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Tag: Alyssa Thomas

  • WNBA star Alyssa Thomas joins new Project B league, promising higher salaries and global competition

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    WNBA MVP finalist Alyssa Thomas on Tuesday became the second player to join Project B, the new women’s basketball league that is expected to begin in Europe and Asia in November 2026.

    The Phoenix Mercury star announced her decision on social media a week after Nneka Ogwumike told The Associated Press that she also would play in the new league offering players high salaries and an equity stake.

    “Alyssa is the kind of player and person you build around,” Project B’s chief basketball officer, Alana Beard, told the AP. “Her leadership, competitiveness and professionalism elevate everyone around her. As one of the most respected players in the world, she represents the new era of player partnership and global competition that Project B stands for.”

    Thomas led the Phoenix Mercury to the WNBA Finals this past season before the team lost to the Las Vegas Aces in four games. The 6-foot-2 forward spent her first 11 seasons with the Connecticut Sun, twice leading them to the WNBA Finals while earning five All-Star nods.

    The 33-year-old has spent previous offseasons playing overseas before joining Unrivaled for its inaugural season last year. Thomas will be back this January in the 3-on-3 league that also features many top WNBA players. Project B and Unrivaled will have overlapping dates going forward.

    “We’re confident with what we’ve built in collaboration with our athletes, partners and investors,” Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell said in a statement. “We remain consistent in our approach to pay players competitively, provide a meaningful stake in the business and keep them home year-round.”

    Project B will have 66 players divided into six teams. Each player will receive a larger salary than those currently offered by the WNBA. They also are expected to be higher than those at Unrivaled.

    While the financial specifics haven’t been disclosed, the potential of more lucrative compensation comes at an important moment for women’s professional basketball. As interest in the sport has soared in recent years, the WNBA and players union are locked in tense negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, with much of the dispute centered on salary and revenue sharing.

    Project B plans to play the inaugural season through April 2027. That would not interfere with the typical WNBA calendar.

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    AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

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  • Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark breaks WNBA single-season assists record

    Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark breaks WNBA single-season assists record

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    Caitlin Clark added another milestone to her historic rookie campaign, breaking the WNBA single-season assists record in the Indiana Fever’s 78-74 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Video above: Central Alabama basketball player goes viral singing in front of his coaches and teammatesClark entered the game needing just four assists to match the previous record of 316 set by Connecticut Sun guard Alyssa Thomas in 2023. She set the new mark in the second quarter on an inbounds pass to teammate Kelsey Mitchell, who drove to the paint and knocked down the bucket.Clark finished the game with 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points in the loss.The accomplishment adds to the 2024 No. 1 pick’s historic season, which includes setting the WNBA’s single-game assist record with 19 against the Dallas Wings in July and the rookie assists record last month. Clark has also become the first rookie to record a triple-double and holds the most 3-pointers made by a rookie in league history.Indiana trailed 43-35 at halftime before Clark caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 14 points and bringing the Fever to within three points. After Damiris Dantas made a 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 60-60, the Aces broke out on a 9-2 run to pad their lead.The Fever had an opportunity to tie the game with under 20 seconds left in the game, but Fever star Aliyah Boston missed the 3-point attempt. Aces guard Chelsea Gray made a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession to put the game out of reach.Aces star A’ja Wilson, fresh off of setting the WNBA’s single-season scoring record Wednesday, finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds in the victory, while Gray added 21 points and six assists.After the game, Clark was asked about her record-setting night, as well as Wilson’s and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese’s milestones this season.“I think it definitely just speaks to the whole entire year and how historic it has been for this league and how great the basketball has been for the league,” Clark said.“You know we’re not even to the playoffs yet; I think that’s what is so fun about it is you’re just going to continue to see records be taken down, but also, I think, really good basketball, and that’s why it’s been so fun to watch, that’s why the fans have been showing up, the viewership has been absolutely crushed this year,” she added.“I think everybody is just kind of raising their game, the competition is just getting better and better, and it’s fun as a competitor to show up in this league every night and know you have to bring your best because you know whoever is on the other side of the court from you, they’re going to bring their best and that’s what makes it fun,” Clark said. “It’s been cool to watch everybody really take a step up and elevate, and to be a part of that has been really fun for myself, too.”Though the Fever fell short to the Aces for a second straight game, they remain in sixth place in the standings and have already secured a spot in the playoffs. Indiana will face Dallas on Sunday before wrapping up the regular season against the Washington Mystics on Sept. 19.

    Caitlin Clark added another milestone to her historic rookie campaign, breaking the WNBA single-season assists record in the Indiana Fever’s 78-74 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

    Video above: Central Alabama basketball player goes viral singing in front of his coaches and teammates

    Clark entered the game needing just four assists to match the previous record of 316 set by Connecticut Sun guard Alyssa Thomas in 2023. She set the new mark in the second quarter on an inbounds pass to teammate Kelsey Mitchell, who drove to the paint and knocked down the bucket.

    Clark finished the game with 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points in the loss.

    The accomplishment adds to the 2024 No. 1 pick’s historic season, which includes setting the WNBA’s single-game assist record with 19 against the Dallas Wings in July and the rookie assists record last month. Clark has also become the first rookie to record a triple-double and holds the most 3-pointers made by a rookie in league history.

    Indiana trailed 43-35 at halftime before Clark caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 14 points and bringing the Fever to within three points. After Damiris Dantas made a 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 60-60, the Aces broke out on a 9-2 run to pad their lead.

    The Fever had an opportunity to tie the game with under 20 seconds left in the game, but Fever star Aliyah Boston missed the 3-point attempt. Aces guard Chelsea Gray made a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession to put the game out of reach.

    Aces star A’ja Wilson, fresh off of setting the WNBA’s single-season scoring record Wednesday, finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds in the victory, while Gray added 21 points and six assists.

    After the game, Clark was asked about her record-setting night, as well as Wilson’s and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese’s milestones this season.

    “I think it definitely just speaks to the whole entire year and how historic it has been for this league and how great the basketball has been for the league,” Clark said.

    “You know we’re not even to the playoffs yet; I think that’s what is so fun about it is you’re just going to continue to see records be taken down, but also, I think, really good basketball, and that’s why it’s been so fun to watch, that’s why the fans have been showing up, the viewership has been absolutely crushed this year,” she added.

    “I think everybody is just kind of raising their game, the competition is just getting better and better, and it’s fun as a competitor to show up in this league every night and know you have to bring your best because you know whoever is on the other side of the court from you, they’re going to bring their best and that’s what makes it fun,” Clark said. “It’s been cool to watch everybody really take a step up and elevate, and to be a part of that has been really fun for myself, too.”

    Though the Fever fell short to the Aces for a second straight game, they remain in sixth place in the standings and have already secured a spot in the playoffs. Indiana will face Dallas on Sunday before wrapping up the regular season against the Washington Mystics on Sept. 19.

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  • Alyssa Thomas has 12 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds as Sun beat Sparks 79-67

    Alyssa Thomas has 12 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds as Sun beat Sparks 79-67

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    LOS ANGELES (AP) — Brionna Jones scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds, DiJonai Carrington added 19 points and Alyssa Thomas recorded her third triple-double of the season Sunday night to help the Connecticut Sun beat the Los Angeles Sparks 79-67.

    Thomas finished with 12 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds and has a WNBA-leading three triple-doubles this season and her 11 career in the regular season are the most in league history.

    DeWanna Bonner scored 14 points and Marina Mabrey added 10 for Connecticut (25-10), which had lost back-to-back games for the second time this season.

    Mabrey hit a 3-pointer with 6:26 to play that gave Connecticut its first lead since 22-20 early in the second quarter and Carrington followed with an alley-oop layup to cap a 10-3 spurt that made it 69-66 about 30 seconds later and the Sun led the rest of the way.

    Neither team scored until Rickea Jackson made 1 of 2 free throws to make it a two-point game with 3:36 remaining but the Sparks went scoreless from there, shooting 0 for 5 from the field and committing seven turnovers over the final 6 1/2 minutes.

    Los Angeles (7-28), which has lost four in a row and 11 of its last 12, became the first WNBA team eliminated from playoff contention after a 92-78 loss to the Chicago Sky on Friday night.

    Jackson led the Sparks with 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting. Odyssey Sims and Dearica Hamby added 10 points apiece.

    Connecticut has won 13 consecutive games against the Sparks, dating to an 80-76 home loss on Aug. 28, 2020.

    The Sun scored their first 14 points in the paint before Mabrey hit a 3-pointer to make it 17-11 before Jackson capped a 7-0 spurt to give the Sparks a 20-19 lead early in the second quarter.

    Jackson scored 11 points and Hamby added 10 in the first half before Kia Nurse hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Los Angeles a 45-39 lead at the intermission.

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    AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

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  • Keepin’ It Cute! Angel Reese Reacts To Alyssa Thomas Making Contact With Her Neck During Game (VIDEOS)

    Keepin’ It Cute! Angel Reese Reacts To Alyssa Thomas Making Contact With Her Neck During Game (VIDEOS)

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    Angel Reese reacted to Alyssa Thomas’s flagrant foul during a rebound, which resulted in her ejection from the game.

    ESPN reports the Chicago Sky player told reporters, “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie.”

    RELATED: Okay! Angel Reese Responds To Comments About Her WNBA Salary (WATCH)

    Reese Reacts to Alyssa’s Flagrant Foul

    Reese and Thomas were gunning for a rebound when the Connecticut Sun lifted her arm and made contact with Angel’s neck. This caused the Chi Barbie to fall hard on the hardwood.

    This is Alyssa’s first flagrant foul, but her eight flagrant overall. She is currently tied for the second most in WNBA history.

    Reese shared her thoughts about the incident during the press conference after the game. The No. 7 pick in the WNBA draft said she knew “…it was going to be a tough game,” however, Reese stated, “that’s what I’m built for.” Additionally, she commended her teammates for their effort on the court.

    After a reporter asked her if she thought Alyssa was attempting to send a message from a vet to a newbie, Angel responded, It’s not just because I’m a rookie. I’m a player. And I’m a basketball player.” She added, “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie.”

    The LSU grad said, “…I want them to come at me every day.” She continued, “They’re not supposed to be nice to me. I hope y’all know that. They’re not supposed to be nice to me or lay down because I’m Angel Reese or because I’m a rookie.”

    Reese Thanked Alyssa For Applying Pressure

    Angel then expressed her gratitude to Thomas for her aggression. “…thank you, AT, for sending the message to me because I got back up, and I kept going and kept pushing.” Additionally, she shared that she has “been cool” with Alyssa “since [they] were at Maryland.”

    “…so I know it’s no hard feelings, and I appreciate her for going at me today,” she explained.

    During a pre-game interview, Reese expressed that she admires Alyssa. The forward says her adoration remains the same after the flagrant foul.

    The Connecticut Sun ultimately beat the Chicago Sky. Reese scored 13 points and five rebounds.

     

    Check out Reese’s reaction to Thomas coming for her neck:

    RELATED: Whew! Angel Reese Reacts After Social Media Shares What They Think She Said About Her “Man” In Viral Video (WATCH)

     

     

     

     

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    Carmen Jones

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  • Breanna Stewart, Liberty hold off Alyssa Thomas, Sun to even semifinals at 1

    Breanna Stewart, Liberty hold off Alyssa Thomas, Sun to even semifinals at 1

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    The Liberty tied up their semifinal series against the Connecticut Sun after getting a 84-77 victory on Tuesday.

    The win sets up Sandy Brondello’s team for two games at Mohegan Sun Arena, beginning with Game 3 on Friday night.

    The theme of Game 1 was the Liberty’s lack of energy and inability to create any momentum. That wasn’t an issue down the stretch of Game 2.

    Timely jumpers and clutch defensive stops led to the Liberty evening the series. With eight minutes remaining, Betnijah Laney intercepted Tyasha Harris’ pass and eventually converted a three-point play on the other end. Laney then assisted on a Courtney Vandersloot 18-footer. Then, 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart knocked down a clutch jumper that put her team up 10 with seven minutes remaining. It led the Barclays Center crowd to erupt and serenade the newly-awarded MVP.

    Stewart was named MVP for the second time Tuesday in a historic race for the award. She received 466 total votes, beating out Sun star Alyssa Thomas, who finished with 10 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in the game. Thomas, who garnered 459 votes, finished second despite getting the most first-place votes (23). Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson placed third with 433 points. The 13 points separating Stewart and Wilson represent the smallest margin between first- and third-place vote-getters for MVP in WNBA history.

    Prior to tip-off, Stewart spoke to reporters about her successful regular season and the multiple milestones she accomplished, including suiting up for a new team and expecting the birth of her second child with her wife.

    “It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey, but I wouldn’t wish it to be any other way. Just to continue to show that resiliency works and no matter the highs and lows, just continue to push forward.”

    “To be the first Liberty athlete to win MVP — I think is huge.”

    Stewart credited her teammates for the success she’s had this year. They helped lift Stewart, as she got off to a slow start. The now two-time MVP winner started the game 0-for-5 en route to finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and five blocks.

    Laney kept the Sun from getting too close as the Liberty’s lead dwindled to single digits. She scored nine points in the final period while also getting stops on the other end. The Rutgers product finished with 20 points, three assists, four rebounds and a steal.

    The Sun came out swinging, as expected. They were on the wrong end of some no-calls, but led by six after the first quarter. The Liberty managed to not fall into a double-digit deficit due to Jonquel Jones’ hot start — nine points and three rebounds. The former Sun star contributed 11 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.

    Brondello switched to zone defense in the second quarter to force the Sun into deep jumpers. And the adjustment worked on a few possessions.

    The Liberty were able to get within one after a Vandersloot steal led to a made 24-footer by Sabrina Ionescu. However, DeWanna Bonner hit one of the momentum-killing jumpers she’s been hitting all postseason.

    The Sun eventually led by four at the half.

    A third-quarter run by the Sun led to a Game 1 victory. But on Tuesday, the Liberty’s 18-5 after halftime gave the team some much-needed breathing room. The resistance on defense was tougher and the offense looked more fluid. Ionescu was able to create offense as the point guard and contribute a couple of assists to Stewart to get her going. Then, Laney’s 27-footer put her team up seven and caused the home crowd to erupt.

    Stewart then palmed Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s layup attempt. The block sent Nelson-Ododa to the floor and the crowd erupted again.

    “MVP, MVP.” It was perfect payback after the 6-4 Stewart got blocked by the 5-8 Natisha Hiedeman in the second half of Game 1.

    The Liberty eventually won the second half, 46-35. The win avoids Brondello’s team from entering Connecticut with their backs against the wall down 0-2. Sun guard Tiffany Hayes attempted to carry her team to a 2-0 lead by scoring 30 points on 12-for-19 shooting from the field. Bonner contributed 19 points, seven boards and four assists.

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    Fiifi Frimpong

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