The New York Liberty won the Commissioner's Cup last week, thanks in part to Rebekah Gardner, who scored seven points in 12 minutes on 60% shooting. Gardner, a 31-year-old undrafted rookie in 2022, now plays a key role off the bench for the Liberty, taking on tough defensive assignments and shooting 50.7% from the field.
NaLyssa Smith Steps Up for Aces
NaLyssa Smith, traded to the Las Vegas Aces midway through last season, leads the league in field-goal percentage at nearly 66% through 21 games. In an overtime win against the Sky, she posted a season-high 29 points on 11-for-14 shooting while A'ja Wilson was sidelined with an ankle injury. Wilson called Smith "our glue."
Kaila Charles Finds Home in Golden State
Kaila Charles, in and out of the league since 2020, averages 6.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Golden State Valkyries. Her defensive stops and timely three-pointers embody the team's hard-nosed identity.
Madina Okot's Rapid Rise
Madina Okot, the No. 13 pick in this year's draft, has made an immediate impact for the Atlanta Dream, averaging 5.7 points in 9.5 minutes. Remarkably, Okot has only played basketball since 2020, yet she started a game as a WNBA rookie.
Caitlin Clark Condemns Hate After Flagrant Foul
Nearly two weeks after Alyssa Thomas's Flagrant 2 foul on Caitlin Clark, Clark condemned the hatred and death threats directed at players. Fever coach Stephanie White called the toxicity "absolutely unacceptable."
Robin Roberts and Geno Auriemma Reunite
Robin Roberts and Geno Auriemma returned to the broadcast booth for a special reunion during the Liberty-Wings game, 30 seasons after calling the first nationally televised WNBA game. The Wings won 88-77, featuring Auriemma's former players Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, and Azzi Fudd.
Tunnel Fits: Connecticut Sun Shine
The Connecticut Sun may be last in standings, but their tunnel outfits are first-place worthy. Olivia Nelson-Ododa wore a Christopher Esber satin gown, Aaliyah Edwards sported a Diana Taurasi-inspired jersey dress, and Aneesah Morrow donned an all-black leather look as the Sun defeated the Sky by 29 points.
