that the league isn’t doing enough to protect Clark. Others, such as Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, feel the Fever’s sharpshooter isn’t being marketed properly, in light of her being left off a special WNBA 30th anniversary poster.
“Well, it’s the worst marketed league in the history of leagues,” Portnoy said of the league. “They’re absolute morons. That’s the answer. Now, a lot of times social media will take this into a different stratosphere.”
Portnoy said that he thinks the issues with Clark’s treatment by the league are less about race and more about jealousy.
“I don’t think it really is because she’s a white girl, a straight girl, which people say, because the W has had a lot of white superstars and WNBA players,” he added. “So it’s not like she’s the first white girl. A lot of the great players of all time— we just mentioned Taurasi, uh, they’ve had great white female basketball players. I think They felt she was anointed. **** ody has ever come into the league like she has.
Still, many feel that the league isn’t doing enough to protect Clark. Others, such as Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, feel the Fever’s sharpshooter isn’t being marketed properly, in light of her being left off a special WNBA 30th anniversary poster.
“Well, it’s the worst marketed league in the history of leagues,” Portnoy said of the league. “They’re absolute morons. That’s the answer. Now, a lot of times social media will take this into a different stratosphere.”
Portnoy said that he thinks the issues with Clark’s treatment by the league are less about race and more about jealousy.
“I don’t think it really is because she’s a white girl, a straight girl, which people say, because the W has had a lot of white superstars and WNBA players,” he added. “So it’s not like she’s the first white girl. A lot of the great players of all time— we just mentioned Taurasi, uh, they’ve had great white female basketball players. I think They felt she was anointed. **** ody has ever come into the league like she has.
4 months ago
Fans blasted the WNBA for excluding Caitlin Clark on its 30th anniversary poster. A lot of theories emerged, with many calling out the league for mistreating her. However, the reason for her not appearing in it has been explained.
The biggest WNBA stars of past and present were featured. A'ja Wilson, Lisa Leslie, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Becky Hammon and Breanna Stewart are some of the players in it. Notable "snubs" include, Clark, Cynthia Cooper, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and Diana Taurasi.
MORE: Caitlin Clark urged to ditch WNBA over mistreatment, ref no-calls
Cllct's Darren Rovell posted on X that the Indiana Fever superstar guard herself was the reason for the exclusion.
Her NIL deal likely included that only her name and number can be used, preventing the WNBA from adding her image. Fans can now put the false claims and ***** umptions about her "snub" to rest.
The biggest WNBA stars of past and present were featured. A'ja Wilson, Lisa Leslie, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Becky Hammon and Breanna Stewart are some of the players in it. Notable "snubs" include, Clark, Cynthia Cooper, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and Diana Taurasi.
MORE: Caitlin Clark urged to ditch WNBA over mistreatment, ref no-calls
Cllct's Darren Rovell posted on X that the Indiana Fever superstar guard herself was the reason for the exclusion.
Her NIL deal likely included that only her name and number can be used, preventing the WNBA from adding her image. Fans can now put the false claims and ***** umptions about her "snub" to rest.
5 months ago
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 6,000 points on Monday night. She accomplished the feat in 278 games to beat Diana Taurasi, who did in 291. But that wasn’t enough for Wilson’s teammates.
Late in a 101-91 win over the Seattle Storm on Monday at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, they scrambled to get the ball back in the four-time league MVP’s hands so she could secure a triple-double.
Wilson finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, nine ******* ists and three blocks — just one ******* ist shy of the stat line Aces forward NaLyssa Smith admitted the Aces were hoping to help her reach, but still the first 34-12-9 game in the WNBA has ever seen.
It’s a reminder that Wilson, 29, is making history nearly every time steps on the court these days. That reality isn’t lost on her.
“It’s a blessing. I give it all to God. I’m able to show up to work every single day with phenomenal women that make me want to do what I want to do,” Wilson said. “It’s been an incredible journey and ride. Obviously, we’re not done and I have a lot more to do.”
Late in a 101-91 win over the Seattle Storm on Monday at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, they scrambled to get the ball back in the four-time league MVP’s hands so she could secure a triple-double.
Wilson finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, nine ******* ists and three blocks — just one ******* ist shy of the stat line Aces forward NaLyssa Smith admitted the Aces were hoping to help her reach, but still the first 34-12-9 game in the WNBA has ever seen.
It’s a reminder that Wilson, 29, is making history nearly every time steps on the court these days. That reality isn’t lost on her.
“It’s a blessing. I give it all to God. I’m able to show up to work every single day with phenomenal women that make me want to do what I want to do,” Wilson said. “It’s been an incredible journey and ride. Obviously, we’re not done and I have a lot more to do.”
