India’s batter Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates his century in the course of the first day of the primary Take a look at cricket match between India and Bangladesh, at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (PTI Picture)
How R Ashwin, who went to USA to check batting dynamics between baseball and cricket, counterattacked his manner in Chennai Take a look at towards Bangladesh
On the eve of the Take a look at, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was requested whether or not he has plans to develop a seam-bowling all-rounder. In his true attribute type, he would make a transparent lower remark. “If we don’t have it, we don’t have it. We nonetheless have high quality all-rounders, now we have to handle Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar,” he would say. And on his first day at workplace of the Take a look at aspect, it was India’s two priceless all-rounders – R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja – who dug them out of a gap at 144/6 and finish Day 1 at 339 for six.
Half manner into the opening day of the Take a look at after Bangladesh gained the toss opted to bowl, the full appeared out of India’s attain. With the MA Chidambaram Stadium floor providing motion and good bounce, Bangladesh seamers made probably the most out of it with India’s batting line-up additionally making their job straightforward with some free pictures.
However in house circumstances, particularly within the final decade it’s the contribution from the lower-order batsmen that entails the spin-bowling all-rounders that has made them invincible. And on Thursday, it was the 2 acquainted faces – localite Ashwin and Chennai Tremendous Kings’ Jadeja – who as soon as once more got here to India’s rescue, like they’ve executed repeatedly prior to now. (READ MORE)
On Monday, the embattled rap mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was arrested and charged with intercourse trafficking and racketeering. He is been denied bail twice, and is dealing with a sentence of 15 years to life in jail. Host Brittany Luse is joined by NPR Music editor Sidney Madden and authorized affairs reporter Meghann Cuniff to grasp what this indictment means for Combs and if this may very well be the start of a #MeToo motion in hip-hop.
Then, Brittany is joined by Tony Tulathimutte, creator of Rejection, to speak a few rising tradition round rejection, his e-book and why on-line life can allow rejections to curdle inside us.
This episode was produced by Liam McBain and Alexis Williams, with extra assist from Corey Antonio Rose and Barton Girdwood. This episode was edited by Jessica Placzek. We had engineering assist from Ted Mebane and Josephine Nyounai. Our Govt Producer is Jasmine Romero. Our VP of Programming is Yolanda Sangweni.
Sean “Diddy” Combs did not act alone on crimes that embody bribery, making threats and intercourse trafficking, based on federal prosecutors.
Authorities allege Combs had loads of assist, and what comes subsequent is the attainable prosecution of a whole community of the rap mogul’s workers.
In accordance with Combs’ indictment on federal costs of intercourse trafficking, the rap mogul used sure workers to hold out and facilitate his actions, which allegedly included threatening and abusing girls who had been a part of his “freak-offs,” or intercourse events.
These workers ranged from safety to family employees, private assistants and high-ranking supervisors.
Former federal prosecutor Manny Medrano stated among the workers will seemingly make offers to testify towards Combs — however others might be criminally charged.
Medrano stated who will get prosecuted and who doesn’t will rely upon whether or not they’re thought of a “excessive degree” or “low degree” enabler.
“A low degree could be let’s simply say the housekeeper who picked up after one of many intercourse events however a excessive degree enabler could be somebody who lured the ladies to return into the intercourse events,” stated Medrano.
The indictment states some workers helped Combs’ get medication for the events, made journey preparations to lure victims, and obtained money to pay intercourse employees to take part.
U.S. legal professional Damian Williams detailed the costs towards Sean “Diddy” Combs throughout a press convention on Tuesday, which allege Combs engaged in intercourse trafficking, arson and racketeering. Williams additionally outlined findings from a number of property searches, together with the seizure of movies of the alleged abuse, AR-style weapons and greater than 1,000 bottles of non-public lubricant.
Medrano stated it’s seemingly Combs wasn’t the one well-known face within the room.
“I’ve little doubt that maybe there are another high-level celebrities excessive profile people in these events, participated in them,” stated Medrano.
Combs’ protection legal professional will seemingly argue nobody was compelled to do something, based on Medrano.
“The important thing protection for Combs might be: did the ladies take part voluntarily and consensually, or had been they compelled? In the event that they had been compelled, Combs will seemingly spend the remainder of his life in federal jail,” stated Medrano.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Jacoby Brissett acquired hit, harassed and pissed off all night time by the New York Jets’ swarming protection.
Then the Patriots’ veteran quarterback was pulled in favor of rookie Drake Maye, who made his NFL debut late in a lackluster 24-3 loss Thursday night time.
All of it left some uncertainty about who’ll be underneath heart for New England shifting ahead.
“I don’t know,” coach Jerod Mayo stated. “We speak each single week that you simply’re competing for a job. We’ll get collectively as a training workers and see the place it goes.”
The Patriots (1-2) might keep on with the 31-year-old Brissett, who’s checked out as largely as a placeholder for Maye. Or New England might get the No. 3 total decide on the sphere to begin a bit prior to anticipated. The Patriots play at San Francisco subsequent Sunday.
“I don’t make personnel choices,” Brissett stated. “My job is to go on the market and prepare to play.”
When requested what he thought of Mayo saying he was not sure whether or not he would possibly make a quarterback change, Brissett refused to gas any hypothesis.
“I’m not going to overreact to one thing I didn’t hear,” he stated. “He advised me he was stepping into. I’m not going to argue.”
Brissett was 12 of 18 for simply 98 yards and sacked 5 instances earlier than being pulled with 4:24 left within the recreation.
“I’m an enormous man. I can take it,” Brissett stated of all of the hits he took. “I at all times get again up. Discovering methods to make performs, that’s what it comes right down to. It’s soccer. You’re imagined to get hit. You don’t join this sport to not get hit.”
Maye got here in and moved the Patriots’ offense down the sphere throughout their last drive. The previous North Carolina star went 4 for 8 for 22 yards and was sacked twice, with the final one ending the sport.
“I assumed it was alternative for him to go on the market with the (first-team offense) and put a couple of drives collectively,” Mayo stated. “We’ll watch the movie and consider.”
One other factor for Mayo to contemplate is the state of the Patriots’ banged-up offensive line.
Beginning left sort out Vederian Lowe (knee) and left guard Sidy Sow (ankle) didn’t play after each have been dominated out earlier within the week. Heart David Andrews (hip) and proper sort out Mike Onwenu (wrist) performed after being listed as questionable.
Towards the Jets, left sort out Caedan Wallace — beginning for Lowe — and left guard Michael Jordan — beginning for Sow — didn’t end the sport after being injured within the fourth quarter.
“I assumed the offensive line right this moment had a tough time,” Mayo stated. “There have been instances early within the recreation when the pockets appeared fairly clear. As the sport went on, much like final week (in opposition to Seattle), it began falling aside so far as the safety.”
New England was manhandled by the New York protection, after which Aaron Rodgers sliced by the Patriots for lengthy drives all through the night time.
New York completed with 400 yards to New England’s 139 and had 27 first downs to the Patriots’ 11.
“It was dangerous. Unhealthy in all phases,” Andrews stated. “We didn’t play like how we wished to play. They dictated what we wished to do. Hats off to them. That they had plan and performed rather a lot higher than we did tonight.”
MOSCOW (AP) — Two Russians on Friday set a file for the longest steady keep on the Worldwide Area Station, in keeping with Russia’s area company.
Roscosmos stated Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub broke the outdated file of 370 days, 21 hours and 22 minutes, which was set in September 2023 by Russians Sergei Prokopiev and Dmitry Petelin and American Francisco Rubio.
Chub and Kononenko will add a number of days to their complete earlier than their scheduled return to Earth on Monday.
The 59-year-old Kononenko holds different area period data, together with essentially the most cumulative time in area — 1,110 days over the course of 5 missions by the point he lands in Kazakhstan subsequent week.
Two American astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have inadvertently been aboard the area station for a lot of the Russians’ record-setting keep. Williams and Wilmore anticipated to be on the ISS for under eight days after they blasted off in June, however their problem-plagued Boeing Starliner capsule was despatched again with out them. They now are set to return in February.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Jacoby Brissett shrugged his shoulders as he answered the ultimate query of his press convention within the bowels of MetLife Stadium on Thursday evening.
The veteran quarterback had simply spoken of the respect he has for an offensive line that allowed him to get hit 10 instances, sacked 5, and pressured consistently in a 24-3 loss to the Jets, and Brissett was then requested about Jerod Mayo’s feedback from minutes earlier. The Patriots coach mentioned he didn’t know who his quarterback could be subsequent week in San Francisco.
“That’s —,” Brissett paused. “I’m not going to overreact to one thing that I didn’t hear.”
Brissett has accomplished nearly every part proper since coming again to New England. He’s mentored and cheered Drake Maye as he competed towards him, he’s served as a punching bag behind a porous offensive line, and his teammates respect him a lot that he was voted a captain regardless of a one-year placeholder deal.
“That’s a soldier proper there,” DeMario Douglas mentioned. “Taking hits and getting up, he’s going on the market fired up. That’s the definition of a soldier proper there. They stand up they usually push by way of the arduous instances.”
After the one-sided loss to the Jets, Mayo had been noncommittal on his quarterback for Week 4 following Drake Maye’s late fourth quarter NFL debut.
“I don’t know,” Mayo mentioned. “We speak about it each single week that you simply’re competing for a job so, we’ll get collectively as a training workers and see the place it goes.”
In that second standing behind the lectern after a hard-fought loss, Brissett deserved higher. After all of the yo-yoing on quarterback messaging over the summer time, this was one other curveball. And it’s solely Week 3. If Mayo is actually contemplating benching Brissett in favor of Maye, it’d be tactless to let the quarterback hear that from a media member and never his coach. It’d be silly, too.
Although Maye moved the ball downfield throughout his drive with the Jets bench emptied, there wasn’t something to recommend he needs to be the beginning quarterback instantly. It was a combined bag. Maye’s first snap may’ve been a pick-six and he missed an open throw. He additionally had a pair beauties to Douglas and transformed a fourth down together with his legs. There was good and dangerous, however Maye wants extra seasoning. Although a small pattern measurement, he regarded very very similar to the high-ceiling, low-floor prospect he was billed as.
Maye remains to be studying from watching Brissett on sport day, too, and shared the strongest lesson he’s gotten from his teammate up to now.
“How you can put together,” Maye mentioned. “There’s so many alternative seems groups can deliver. The Jets combined it up on the primary 4 or 5 third downs, combined up the protection. So simply being ready and going by way of every play. Virtually how one can by no means put together sufficient. He’s going by way of right here the previous few seconds earlier than he goes out to the sphere, he’s going over the script and little issues like that.”
As importantly as something, Maye took a beating similar to Brissett. The rookie was hit 5 instances in 10 dropbacks, they usually have been violent pictures coming from the Jets; New England’s go safety didn’t magically enhance when Maye entered the sport.
If the Patriots need the 22-year-old to develop correctly, he can’t do it what that type of strain. Carolina simply pulled the ripcord on No. 1 total decide Bryce Younger after 18 video games and it’s not a coincidence that he was sacked a whopping 62 instances as a rookie. That is what Brissett was signed to do: Take among the punches till the offensive line stabilizes so the rookie doesn’t should, and proceed to assist him develop alongside the way in which.
“I’m huge man, I can take it,” Brissett mentioned of Thursday’s hits. “I’m all the time going to get again up. That’s one factor about me. I’m all the time going to get again up and discover methods to make performs, man, that’s what it comes right down to. It’s soccer.”
Although his job could also be in jeopardy, Brissett mentioned he nonetheless believes he’ll be New England’s starter.
“In fact,” Brissett mentioned. “I imply, I don’t make personnel selections. My job is to go on the market, get able to play, put good soccer on tape and put my finest foot ahead.”
How for much longer that continues to be Brissett’s job is up within the air, however within the Meadowlands, he deserved higher each on and off the sphere.
Caitlin Clark scored eight factors and handed out eight assists, however the Indiana Fever dropped their last recreation of the common season, shedding 92-91 at Washington.
The sport was of little significance, although, as Indiana had already locked up the sixth seed within the playoffs. The Fever will meet third-seeded Connecticut within the first spherical. The sequence shall be a better of three, with the primary two video games scheduled to be performed at Connecticut. If a Recreation 3 is critical, Indiana will host it.
Clark performed lower than 20 minutes Thursday at Washington, which Fever coach Christie Sides had warned would possibly occur throughout Thursday’s pregame when she stated the workforce can be particularly cautious with all its starters. Clark shot 2-of-5 from the sphere, each of her made pictures approaching 3s. She additionally grabbed 5 rebounds and one steal.
Clark finishes the common season averaging 19.2 factors, a league-best 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. (Clark additionally led the league in turnovers, with 5.6 per recreation, however it’s common for guards who’ve the ball of their palms a lot to high that stat class, too.) She’s damaged quite a few data in her first 12 months as a professional, and is the heavy favourite to win Rookie of the Yr subsequent week when all league awards are introduced.
The Fever did have a scare when guard Kelsey Mitchell, who’s been on a tear post-Olympics, badly turned her left ankle early within the recreation. Mitchell was gradual to get again on protection and, after she was subbed out, instantly headed again to the locker room. Mitchell didn’t begin the second half, however she warmed up after the break, which implies sitting her — she performed lower than 5 minutes — was seemingly precautionary.
Kristy Wallace led the Fever Thursday with 17 factors, whereas NaLyssa Smith chipped in 16. Sika Kone had 20 for Washington.
Recreation Recap: Fever Practically Full Comeback at Mystics to Finish Common Season
Fri, Sep 20, 2024, 2:47 AM
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Indiana Fever (20-20) got here up simply quick, 92-91, in its last matchup of the common season towards the Washington Mystics at Capital One Enviornment on Thursday evening. Thursday’s recreation was performed in entrance of a sold-out crowd of 20,711, which set a WNBA file for the most important attendance in league historical past. Indiana will now journey to face the No. 3 seed Connecticut Solar to start its first spherical sequence within the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
Indiana’s bench completed with a season-best 53 factors scored, and 4 Fever gamers scored in double figures. Fever guard Kristy Wallace led Indiana off the bench with a season-high 17 factors and 4 rebounds. Fever ahead NaLyssa Smith adopted with 16 factors and 5 rebounds, whereas middle Aliyah Boston and reserve ahead Katie Lou Samuelson each added 10 factors and mixed for seven rebounds, six assists and three steals within the loss. Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark recorded eight factors, eight assists and 5 rebounds in roughly 20 minutes. Clark ended the evening with the franchise file for many factors scored in an everyday season with 769 factors. Indiana shot 53.1 p.c (33-of-64) from the sphere and 10-of-20 from 3-point vary within the loss and tied a season-high with 28 assists.
Indiana led 20-2 to start the primary quarter, however back-to-back 3-point discipline targets plus a layup from Washington’s aspect towards the tip of the primary quarter sparked a 20-4 run from the Mystics and Indiana solely led, 24-22, going into the second quarter. The Mystics’ late first-quarter run bled into the second quarter and Washington finally led, 52-45, on the half. Indiana was pressured to name a timeout after Washington opened up the second half on a 12-3 run, however the Mystics outscored Indiana once more, 30-21, and led by 16 factors going into the ultimate quarter. The Fever went on a 22-8 surge to finish the sport and outscored Washington, 25-10, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to finish the comeback effort fueled by the Fever bench.
5 Mystics (14-26) gamers scored in double-figures within the shut win, led by reserve ahead Sika Koné’s game-high 20 factors on 7-of-10 discipline purpose capturing in addition to seven rebounds and two assists. Mystics guard Ariel Atkins and ahead Emily Engstler each notched 17 factors. Atkins scored 11 of her 17 factors within the second quarter alone and in addition recorded three steals. Engstler tied a season-high in a recreation with three made 3-point discipline targets and tallied 5 rebounds, 5 assists, one block and one steal, too.
UP NEXT The Fever begin the primary spherical of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on the Connecticut Solar on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Sunday’s recreation might be broadcast on ABC.
It is official: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will meet the Connecticut Solar within the 2024 WNBA playoffs.
The Solar, a preseason favourite to contend for the WNBA championship, locked up the third seed by blowing out the Chicago Sky, 85-54, within the regular-season finale Thursday.
The Fever are returning to the playoffs for the primary time since 2016, lifted to the postseason by the play of Caitlin Clark, who’s virtually a lock to win the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Yr award.
Indiana boasts one of many league’s finest veterans in guard Kelsey Mitchell, now in her seventh skilled season. However no Fever starter has WNBA playoff expertise, whereas the Solar and its core have made a number of deep postseason runs, together with a visit to the 2022 Finals, the place they misplaced to the Las Vegas Aces in 4 video games. Earlier this season, the Solar traded for guard Marina Mabrey, a pointy shooter on the perimeter, in hopes of bolstering their title possibilities.
WNBA playoff format
Within the WNBA’s playoff format, the sixth seed matches up with the third seed within the first spherical. All first-round matchups are best-of-three collection, with the primary two video games being performed on the dwelling of the higher-seeded staff; Recreation 3, if mandatory, is performed on the dwelling of the lower-seeded staff.
This format signifies that lower-seeded playoff groups could not see the massive monetary profit from internet hosting a postseason sport and, in the event that they handle to steal a sport on the highway, it places the higher-seeded staff within the powerful place of successful Recreation 3 in a hostile surroundings.
So, No. 6 Indiana (20-20) will meet No. 3 Connecticut (28-12).
Indiana vs. Connecticut playoff schedule
➤ Recreation 1: Sunday, Sept. 22 at Connecticut, 3 p.m. ET on ABC
➤ Recreation 2: Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Connecticut, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
➤ Recreation 3 (if mandatory): Friday, Sept. 27 at Indiana, tip time TBA, on ESPN2
How has Caitlin Clark performed vs. the Connecticut Solar this season?
The Solar and Fever have met 4 instances this 12 months, with Connecticut holding a 3-1 edge. Right here’s how Clark performed in every of these video games:
∎ Might 14: Connecticut 92, Indiana 71
Clark stat line: 20 factors (5-of-15 capturing, together with 4-of-11 from 3), 3 assists, 2 steals, 10 turnovers
∎ Might 20: Connecticut 88, Indiana 84
Clark stat line: 17 factors (5-of-11 capturing, together with 3-of-7 from 3), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 5 turnovers
∎ June 10: Connecticut 89, Indiana 72
Clark stat line: 10 factors (3-of-8 capturing, together with 2-of-5 from 3), 2 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers
∎ Aug. 28: Indiana 84, Connecticut 80
Clark stat line: 19 factors (7-of-17 capturing, together with 3-of-12 from 3), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 7 turnovers
It’s value declaring that Indiana’s lone win over Connecticut this season got here after the Olympic break, which has massively benefited Clark and the Fever general. Indiana has been one of many higher groups because the WNBA resumed play in August, amassing a 9-4 document; Las Vegas is the one staff Indiana didn’t beat this season.
Caitlin Clark vs. DiJonai Carrington
Within the playoffs, similar to the common season, Clark is more likely to be guarded by Connecticut’s DiJonai Carrington, top-of-the-line perimeter defenders within the league. Simply 5-foot-11, Carrington is a superior athlete — it runs within the household, as her brother performed eight seasons within the NFL — with lengthy arms and fast toes who loves bodily play. She and Clark have developed one thing of a rivalry this season, as Carrington has repeatedly complained to officers about Clark’s whining about foul calls.
Regardless, it’s clear Carrington is aware of the right way to defend Clark, as the favourite to win Rookie of the Yr has averaged simply 39% (20-of-51) capturing vs. the Solar in 4 matchups, and shot simply 34% (12-of-35) from 3. Additionally, whereas Carrington has downplayed their particular person matchup, it’s apparent Carrington takes pleasure in irritating whoever she’s guarding and pressuring them into errors and rushed photographs.
The Solar boast the most effective defensive score within the league and have a bunch of gamers with lengthy wingspans who can harass Clark and Indiana’s different guards. If Carrington isn’t guarding Clark it’ll most likely be both DeWanna Bonner or Alyssa Thomas, two veterans who additionally like to make life powerful for opposing guards.
Backside line: Indiana has been enjoying nice because the Olympic break, particularly with the elevated manufacturing from off guards Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull. However the Fever have their work minimize out for them.
E-mail Lindsay Schnell at lschnell@usatoday.com and comply with her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell
Can the Las Vegas Aces and celebrity A’ja Wilson three-peat as WNBA champions? Can the New York Liberty or the Connecticut Solar get their franchise’s first title? Would possibly the Minnesota Lynx declare their fifth crown? Or might the league champion come from past the highest 4 seeds? That features the Indiana Fever showing within the playoffs for the primary time since 2016, led by rookie level guard Caitlin Clark.
The WNBA playoffs open Sunday. The ultimate playoff workforce, the No. 8 seed Atlanta Dream, earned their spot Thursday, the final day of the common season. The Dream received a 78-67 victory at New York, a recreation that admittedly meant nothing to the Liberty, who have been already assured of their seed and the league’s finest document.
However now these groups will flip round and begin the playoffs at 1 p.m. ET Sunday (ESPN) in New York, adopted by No. 6 Indiana at No. 3 Connecticut (ABC, 3 p.m. ET).
Then Diana Taurasi, in her twentieth and probably final WNBA season, will lead the No. 7 seed Phoenix Mercury in opposition to No. 2 Minnesota (5 p.m. ET, ESPN). That is adopted by the No. 4 Aces internet hosting the No. 5 Seattle Storm (10 p.m. ET, ESPN). The primary spherical is best-of-three collection, with the upper seed internet hosting the primary two video games.
No WNBA workforce has gained three championships in a row for the reason that Houston Comets gained 4 straight within the league’s first 4 seasons. The Comets disbanded after the 2008 season.
The Aces, nonetheless, might face a possible assembly with the Liberty within the semifinals; these groups met within the WNBA Finals final yr. New York has performed for the WNBA championship 5 instances however hasn’t gained a title but.
The primary-round winners will play best-of-five semifinal collection, adopted by the best-of-five WNBA Finals. We break down what we’ll see because the postseason will get underway and predict which groups will advance.
Common season collection: New York gained 3-1
How New York received right here: The Liberty fell in need of their objective for a championship in final yr’s WNBA Finals however have been higher in Yr 2 of their superteam, occupying the highest spot within the standings for a lot of the season. Their beginning 5 has one other yr of chemistry underneath its belt. Reigning MVP Breanna Stewart remains to be the second-best participant on the planet. Jonquel Jones had stretches the place she appeared like her 2021 MVP kind, whereas Sabrina Ionescu took a step ahead in her improvement. Their retooled bench helped them defensively and with their general depth. Altogether, it has left Liberty followers optimistic that this would possibly lastly be their yr.
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Tina Charles breaks two WNBA information in a single evening
Try the highlights from Tina Charles’ evening as she turns into the WNBA’s all-time chief in rebounds and double-doubles within the Dream’s victory over the Liberty.
How Atlanta received right here: The 2024 Dream have been a curler coaster. Accidents to Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard throughout the first half of the season hampered their early improvement, and the Dream went 7-17. Even with these gamers again within the lineup after the Olympics, they have been simply .500 within the second half, and it took a win over the Liberty on the ultimate day of the common season to clinch a playoff spot. However Atlanta will enter its first-round collection — its second consecutive playoff look — on a three-game successful streak, tied for its longest run of the season. One shiny spot whatever the ups and downs: All-time nice Tina Charles has been a steadying power in her first season again within the WNBA since 2022, practically averaging a double-double in her thirteenth marketing campaign.
How they match up: New York dominated this regular-season collection till Thursday, when the Dream appeared like they have been preventing for his or her playoff lives, whereas the Liberty appeared like they knew that they had nothing to achieve or lose. Atlanta’s protection has been extra dependable than its offense this season, however can it actually twice decelerate a Liberty offense that has been finest within the league all summer time? On paper, the reigning WNBA Finals runners-up with a plus-11.7 web ranking (first within the league) ought to comfortably deal with the workforce with the minus-3.6 web ranking (seventh) that hasn’t gained a playoff recreation since 2018. We’ll see if Thursday finally ends up being a preview of a extra aggressive collection than anticipated.
Largest concern for the upper seed? Dropping two of their final three regular-season video games (to the Lynx and Dream) wasn’t probably the most confidence-instilling stretch for the Liberty. Ionescu hasn’t been as environment friendly within the second half of the season, Jones not as dominant. And their protection left loads to be desired in these losses. New York will hope to depart these points behind because it seeks to clinch the franchise’s first title.
What is going to most affect the collection? This matchup options two current No. 1 picks and U.S. Olympians: Ionescu (2020, 5-on-5 Olympian) and Howard (2022, 3×3 Olympian). It is exhausting to see Atlanta pulling off the upset with out a sensational collection from Howard. Ionescu, in the meantime, will look to search out some rhythm and effectivity because the postseason will get going. — Alexa Philippou
Who will win the collection:
Pelton: Liberty in 2 Philippou: Liberty in 2 Voepel: Liberty in 2
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Lynx outlast Solar in wild back-and-forth end
The Lynx outlast the Solar 78-76 after 4 lead modifications within the recreation’s last 23 seconds.
Common season collection: Minnesota gained 3-1
How Minnesota received right here: The Lynx added two key free brokers, guard Courtney Williams and ahead Alanna Smith, each of whom performed for Chicago in 2023. Mixed, they’ve averaged simply over 21 factors, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Amongst Minnesota’s returning gamers from 2023, ahead Napheesa Collier has been an MVP candidate, ahead Bridget Carleton is having one of the best of her six seasons and guard Kayla McBride is averaging probably the most 3-pointers per recreation (2.7) of her 11 years within the league.
Minnesota is first within the WNBA in defensive ranking and in 3-point share. The Lynx gained the Commissioner’s Cup last over New York on June 25, however then hit a lull tied to Collier lacking time with plantar fasciitis. Between June 27 and July 17, Minnesota was 4-5. However Collier performed extra like herself on the Paris Video games, and for the reason that Olympic break ended, the Lynx are 13-2. It is notable these two losses embody a meaningless 68-51 loss Thursday vs. Los Angeles in a recreation wherein Minnesota rested Collier and McBride. The Lynx have been one of many league’s most constant groups.
How Phoenix received right here: The Mercury have been constant, too, however not in as constructive a means because the Lynx. Phoenix has hovered round .500 the complete season. Middle Brittney Griner missed the primary 10 video games with a toe damage. Guard Natasha Cloud, wing Kahleah Copper and coach Nate Tibbett are all newcomers to the Mercury this season. Taurasi mentioned there’s nonetheless loads this workforce is determining about itself. When the Mercury have appeared good, they have been spectacular. However they’ve additionally been blown out in some video games. Copper (again damage) returned for the regular-season finale Thursday after lacking the earlier three video games. She leads Phoenix in scoring, and it appears unlikely the Mercury can upset the Lynx with out a massive collection from Copper.
How they match up: Minnesota’s three victories in opposition to Phoenix have been all by double digits. The Mercury’s win within the collection got here on a last-second 3-pointer by Copper for an 81-80 win on June 7. The newest matchup — an 89-76 Minnesota victory on Aug. 28 — was an instance of why the Lynx are so exhausting to beat. They play exceptionally nicely as a workforce, their chemistry has been good even with the brand new items that they’ve added and their bench has been reliable.
Largest concern for the upper seed? The Lynx have had only a few video games wherein they simply have not performed nicely, and that is very true for the reason that Olympic break. There isn’t any cause to count on a letdown now. However the Mercury could be enjoying with a variety of emotion, particularly with Taurasi doubtlessly being in her final playoff. Due to the first-round format, a doable Sport 3 in Phoenix is one thing the Lynx need to keep away from.
What is going to most affect the collection? How nicely Copper and Griner play can be an enormous think about whether or not the Mercury can hold round and doubtlessly power Sport 3. The Mercury additionally should defend the perimeter at a excessive degree with how nicely the Lynx shoot 3-pointers. If these playoff video games go the identical means the regular-season collection went, Minnesota will sweep. — Michael Voepel
Who will win the collection:
Pelton: Lynx in 2 Philippou: Lynx in 2 Voepel: Lynx in 2
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Fever-Mystics set WNBA attendance document with 20,711 followers
The Fever and the Mystics play in entrance of a sellout crowd of 20,711, which is probably the most attended recreation in WNBA historical past.
Common season collection: Connecticut gained 3-1
How Connecticut received right here: The system for the Solar has been the identical for some time, even with the change in Stephanie White taking up as coach final season when Curt Miller went to Los Angeles. Connecticut could be very sturdy defensively — which units the tone for the whole lot else the Solar do — and balanced offensively. Guard/ahead DeWanna Bonner and guard Marina Mabrey (acquired from Chicago by way of commerce on July 17) lead six Solar gamers who common double figures in scoring. Alyssa Thomas leads Connecticut in assists and rebounds.
The Solar began the season 9-0, then misplaced their first recreation to New York on June 8. Connecticut’s efficiency has been slightly extra uneven since, however all 12 of the Solar’s losses are to playoff groups.
Acquiring Mabrey was an essential transfer, as she suits very nicely with the Solar’s offense, taking pictures higher than 41% from 3-point vary. She additionally is an efficient character match for Connecticut, which has lengthy leaned into the “you are underestimating us” mentality.
How Indiana received right here: Some of the attention-grabbing storylines within the league this yr: the Fever going from a 1-8 begin to getting the No. 6 seed and ending their seven-season playoff drought. They’ve achieved it led by lottery picks: back-to-back No. 1’s Aliyah Boston (2023) and Clark (2024) and No. 2 Kelsey Mitchell (2018). Clark appears a lock to comply with Boston as Rookie of the Yr; she leads the WNBA in assists and is within the prime 10 in scoring. Clark’s connections with Boston within the publish and fellow guard Mitchell have steadily grown and made the Fever a enjoyable workforce to observe when they’re clicking on offense.
Ahead NaLyssa Smith has had massive video games and might be an essential issue on the boards. Guard Lexie Hull has been an energizing power on protection. Guard Erica Wheeler and heart Temi Fagbenle have proven terrific management as veterans in how they’ve handled younger star Clark and helped her regulate to the league. For all the warmth coach Christie Sides has taken from social media critics, she has saved the Fever’s concentrate on enhancing.
How they match up: Their first matchup — a 92-71 Solar victory — was the season-opening recreation for each groups, in addition to Clark’s WNBA debut. The groups met once more six days later at Indiana and it was a a lot completely different recreation, with the Solar successful 88-84. Connecticut gained massive once more over Indiana 89-72 on June 10. The Fever’s 84-80 victory got here Aug. 28.
The obvious distinction between the groups is expertise: The Solar’s core of Thomas, Bonner and Brionna Jones have performed within the WNBA Finals collectively. The Fever are a youthful workforce, together with a rookie level guard in Clark.
“We’re a special workforce than we have been to start out the season,” Sides mentioned. “We’re prepared and ready for Sunday. [The Sun] can play some hella protection, and we have simply received to be prepared. They will make the whole lot exhausting.”
This would be the first likelihood within the playoffs for Mitchell, and Sides mentioned that is likely one of the most gratifying elements of this season.
Largest concern for the upper seed? Stopping Indiana’s offense must be a priority, even for a superb defensive workforce just like the Solar. Mitchell and Clark have been a dynamic power within the backcourt, particularly for the reason that Olympic break.
Clark completed the common season Thursday with 8 factors, 8 assists and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes, enjoying restricted time as a result of the sport had no affect on the Fever’s seed. Mitchell performed simply 5 minutes, getting 4 factors — she was briefly shaken up and left the sport. Sides mentioned afterward Mitchell was fantastic however she did not need to take any possibilities. For the season, each Mitchell and Clark averaged 19.2 factors, with Clark including a league-best 8.4 assists plus 5.7 rebounds.
What is going to most affect the collection? Indiana actually must show it could possibly defend nicely when it means probably the most. The Fever have proven development in that space, and so they do have particular person gamers who’re sturdy defenders. However as a workforce, protection hasn’t been the Fever’s most important calling card. Turnovers are the opposite main issue; the Fever generally have had stretches the place their offense will get sloppy. And a workforce with veterans like Connecticut can reap the benefits of it. — Voepel
Who will win the collection:
Pelton: Solar in 3 Philippou: Solar in 2 Voepel: Solar in 3
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How A’ja Wilson made WNBA historical past
Chiney Ogwumike takes us on a journey by A’ja Wilson’s record-breaking season within the WNBA with the Las Vegas Aces.
(4) Las Vegas Aces vs. (5) Seattle Storm
Common season collection: Las Vegas gained 3-1
How Las Vegas received right here: After cruising to the No. 1 seed final yr with a 34-6 document, the back-to-back champs confronted extra adversity throughout the 2024 common season. The Aces matched their 2023 losses throughout a 6-6 begin with out injured All-Star Chelsea Grey, and after 4 Las Vegas gamers helped the U.S. ladies to gold in Paris, the workforce got here out of the Olympic break 2-4. Since then, the Aces have appeared extra like themselves, going 9-1 over their previous 10 video games with the one loss in that stretch to the Liberty with presumptive MVP A’ja Wilson sidelined by an ankle damage.
How Seattle received right here: A yr in the past, the Storm have been making ready for the lottery. Having added All-Stars Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike in free company, Seattle greater than doubled final season’s 11 wins. Regardless of Diggins-Smith’s sturdy play after the Olympic break, nonetheless, the Storm went 7-6 and performed the ultimate week of the season with out key starters Jewell Loyd (knee) and Ezi Magbegor (concussion). Seattle hopes each can be again to start out the playoffs.
How they match up: It is a rematch of the 2020 WNBA Finals and a 2022 semifinals collection, however the Storm now have completely different All-Stars round holdovers Loyd, Magbegor and Gabby Williams. Seattle gained the primary assembly between the groups in Las Vegas, however the Aces gained the following three thanks partially to their taking pictures edge. Las Vegas outscored the Storm 66-27 from past the arc within the three wins.
Largest concern for the upper seed? Seattle is an atypically tough first-round matchup for the Aces, who swept below-.500 groups within the first spherical in every of the previous two years because the No. 1 seed. At 24-15 heading into Thursday’s regular-season finale, the Storm have one of the best document for any workforce with out home-court benefit since 2002. In a yr the place 5 groups separated themselves from the remainder of the league, Las Vegas may need to beat three of them to win a 3rd consecutive title.
What is going to most affect the collection? It is simplistic, however Seattle’s well being. With out Loyd and Magbegor, the Storm’s spacing and depth have been points when these groups performed Tuesday in Seattle. The Aces have been capable of stifle the Storm with a zone, holding them to 11 factors within the fourth quarter. If Loyd and Magbegor aren’t 100%, will probably be tough for Seattle to tug the upset, so it is notable that Storm coach Noelle Quinn mentioned Thursday evening that “there is no query” Loyd will play in Sunday’s Sport 1. — Kevin Pelton
Who will win the collection:
Pelton: Aces in 2 Philippou: Aces in 2 Voepel: Aces in 2
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