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TOPGolden State Valkyries: Takeaways from loss to Seattle Storm
The Golden State Valkyries entered the All-Star break on a losing streak, dropping their third consecutive game and fifth in their last six with a 67-58 loss to the Seattle Storm. This loss lowered their season record to 10-12. While they hold a winning 7-4 record at home, their road performance is poor at 3-8. Despite having all 11 available players score in Wednesday's game, the Valkyries were held to a season-low 58 points. Cecilia Zandalasini led Golden State with 12 points, followed by rookie Janelle Salaün with 10 points. Seattle secured the win behind a strong performance from Nneka Ogwumike, who scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Erica Wheeler contributed 15 points and Skylar Diggins added 10 points and six assists. The Valkyries struggled to contain Ogwumike, who scored 11 points and secured six rebounds in the first half, even though they held the Storm to 34.2% shooting overall. This game contrasted sharply with their previous two matchups in San Francisco, where the Valkyries had built significant halftime leads. That pattern did not repeat in Seattle.
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TOPNBA Insider Reveals Trae Young Spurned Michael Jordan's Greece Event to Support Hawks' Summer League Team
Trae Young notably skipped the Jordan Brand's Board of Greatness gathering in Greece, which celebrated the brand's 40th anniversary and included athletes like Luka Dončić and Bam Adebayo. His absence was a deliberate choice, not due to any conflict with the brand. NBA Insider Marc J. Spears reported that Young declined the invitation to prioritize his NBA team, the Atlanta Hawks. Instead of attending the milestone event in Greece, Young traveled to Las Vegas to participate in the Hawks' Summer League program and connect with the team's new front office. This decision highlights Young's current commitment to the Hawks, especially significant as substantive contract extension talks haven't yet begun. Young, who is entering the fourth year of his five-year, $215.1 million deal (with a player option for the final season), demonstrated his dedication by appearing courtside at Hawks Summer League games in Vegas and engaging with fans. His choice comes after a standout 2024-25 season where he led the league in assists (11.6 per game, 880 total - a Hawks franchise record) and achieved historic feats, including three 20-point/20-assist games and becoming the first player ever to record 30+ points, 20+ assists, and 5+ three-pointers in a single game. Despite his elite performance, Young's contract future with Atlanta remains unresolved. With only one guaranteed year left and a player option pending, both sides face crucial decisions. Young's action of prioritizing team obligations over a prestigious brand event signals a strong commitment to Atlanta that could influence potential long-term extension discussions.
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Wings add guard depth with signing before Aces clash
The Dallas Wings signed guard Grace Berger to a seven-day hardship contract on Wednesday to address roster shortages caused by knee injuries to Tyasha Harris and Maddy Siegrist. This move provides critical depth ahead of their Wednesday night matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. DiJonai Carrington remains questionable for the game due to a rib injury that has sidelined her extensively. With Wednesday marking Dallas' final game before the WNBA All-Star break, the team may exercise caution regarding Carrington's participation. Her potential absence increases the significance of Berger's signing for backcourt support. Berger, a 6'0" guard drafted seventh overall in 2023 by Indiana, played two seasons with the Fever before brief stints with Minnesota (released after 2025 preseason) and Los Angeles (one-game hardship contract). Across 48 career WNBA games averaging 13.4 minutes, she holds career averages of 3.8 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds while seeking more consistent playing time to establish herself. This signing occurs as the injury-challenged Wings aim to conclude the first half of their 2025 season positively against the Aces, with tip-off scheduled for 8 PM EST in Arlington.
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How Mark Daigneault uses Mother Nature to motivate Thunder in championship season
Fresh off an NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein has been reflecting on his successful season, which included career-high averages of 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds. As a key player in their title run, he utilized a double-big lineup alongside Chet Holmgren during the playoffs and has since appeared on various media outlets, including "The Rich Eisen Show," to discuss his departure from the New York Knicks and his Thunder experience. During his interview, Hartenstein humorously revealed an unconventional motivational tactic employed by Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. Describing Daigneault as "very good crazy," Hartenstein explained that the coach would show players videos of animals hunting before games or practices, connecting these nature scenes to basketball concepts. Hartenstein praised Daigneault's unique ability to motivate and explain the game, calling him a "great coach" whose stoic demeanor instills confidence in the team. Hartenstein further emphasized Daigneault's impact, highlighting his constant reinforcement of a "0-0 mentality" to keep players balanced and present-focused. He also commended Daigneault's exceptional in-game adjustments, stating the coach has become one of his favorites to play for. This insight into Daigneault's methods—which helped transform him from an unknown rebuild coach to a widely recognized top NBA coach—was a standout moment of the interview.
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New additions to bring motivation and technical fouls
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks expresses an unconventional perspective on technical fouls, viewing them as a deliberate strategy to energize the home crowd rather than a source of frustration. He stated, "No bullshit. I don't back down from anybody or anything," embracing his role as an intense and often controversial player ("the villain") who thrives on emotion. Brooks believes this approach can provide the Suns with a necessary competitive edge, framing the team's potential identity as "the villains." Brooks also described his arrival in Phoenix as feeling "written in stone," referencing a previous trade "miscommunication" that didn't materialize when he was with the Memphis Grizzlies. He and teammate Jalen Green share a history, having both been surprisingly traded away by the Houston Rockets despite the team's second-place finish in the Western Conference last season. This experience has left both players with significant motivation and "a chip on their shoulders." This shared motivation was highlighted when Jalen Green interrupted Brooks' Suns interview. When Brooks commented positively on the trade bringing them to Phoenix as "an opportunity," Green emphatically interjected twice with the word "Motivation," clearly signaling their driven mindset stemming from being moved by the Rockets.
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No extension talks for Trae Young, Hawks yet
July 14, 2025 - HoopsHype reported several notable player quotes and rumors. Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney expressed disappointment about being benched during the playoffs, directly questioning the team's trust in him by stating, "Y'all don't trust me? I thought y'all trusted me." LeBron James commented on the hypothetical pairing of his game with Michael Jordan's, suggesting their styles would have complemented each other well. Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown revealed a significant personal regret, stating that one of his biggest regrets in life is never having had the opportunity to meet the late Kobe Bryant.
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Lakers News: Shaquille O’Neal Defends Kobe Bryant After Being Ranked 11th-Best NBA Player Ever
Bleacher Report's recent ranking of the top 100 NBA players of all time placed Kobe Bryant at 11th, sparking significant debate and criticism, particularly from his former teammate Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal publicly denounced the ranking on social media platform X, calling Kobe's placement at 11th "criminal." The Bleacher Report top 10 list, in order, consisted of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, and Stephen Curry. Kobe Bryant followed at 11th, ahead of Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Durant, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West. The article argues that leaving Bryant out of the top 10 is a significant oversight, regardless of personal opinions about the Lakers legend. It contends that Bryant's combination of statistics, accolades, championships, and the "eye test" should guarantee him a top-10 spot, validating O'Neal's criticism. The piece emphasizes that players who competed with or against Bryant consistently place him among the very elite. It acknowledges that Kobe's standing in historical rankings has been negatively impacted for some by the increased focus on advanced statistics since his retirement. While certain efficiency metrics don't favor him, the article counters that those who witnessed his career firsthand unhesitatingly rank him at the highest level. The piece concludes by mentioning 2025 top draft pick Cooper Flagg's challenging Summer League debut. Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban suggested Flagg needs development time, drawing a parallel (while cautioning against direct comparison) to Kobe Bryant's own early career progression with the Lakers, noting it took Bryant a couple of years to become a polished player.
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Aces vs. Wings odds, tips and betting trends - 7/16/2025
The Las Vegas Aces (10-11), led by A'ja Wilson after her 34-point performance in a 104-102 win, will play on the road against the Dallas Wings (6-16) on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Vegas 34 and KFAA. In their previous game, the Aces secured a 104-102 home victory over the Golden State Valkyries. A'ja Wilson led the team with 34 points, 16 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 75.0% shooting from the field, supported by Jackie Young who contributed 30 points, 6 assists, and 64.3% shooting. The Dallas Wings are coming off a 102-83 road loss to Indiana. Their top performers in that game were Paige Bueckers, who scored 21 points with 2 steals (60.0% FG, 2-4 from 3PT), and Li Yueru, who added 16 points on 72.7% shooting. The article encourages readers to prepare for this WNBA matchup.
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Kelsey Plum took a risk — is it paying off?
Kelsey Plum made a significant decision to leave the Las Vegas Aces, where she had achieved considerable success including two WNBA championships, three All-Star selections, and a Sixth Player of the Year award, to join the Los Angeles Sparks via a three-team trade in the offseason. The Sparks, coming off a league-worst 8-12 season and missing out on the top draft pick, traded the No. 2 pick (which became Dominique Malonga) to acquire Plum, signaling a shift away from rebuilding. Plum's time with the Sparks has been a mix of highs and lows. While she is averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game, her shooting efficiency has declined significantly compared to her 2023 championship season with the Aces (down from 47.5% FG and 38.9% 3PT to 39.1% FG and 35% 3PT). She is also attempting more shots (15.1 FGA per game) and committing more turnovers (3.3 per game), reflecting her new role as the primary offensive focus instead of playing alongside stars like A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. Despite the challenges, the Sparks have shown improvement (7-14 record so far) compared to last year's 8 wins, even with significant injuries like Cameron Brink (ACL, yet to debut) and Rae Burrell missing most of the season. Plum has delivered key performances in their wins, including a 37-point opening game and a recent 23-point game in a victory over the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the Aces, whom Plum left, have struggled, holding a 10-11 record. Her replacement, Jewell Loyd (acquired in the same trade), has not matched Plum's previous production, averaging 10.1 points on 37.9% shooting. The article concludes that while the ultimate success of Plum's move is still uncertain, she is now the undisputed leader ("head of the snake") of the Sparks for the first time in her career. The Sparks show potential for improvement with Brink's impending return and players like Azurá Stevens and Rickea Jackson finding their rhythm, but their success hinges significantly on Plum's performance.
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Larsson, Ware continue to provide answers as Heat down Celtics in summer league
The Miami Heat secured their first victory in three games at the Las Vegas NBA Summer League, defeating the Boston Celtics 100-96. Pelle Larsson emerged as a standout performer, scoring 24 points and dishing out six assists. His aggressive play included an incident that led to the ejection of Boston's Jordan Walsh. Heat summer league coach Eric Glass highlighted Larsson's increased usage and called it a good experience. Kel'el Ware backed up his strong performance from the previous game, recording a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds, including three 3-pointers. Coach Glass stated this was Ware's best summer league game so far, praising his sustained effort throughout the contest. Keshad Johnson also delivered a strong showing, scoring 22 points primarily through attacking play. Coach Glass commended Johnson's performance, noting he effectively displayed his talent and toughness.
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Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving reveals he almost punched Celtics star in 2024 Finals
Despite their promising run to the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks' future championship aspirations took an unexpected turn. Impatient with Luka Doncic's lingering calf injury, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison traded the five-time All-NBA First Teamer to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, a 10-time All-Star but an older player considered an injury risk. Similarly, the Boston Celtics, who defeated Dallas in the 2024 Finals, faced significant challenges just two years later. With star Jayson Tatum potentially missing the entire 2025-26 season due to an Achilles tear, Celtics president Brad Stevens traded starters Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday primarily to reduce the team's luxury tax burden. New details have also emerged about the high tensions during the 2024 Finals series itself. Kyrie Irving admitted during a live stream with former teammate and Finals rival Jaylen Brown that he nearly fought Celtics reserve guard Payton Pritchard. Irving specifically recalled an incident at halftime where he "thought about swinging" at Pritchard, stating "He would not touch" and referencing an incident related to a half-court shot attempt.
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Bucks Expected to Sign Veteran Forward to Fill Final Roster Spot: Report
The Milwaukee Bucks have an open roster spot that could soon be filled by forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo. His potential return to the team is directly tied to whether his brother, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, remains with the Bucks. Giannis is reportedly considering his future in Milwaukee after consecutive first-round playoff exits, weighing if he wants to spend his prime with a team perceived to have limited assets and paths for improvement. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Bucks are expected to re-sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo only if Giannis stays with the team. Stein also noted that the Bucks continue to seek backcourt help. Thanasis missed the entire previous season due to a torn Achilles tendon injury sustained during a workout, which took him 13 months to recover from; he declared his return in May. Thanasis, who is set to turn 33 soon and is nearing the end of his NBA career, has spent the past five seasons with the Bucks. During that time, he averaged 2.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, typically appearing in around 40 games per season for an average of 7.7 minutes. He is primarily considered an end-of-the-bench player who provides energy and a positive locker room presence. After his NBA career concludes, he is expected to have opportunities to play overseas again.
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Summer League Recap: Clippers 106, Bucks 91
The Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) suffered their second consecutive loss, falling 106-91 to the Los Angeles Clippers (2-0), effectively ending their Summer League semifinal hopes. Chris Livingston led the Bucks with 21 points and 4 rebounds, supported by Pete Nance (18 points) and Bogoljub Marković (14 points). Patrick Baldwin Jr. topped the Clippers' scoring with 22 points. In the first quarter, undrafted free agent Cormac Ryan sparked the Bucks with the team's first seven points during a 7-2 run. The Clippers countered with an 8-0 surge to take the lead, though Andre Jackson Jr.'s late five-point contribution helped Milwaukee edge ahead 27-26 by quarter's end. The Clippers opened the second quarter with Patrick Baldwin Jr. hitting consecutive three-pointers for a 32-27 advantage. Milwaukee briefly regained the lead after a 6-2 run capped by Marković's dunk, but Zavier Simpson and Cam Christie quickly restored LA's lead. The Clippers entered halftime leading 51-47. Milwaukee mounted a third-quarter comeback fueled by Nance's five quick points and Tyler Smith's putback, narrowing the gap to one point. Jackson Jr. contributed key plays including an alley-oop dunk. Despite repeated Bucks efforts to tie or lead, Marković's three-pointer closed an 8-2 run, giving Milwaukee a 74-73 edge heading into the fourth. The final quarter began disastrously for the Bucks, as the Clippers unleashed a 15-0 run while Milwaukee missed their first ten shots. Livingston finally broke the drought with 5:16 remaining. A late 10-2 Bucks rally cut the deficit to 95-86, but their offense stalled again. The Clippers sealed victory with a 7-2 run after Ryan's flagrant-foul free throws. Andre Jackson Jr. showed improvement with 9 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block, though he committed 5 turnovers.
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Sixers soundbites: Tyrese Maxey on VJ Edgecombe, playing with childhood friend Trendon Watford and more
Tyrese Maxey and Trendon Watford, childhood friends now teammates on the Philadelphia 76ers, were observed watching the Summer Sixers play the Charlotte Hornets alongside head coach Nick Nurse. Both expressed excitement about finally playing together instead of against each other. A point of friendly disagreement persists between them regarding their first meeting at a youth basketball camp as teenagers. Maxey claims Watford and his friends didn't want to talk to him because he wasn't highly ranked at the time, a claim Watford repeatedly disputes. Maxey insists the media should trust his history of telling the truth over the past five years on this matter. During halftime, Maxey and Watford spoke to media about their enthusiasm for being teammates. Maxey also shared his early impressions of the Sixers' No. 3 overall draft pick, VJ Edgecombe, and discussed his plans for leading the team's young backcourt. The report includes specific soundbites from Maxey in Las Vegas covering: how he discovered Watford was joining the Sixers; what on-court contributions Watford can bring; and his initial thoughts on Edgecombe.
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Sixers’ Joel Embiid Makes Supportive Insta Post
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has significantly reduced his social media trolling, instead using his platform to support community causes. He recently attended an event organized by the NOMO Foundation (New Options, More Opportunities) in partnership with Rhymes with Reason and the Philly Goat Project. Embiid surprised attendees at a BBQ, expressing pride in the foundation's youth initiatives and emphasizing his commitment to giving back to the community. This appearance marked one of Embiid's rare offseason public engagements. Last year, he was preparing for the Paris Olympics with Team USA, where he won a gold medal. Currently, he is recovering from his second consecutive knee surgery after playing only 19 games during the 2023-2024 season. This followed a previous season where he managed just 39 games due to health issues. The 76ers hope Embiid will return by training camp. For now, he is prioritizing rest and recovery during his time off before gradually ramping up his training to return to playing shape.
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A’ja Wilson Sends 4-Word Message After Historic Game Against Valkyries
A'ja Wilson made a triumphant return from a wrist injury in the Las Vegas Aces' victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday. Wilson led the game in scoring and rebounds, but her efficiency was most notable. She became the first player in WNBA history to record 34 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks in a single game while shooting 70% from the field. This wrist injury wasn't her first setback this season, as she was also in concussion protocol in June. Despite these injuries, Wilson is thriving, currently ranking second in the league for points and rebounds per game, and leading the WNBA in blocks per game (2.4). Wilson appeared unbothered by her injury troubles. Following her return game, she posted the message "New Wrist, Who Dis?" on Instagram. The post included a pregame outfit inspired by former WNBA player Cynthia Cooper, along with several pictures documenting her wrist recovery process, including warm-ups and shooting sessions while wearing a brace. Wilson is described as the heart and soul of the Aces. While the typically dominant team has struggled somewhat in 2025 (currently 10-11 and third in the Western Conference), her historic return is expected to provide a significant boost.
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A'ja Wilson's Mom Needed Just One Word To Make Aces Star Regret Her Postgame Outfit
Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson was interrupted during her postgame press conference following a record-setting performance in the Aces' 104-102 win against the Golden State Valkyries. While speaking to reporters at Michelob Ultra Arena, Wilson paused the interview after her phone buzzed under the table. She explained that her mother had sent her a picture from the live press conference broadcast along with a one-word text: "Why?" reacting to Wilson's outfit. Laughing at her mother's critique, Wilson proceeded to remove her red headscarf right there at the press table. This moment was captured and shared on social media by Bleacher Report. The clip quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments section expressing amusement and relatability. Reactions included fans stating everyone needs a mother like Wilson's who keeps them humble, joking that moms always know how to humble their children, and likening the text to a "real-time family meeting." Others shared that their own mothers would have done the same, and speculated the mom's text was likely in all capital letters.
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Grizzlies Make Jaren Jackson Jr. Contract Announcement
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially announced the renegotiation and signing of forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. to a multi-year contract extension. This comes two weeks after reports emerged that the former Defensive Player of the Year agreed to a five-year, $240 million deal. The team confirmed the extension but did not disclose the specific terms per its policy. Jackson Jr. played a key role for the Grizzlies last season, appearing in 74 games. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2 assists, a career-high 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game, shooting 49% from the field and 38% from three-point range. His contributions were significant during the team's playoff push, despite an early postseason exit. Over his five-year career with Memphis, Jackson Jr. has appeared in 407 games, averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1.9 blocks per game. He has started all 27 of his playoff appearances, averaging 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.9 blocks in postseason play. Originally selected by the Grizzlies with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft after his freshman season at Michigan State, Jackson Jr. is now set to earn nearly $50 million annually. This extension signifies Memphis's commitment to building a competitive team in the Western Conference around him.
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Indiana takes on Connecticut, looks for 4th straight road win
The Indiana Fever (11-10, 7-5 Eastern Conference) will face the Connecticut Sun (3-18, 2-6 Eastern Conference) on Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT in Uncasville, Connecticut. BetMGM lists the Fever as 15.5-point favorites with an over/under of 165 points. Indiana enters the matchup aiming to extend its three-game road winning streak. Connecticut holds a 2-6 record in conference games and is 2-10 against winning opponents, while Indiana is 7-5 in conference play and 6-3 against winning teams. Statistically, Connecticut shoots 40.1% from the field this season—2.4 percentage points below Indiana's average defensive allowance (42.5%). Indiana shoots 46.0% offensively, marginally below Connecticut's 46.3% defensive average. This marks the third meeting between the teams this season. Indiana won the previous matchup 88-71 on June 17, led by Caitlin Clark's 20 points. Connecticut's Tina Charles also scored 20 points in that game. Top performers include Connecticut's Olivia Nelson-Ododa (averaging 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds) and Tina Charles (13.5 points over last 10 games). For Indiana, Aliyah Boston averages 16.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell averages 21.5 points in the last 10 games. Connecticut is 1-9 in its last 10 games, averaging 73.8 points on 39.7% shooting while allowing 88.0 points. Indiana is 5-5 during the same span, averaging 85.1 points on 46.6% shooting and allowing 82.2 points. Injury reports indicate Connecticut's Marina Mabrey is out with a knee injury, while Indiana has no listed injuries.
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A win over the Minnesota Lynx confirms the Chicago Sky are playing their best basketball of the season
The Chicago Sky, with a 7-13 record, pulled off a significant upset by defeating the heavily favored Minnesota Lynx (18-4) with a final score of 87-81 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The victory showcased the Sky playing their best basketball, embodying patience and persistence. Chicago established control early. After a competitive start, they ended the first quarter with an 8-0 run to lead 29-23, emphasizing good shots, ball security, rebounding, hustle, and strong defense, led by Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese. This dominance continued into the second quarter. Atkins scored effectively, particularly with floaters, while Reese contributed inside, from the free-throw line, and mid-range. Kamilla Cardoso controlled the paint and rebounded, and Rachel Banham added three 3-pointers. A 28-point second quarter gave the Sky a commanding 57-44 halftime lead. Despite Chicago maintaining their lead early in the third quarter, the Lynx mounted a fierce comeback. Kayla McBride hit threes, Courtney Williams made key mid-range shots, and Napheesa Collier played aggressively. A 19-8 Lynx run spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth quarters reduced Chicago's once 15-point lead to just two points. The Sky, however, refocused on their initial approach of patience and persistence, never relinquishing the lead. They secured the win behind outstanding performances: Ariel Atkins led all scorers with 27 points (57.1% FG) and 3 rebounds, heavily influencing the second quarter. Angel Reese recorded her eighth consecutive double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Kamilla Cardoso anchored the paint, and Rachel Banham provided crucial outside shooting. Towards the game's end, after a favorable call, Reese and Atkins shared an embrace, and Reese energized the ecstatic crowd. This victory stands as the Sky's biggest of the season.
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Aces 104-102 Valkyries (Jul 12, 2025) Game Recap
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Golden State Valkyries 104-102 in a close game on Saturday. A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 34 points and 16 rebounds, while Jackie Young scored 30 points, including the team's final 10 points. With the score tied at 94 and 1:49 remaining, Jackie Young took control, scoring on the Aces' next five possessions. She hit a mid-range jumper for a 96-94 lead, followed by a driving layup to make it 98-94. Young then sealed the win by making two free throws on each of the Aces' next three possessions. Despite Young's offensive dominance, the Valkyries stayed close with late three-pointers. Cecilia Zandalasini hit one with 17 seconds left and Tiffany Hayes made another with 7 seconds left, cutting the deficit to 102-100. Young's final pair of free throws made it 104-100 before Kayla Thornton hit a long two-pointer for the Valkyries' final points. Young was perfect from the free-throw line, going 11-for-11 (she entered the game as an 89% shooter). Overall, the Aces made 30 of 35 free throws. Wilson, playing after injuring her wrist earlier in the week, made 12 of 16 shots and 9 of 12 free throws. Jewell Loyd added 15 points for Las Vegas. All five Golden State starters scored in double figures: Hayes and Janelle Salaun each had 16 points, Temi Fagbenle scored 13, Veronica Burton 11, and Kayla Thornton 10. Cecilia Zandalasini contributed 12 points off the bench. This was the expansion Valkyries' first game in Las Vegas; their head coach, Natalie Nakase, was an Aces assistant during their 2022 and 2023 championship seasons. Entering the game, the Valkyries held a 10-10 record, having won five of their previous eight games. The Aces improved to 10-11 after losing three of their last four. Looking ahead, Golden State hosts Phoenix on Monday, while Las Vegas plays at Dallas on Wednesday.
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Las Vegas Aces Hold Strong As Golden State Valkyries Fall Short In Epic Showdown
The Las Vegas Aces narrowly defeated the Golden State Valkyries 104-102 in a thrilling game on Saturday afternoon at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The victory was secured in the final moments of the closely contested match, featuring high-scoring action and clutch plays. The game marked the Aces' 36th consecutive sold-out home game. Key performances included A'ja Wilson scoring 34 points in her return from a wrist injury, Jackie Young contributing 30 points (including the team's final 10 points), Jewell Loyd adding 15 points, and Chelsea Gray scoring 6 points. Additionally, Dana Evans reached her 1,000th career point during the game. The event featured a special welcome for two former Aces players, Kate Martin and Tiffany Hayes. A video tribute honoring both players aired on the Jumbotron during warm-ups, receiving loud cheers from the audience. Hayes, who played for the Aces in 2024, is now with the Valkyries, while Martin was drafted by the Aces in 2024 but is no longer on the team. A'ja Wilson debuted a new colorway of her signature Nike A'One shoes during the game, inspired by the "Rugrats" character Susie Carmichael, continuing her trend of showcasing new designs that attract significant attention.
Views 5198Likes 5176
Lakers’ LeBron James’ 4 trade suitors revealed
LeBron James has not requested a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, if the Lakers decide to trade him, a report indicates four teams have already contacted the Lakers to express interest in acquiring him. According to the report by Scoop Robinson, the four teams that inquired are the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. The report suggests the Mavericks scenario would be particularly ironic following Luka Doncic's recent trade from Dallas to the Lakers. It also speculates that a potential Lakers team featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg would be "incredible".
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Dallas Mavericks have changes to make alongside Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to build their future around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg starting in the 2025-26 season. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley projects Flagg will start alongside D'Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. Buckley notes that while the Mavericks miss Kyrie Irving due to injury, this lineup is intriguing primarily because of Flagg. He highlights Flagg's potential as an elite defender and competitor immediately, with a scoring arsenal that appeared advanced during his time at Duke. Buckley emphasizes that the Davis-Lively frontcourt pairing could be one of the league's best defensive duos, provided they stay healthy. However, Buckley identifies a significant defensive concern with the Russell-Thompson backcourt, which he suggests could be "among the league's leakiest." He speculates that these defensive issues might lead coach Jason Kidd to consider alternatives like Max Christie or PJ Washington, but acknowledges Russell and Thompson's shooting ability might secure their starting spots due to spacing needs from the frontline. For now, Flagg will play small forward while Davis and Lively are on the roster, though he may project better as a power forward long-term. Determining the optimal player combinations around Flagg to maximize his value will be a key task for Coach Kidd and his staff, and building the team around Flagg is described as a long-term process.
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Zalgiris rejects Olympiacos move for Sylvain Francisco
Olympiacos approached Zalgiris Kaunas to negotiate the transfer of French guard Sylvain Francisco, but Zalgiris immediately rejected the request according to Eurohoops sources. Despite a history of positive relations and previous player transactions between the clubs, Zalgiris deemed this particular approach "impossible" to accommodate. The rejection stems from Francisco's vital role in Zalgiris' lineup, where he established himself as a cornerstone player during a standout season. The guard led his team in both scoring and assists throughout the campaign, demonstrating his importance to the squad. Francisco's EuroLeague performance statistics underscore his value, with averages of 12.6 points and 3.9 assists per game while logging 25 minutes and 29 seconds of playing time per contest. This consistent production solidified Zalgiris' position against any potential transfer.
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UP, NU set up FilOil Preseason Cup Finals duel
The University of the Philippines (UP) and National University (NU) will compete in the finals of the 18th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup after winning their respective semifinal matches. UP overcame a 15-point first-half deficit to defeat De La Salle University 83-78. Key players Rey Remogat, Gerry Abadiano, and Gani Stevens led the comeback, with Remogat hitting consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes to secure the win. Abadiano sealed the victory with late free throws. Similarly, NU staged a comeback in its semifinal against the University of Santo Tomas, erasing a 14-point deficit to win 96-84. Jake Figueroa starred for NU with 24 points, including four three-pointers, along with five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Lenard Santiago contributed significantly with 13 points and three blocks. The upcoming final features UP attempting a rare three-peat in the tournament, having won the previous two editions. NU, which claimed the championship in 2022, now challenges UP for the title in this preseason showcase.
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Rebecca Lobo Incredulous at No Calls for Caitlin Clark in Fever-Wings Game
Women's Basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo criticized officiating during Caitlin Clark's performance in the Indiana Fever's game against the Dallas Wings. During ESPN's broadcast, Lobo highlighted a first-quarter sequence where Clark drove against JJ Quinerly, enduring multiple uncalled fouls before finally drawing a whistle. Replays showed clear contact, with Lobo stating: "There's a grab, there's a hold, there's another grab... every single one of them are fouls." Play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco agreed with Lobo's assessment of the physical defense. This incident reflects ongoing complaints from the Fever organization about inadequate foul calls protecting Clark throughout the season. Earlier criticisms came from player Sophie Cunningham and head coach Stephanie White. Concerns are heightened by Clark's history of lower-body injuries, which have caused her to miss nine games, putting added scrutiny on the physical play officials permit against her. Despite the lack of foul calls in this sequence, Clark converted both resulting free throws. The Fever maintained momentum heading into halftime, unaffected by the officiating controversies during this particular game.
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