The Golden State Valkyries became the first WNBA team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season Thursday night, with Janelle Salaun scoring 19 points in an 84-80 comeback victory against the Dallas Wings for their fifth straight win.
“Let’s goooooo!” Salaun screamed into the microphone moments after the final buzzer sounded as teammates pulled on black playoff T-shirts.
Veronica Burton’s three-point play with 22.3 seconds to go and four free throws over the final 11.4 seconds helped seal it as she scored 15 points. Carla Leite also added 15.
Monique Billings blocked a shot with 2:34 left to set up Leite’s jumper moments later before Dallas missed on the other end.
Paige Bueckers converted a three-point play with 3:34 remaining that put the Wings ahead 74-72 before the Valkyries came up with the big plays.
Salaun hit 3-pointers with 8:31 and 6:32 left, after Kate Martin’s 3 with 2:15 to go in the third got Golden State going and back within 58-52.
The Valkyries had to find a rhythm again after missing 12 of 13 shots and committing four turnovers as Dallas ended the first half on a 17-3 run for a 41-32 lead at the break.
Bueckers finished with 27 points and six assists for the Wings, who lost their ninth straight and 14th of 15.
With her first basket — an 18-foot jumper at the 8:33 mark of the opening quarter — Bueckers passed Cappie Pondexter for fifth place on the all-time rookie points list with 625.
Dallas started the game with a 10-0 burst before Golden State delivered a 19-6 run.
The Valkyries sold out for the 21st time in as many home games — and will go for a perfect run of sellouts Saturday when Minnesota visits Chase Center.
Golden State leading scorer Tiffany Hayes missed her fifth straight game because of a left knee injury.
The Golden State Valkyries could potentially clinch a playoff spot in front of their fans at Ballhalla on Thursday.
Golden State will face Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings at 7 p.m. for their fourth and final match-up against them this season. In their previous three meetings, the Valkyries won twice, with the Wings winning the first time the two teams met.
The game could secure the Valkyries their playoff spot after the Los Angeles Sparks lost to the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday.
Currently, the Valkyries are on a four-game win streak, having taken down the New York Liberty 66-58 on Tuesday.
Temi Fagbenle scored a team-high 16 points against the Liberty, with Kate Martin scoring 11 and Janelle Salaun and Kaila Charles both scoring 10. Burton, who has had several breakout games, went 1 for 9 with 6 points, but led the team in rebounds and assists, with nine each. She also recorded two steals.
If the Valkyries don’t win on Thursday, they could get their playoff spot with another loss by the Sparks, who play the Dream again on Friday.
Jose Fabian is a web producer for CBS Bay Area where he reports on local crime, politics and breaking news. He studied political science and journalism at Sacramento State and was born and raised in Northern California.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Valkyries looked as connected as they have all year on Tuesday night.
Playing the star-studded New York Liberty, Golden State made all the right plays, hit all the necessary shots and kept the visiting team’s high-powered offense in check.
The result: The expansion team played perhaps its best game of the season, defeating the defending champion Liberty 66-58 in front of its 20th consecutive sellout crowd of the season.
“I think when we’re communicating and we’re executing the game plan, I think, like I said, we’re pretty dangerous,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said. “Credit to our players for believing, trusting and executing.”
Temi Fágbénlé led the Valkyries with 16 points and five rebounds. Janelle Salaun had 10 points. Kate Martin came off the bench and scored 11 points.
Monique Billings made her return to the lineup after missing the last 14 games with a right ankle sprain. She played 20 minutes, scored five points and grabbed three rebounds.
Guard Natasha Cloud was a bright spot for the Liberty, leading New York with 19 points. Walnut Creek native Sabrina Ionescu missed Friday’s game with a toe injury.
The Valkyries held the Liberty to 31.6% shooting and didn’t allow the Liberty to get to the line consistently in the first half, holding the visiting team to two free throw attempts. Breanna Stewart saw only four of her 15 shots go through the basket, but got most of her points at the free throw line.
“We stayed very connected throughout the whole game, through the ups and downs, through the runs. That’s the main thing,” Fágbénlé said. “Communicating throughout the whole game really helped us, and sticking with the schemes.”
With the win, the Valkyries now have a one-game lead over the Indiana Fever for the sixth seed. A Los Angeles Sparks loss against the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday and a Valkyries win over the Dallas Wings on Thursday would clinch a playoff spot for Golden State. The Valkyries are also a game and a half behind the Liberty for the fifth seed.
Golden State fell behind by four points after the first quarter, but an offensive explosion in the second period gave the Valkyries a comfortable halftime lead.
Martin scored all 11 of her points in the second quarter, hitting 3-of-6 of her 3-point attempts to lead the Valkyries in the first half.
The Valkyries held the Liberty to 32.3% shooting through the first two quarters and led 40-26 going into the intermission.
New York’s eight second-quarter points is tied for the fewest points a Valkyries’ opponent has scored all season.
Golden State Valkyries’ Janelle Salaün (13) celebrates her 3-point basket against the New York Liberty in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Kaila Charles (6) dribbles against New York Liberty’s Natasha Cloud (9) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Carla Leite (0) ights for the ball against New York Liberty’s Emma Meesseman (33) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Iliana Rupert (12) defends against New York Liberty’s Kennedy Burke (22) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Carla Leite (0) dribbles against New York Liberty’s Rebekah Gardner (7) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Janelle Salaün (13) scores a basket against New York Liberty’s Leonie Fiebich (13) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) talks to teammates during their game against the New York Liberty in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Temi Fagbenle (14) tries to steal the ball away against New York Liberty’s Kennedy Burke (22) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu (20) sits on the bench during their game against the Golden State Valkyries in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) takes a shot against the New York Liberty in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase (35) reacts to a call during their game against the New York Liberty in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Janelle Salaün (13) dribbles against New York Liberty’s Emma Meesseman (33) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22), Golden State Valkyries’ Kaila Charles (6) and Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) celebrate their 66-58 win over the New York Liberty at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Monique Billings (25) celebrates their 66-58 win over the New York Liberty at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
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Golden State Valkyries’ Janelle Salaün (13) celebrates her 3-point basket against the New York Liberty in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State ballooned its lead to 24 early in the third period, but the Liberty finished the quarter strong by forcing seven Valkyries turnovers. The home team went into the final 10 minutes of play with a 12-point lead.
But much like they have done during this home stand, the Valkyries didn’t let up in the fourth quarter.
Golden State’s inside-out attack paced its offense against a more athletic Liberty defense. On the other end, the Valkyries got timely stops and didn’t allow New York’s trio of post players consisting of Stewart, Emma Meesseman and last year’s Finals MVP Jonquel Jones to get going.
During this home stand, the Valkyries have beaten teams by average of 19 points.
The Valkyries will play their final two home games on Thursday and Saturday, starting with a matchup with the Dallas Wings followed by the regular season finale against the Minnesota Lynx two days later.
Jose Fabian is a web producer for CBS Bay Area where he reports on local crime, politics and breaking news. He studied political science and journalism at Sacramento State and was born and raised in Northern California.
Napheesa Collier scored 25 points, Natisha Hiedeman added 20 points and a career-high 10 assists for her first double-double, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Dallas Wings 96-71 on Monday night.
Courtney Williams added 15 points and nine assists for the Lynx (32-8), who already wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed for the playoffs. Bridget Carleton had 12 points.
Paige Bueckers scored 17 points for the last-place Wings (9-33). Maddy Siegrist, Amy Okonkwo and Diamond Miller each added 12.
Collier and Williams both shot 7 for 10 as the Lynx made 55% (36 for 65) but Collier was 4 for 4 from 3-point range. Hiedeman was 4 for 5 behind the arc and Carleton 4 for 8 as the Lynx went 14 for 24 (58%). They also had 29 assists.
Dallas was 3 for 15 from long range and shot 39% overall.
Minnesota rested Kayla McBride, and DiJonai Carrington stepped into the starting lineup but did not play in the second half with a shoulder issue.
Collier had 11 points in the first quarter when the Lynx scored the last two baskets to take a 25-21 lead.
Dallas tied the score at 32 on Bueckers’ jumper with four minutes left in the second quarter but Williams, Carleton and Hiedeman hit consecutive 3s for the Lynx. After Siegrist scored inside for the Wings, Collier hit a 3 for a 44-34 lead just inside the two minute mark. It was 48-41 at the break.
Hiedeman had 10 points in the third quarter with her late 3 making it 71-59 entering the fourth.
Minnesota dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wings 25-12.
The Lynx start a three-game road trip at Las Vegas on Thursday when the Wings are at Golden State.
Iliana Rupert scored a career-high 21 points and the Golden State Valkyries beat the Indiana Fever 75-63 on Sunday night to move closer to a playoff berth in their first season.
The Valkyries (21-18) shot 7 for 8 on 3-pointers in the first quarter and led by 20 before finishing 12 for 19 behind the arc — five from Rupert — and trimmed their magic number to three with five games remaining. They are 2 1/2 games ahead of Los Angeles and bunched with the Fever (21-19) and Seattle (22-19) for playoff seeding.
Janelle Salaun and Kate Martin both added 10 points for Golden State and Veronica Burton had 13 assists.
Reserve Aerial Powers scored 17 points to lead the Fever, who are still without reigning Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. Kelsey Mitchell had 14 points and Natasha Howard 13 but Aliyah Boston was held to four, almost 12 below her average.
The game had a long delay in the opening minutes because of technical difficulties with the shot clocks, which went out with the Fever on top 3-2. After it was determined to play with temporary shot clocks on the baseline, ending a 20-minute delay, the Valkyries took off, making four consecutive 3s.
By the end of the quarter the Valkyries had a 25-14 lead and a franchise record for 3s in a quarter.
They quickly pushed the lead to 20 but the Fever recovered from the foul line and trailed 44-32 at the half.
Indiana pulled to 55-50 with 7 1/2 minutes to play when the Valkyries began hitting 3s again. Golden State was 8 of 12 in the fourth quarter and Indiana was 5 of 15.
Fever visit Phoenix on Tuesday, and Valkyries host New York.
The basketball game almost seemed like background noise as fans were asked to dance to a mix of Bay Area classics and new age pop music with each game stoppage. Both the Valkyries and the visiting Indiana Fever were both visibly frustrated by the start-stop nature of Sunday’s game that took two hours and 38 minutes to complete.
But what mattered most is that the Valkyries gave the sold out crowd of 18,064 something to dance for after the game ended.
Golden State Valkyries’ Iliana Rupert (12) scores a 3-point basket against Indiana Fever’s Aerial Powers (23) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
The Valkyries won their third straight game, beating the injury-plagued Indiana Fever 75-63 behind a hot shooting start. The 158-minute game was the longest contest that ended in regulation since the Chicago Sky played the Dallas Wings in a two-hour, 41-minute game on Aug. 6, 2023, per Elias Sports Bureau. Sunday’s game had five clock stoppages in the first half.
The Valkyries attributed the clock malfunctions to a power outage that occurred at Chase Center on Sunday morning.
Iliana Rupert posted a career-high 21 points and hit 5-of-8 shots from the 3-point line. Rookie Janelle Salaün had 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. Veronica Burton finished with eight points, 13 assists and seven rebounds.
“I think it was the first time in all of our lives that we had so much stuff (go on), but it’s not stuff that you can control,” Rupert said after the game. “We really just tried to stay together. The fans obviously helped a lot because you can lose energy really quickly, and they were pushing us.”
A broken shot clock above a basket during the Golden State Valkyries game against the Indiana Fever in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
The Fever were without superstar Caitlin Clark, who missed her 18th straight game with a left groin injury. Former Valkyries guard Aerial Powers scored 17 points off the bench and Kelsey Mitchell had 14 points in the loss.
The Valkyries held the Fever’s other star, Aliyah Boston, to just four points.
“We really tried to be physical with her and try to make the night hard,” Rupert said. “I think we did that really well. So yeah, I’m happy of the work because it was really a team effort to stop her.”
After two different clock stoppages forced a 25-minute delay in the first quarter, the Valkyries went on a run. Golden State hit seven of its eight 3-pointers and took a 25-14 lead after the first 10 minutes.
More stoppages allowed Indiana to get back within striking distance, but Golden State kept the high-paced offense at bay.
The Valkyries led by as much as 20 in the first half behind a 75% shooting quarter from beyond the arc. Rupert and Salaün accounted for 21 of the Valkyries’ 44 first-half points, and the home team led 44-32 after two quarters.
With all the stoppages, the first half lasted a whopping 92 minutes but Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said the breaks in action helped the Valkyries regroup.
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase (35) talks to Golden State Valkyries’ Temi Fagbenle (14) during their game against the Indiana Fever in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
“We did get to talk about defensively, continuing to focus on our game plan and our execution in terms of the defense and what was hurting us,” Nakase said. “We just tried to make it an advantage as best we can.”
Indiana made headway in the third quarter, cutting the Valkyries’ lead to seven going into the final 10 minutes.
Powers cut the Golden State advantage to just five with a layup at the 7:37 mark of the fourth quarter, giving the Fever a much-needed momentum swing.
But just as Indiana was on the verge of cutting the lead to a single possession, Powers fouled Clark’s former Iowa teammate Kate Martin on a 3-pointer right in front of Indiana’s bench and the second-year guard swished the shot to erupt the Chase Center crowd.
Golden State Valkyries’ Kate Martin (20) heads to the basket against Indiana Fever’s Lexie Hull (10) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Martin finished with 10 points.
Indiana never got back into the game after Powers’ foul. Carla Leite iced the game when she hit a wild circus shot while getting fouled from the left wing with just over 90 seconds left in the game.
Despite the odd breaks in the game, Nakase credited the crowd for keeping the energy high.
“That’s just great that our crowd doesn’t just get frustrated. They don’t leave. They stay behind us,” Nakase said. “Credit to our fans for just keeping it lively, keeping it entertaining because at the end of the day, we do want to enjoy this time. When we’re all together for two hours and like 45 minutes, we want to put on a show. We want to entertain people, and we want to have almost like a party.”
The Valkyries will return to Chase Center on Tuesday when they play the New York Liberty (7 p.m., KPIX+).
Golden State Valkyries’ Carla Leite (0) scores a basket and a foul against Indiana Fever’s Natasha Howard (6) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Golden State Valkyries’ Kaila Charles (6) takes a shot against the Indiana Fever in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Iliana Rupert (12) celebrates her 3-point basket against the Indiana Fever in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Laeticia Amihere (3) and Golden State Valkyries’ Janelle Salaün (13) fight for a rebound against Indiana Fever’s Shey Peddy (5) in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Kate Martin (20) hugs San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle after their 75-63 win over the Indiana Fever at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) waits for the start of their game against the Golden State Valkyries in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) takes a shot against Indiana Fever’s Lexie Hull (10) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle and 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall celebrate a 3-point basket during the Golden State Valkyries game against the Indiana Fever in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Indiana Fever’s Brianna Turner (11) blocks a shot against Golden State Valkyries’ Kaila Charles (6) in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) looks to pass against Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell (0) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Janelle Salaün (13) takes a shot against Indiana Fever’s Brianna Turner (11) in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) takes a shot against the Indiana Fever in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
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Golden State Valkyries’ Iliana Rupert (12) celebrates her 3-point basket against the Indiana Fever in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
Skylar Diggins scored 19 of her 23 points in the second half, Nneka Ogwumike had 12 points and nine rebounds, and the Seattle Storm rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-79 on Thursday night.
Seattle, which trailed 39-18 midway through the second quarter, tied its second-largest comeback win in franchise history.
Kayla McBridehad 20 points with five 3-pointers to lead Minnesota (30-8), which lost for just the second time in 20 home games this season. A win would have secured the Lynx home court advantage for the entire playoffs.
Seattle closed the third quarter on a 25-6 run over a six-minute span to take a 67-63 lead, capped by 3-pointer by Diggins with 0.6 seconds left.
The Storm scored 34 points in the frame — after scoring just 33 points in the entire first half. Seattle was 12 of 19 from the field in the third, including 7 of 11 from 3-point range.
Courtney Williams #10 of the Minnesota Lynx looks to pass against Dominique Malonga #14 of the Seattle Storm in the third quarter at Target Center on August 28, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Storm defeated the Lynx 93-79.
David Berding / Getty Images
Seattle made four of its 16 3-pointers in the fourth.
Gabby Williams added 16 points for Seattle (21-19). Dominique Malonga and Erica Wheeler each added 13.
Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams each scored 18 points of Minnesota. Williams also had 10 assists.
Minnesota outscored Seattle 25-12 in the first and then started the second on a 6-0 run for a 19-point lead. The Lynx led 46-33 at halftime behind 28 combined points from Williams and McBride. Five of Seattle’s 11 field goals in the first half were from 3-point range.
Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve was called for a technical foul at the end of the third after Diggins appeared to be shouting at the Lynx bench following her 3-pointer.
It has been a wild 2025 WNBA season for the Indiana Fever.
To start off the year, the Fever were widely expected to be one of the top championship contenders in the league. Caitlin Clark was also expected to be one of the top MVP candidates in the WNBA.
While the expectations were high and the hype was even higher, the season has not unfolded as expected. Due to a plethora of injuries, especially to Clark, Indiana is fighting to scrap its way into the playoffs.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates with teammates while playing the Dallas Wings during a pre season game at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates with teammates while playing the Dallas Wings during a pre season game at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
At this point in the season, there are just seven games left for the Fever. They currently hold the No. 8 spot in the WNBA, which would give them the final position in the playoff picture.
That is a good thing, for now, but they are far from being guaranteed that spot.
Indiana is just one game ahead of the Los Angeles Sparks for that playoff spot. The Washington Mystics are just 3.5 games behind the Fever.
With that being said, ESPN has now revealed Indiana’s chances of earning a spot in the postseason. They have those chances placed at 88 percent.
Right now, the Fever hold a 19-18 record. Out of those 37 games they have played, Clark has only appeared in 13 of them. She has been out a long time now due to a groin injury, but Indiana is holding out hope that she could return before the end of the year.
Clark isn’t the only player that has dealt with injuries. Currently, the Fever have three players out for the season due to injury. Those players are Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald.
Stephanie White and Indiana simply haven’t been able to catch a break. Between the injury issues and some tough breaks in games, it’s been a long year.
Despite how many ups and downs have come along this season, the Fever still have a shot to get into the playoffs. If they can do that and Clark can get back to full health, they still could make some noise in the postseason.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season unfolds. For now, ESPN is giving them a good chance to work their way into the playoff field.
Make sure to follow Newsweek Sports for all Indiana Fever and WNBA news and updates.
Earlier this week, a third man was arrested for allegedly throwing a sex toy—specifically, a dildo—at the court during a WNBA game, a trend started in July that a cryptocurrency group has taken credit for, while claiming not to be associated with (all of) the people who’ve been apprehended by law enforcement. If you understood each individual word of that sentence but feel like your brain might explode when trying to figure out what it means in context, we’ve got you covered.
Wait so…what?
Let’s rewind for a second. On July 29, a man attending a WNBA game (the Atlanta Dream versus the Golden State Valkyries) threw a green dildo onto the court during the fourth quarter; play was stopped and an official kicked the object off of the court. Days later, at a game between the Valkyries and the Chicago Sun, another green dildo was thrown onto the court during the third quarter, similarly leading to a stoppage in play. On August 5, a similar sex toy was thrown at a game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Indian Fever, seemingly in Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s direction. At least three other incidents have been reported.
What does crypto have to do with it?
A consortium of cryptocurrency traders has taken credit for the stunts, claiming that they were planned in order to promote a memecoin called Green Dildo Coin, which was launched the same day the first dildo was thrown. A spokesman for the group, who would only reveal his social media handle, @Daldo_Raine, told USA Today the memecoin was created as a way to protest the “toxic” environment of the crypto world. He claimed there is no intent to hurt anyone and that the group is definitely not engaging in misogynistic behavior. “We didn’t do this because like we dislike women’s sports or, like, some of the narratives that are trending right now are ridiculous,” he said. “Creating disruption at games is like, it happens in every single sport, right? We’ve seen it in the NFL, we’ve seen it in hockey, you know…fans doing random things to more or less create attention.” Posts from the group’s Telegram community, reviewed by USA Today, show one user declaring, shortly before tipoff on the night of the first incident, “We will soon buy the league.”
Who has been arrested?
On August 1, Delbert Carver of Marietta, Georgia, was arrested for allegedly throwing a green dildo onto the court during the Dream game against the Phoenix Mercury; according to ESPN, police records show that “Carver was detained after trying to flee and confessed to throwing the first sex toy July 29 as well. He faces counts of disorderly conduct, public indecency/indecent exposure and criminal trespass.” (Carver did not respond to multiple requests for comment from ESPN; @Daldo_Rain told the outlet that Carver was not the thrower of the object on July 29, but declined to say who threw it.)
On August 5, an 18 year-old named Kaden Lopez, was arrested during the Phoenix Mercury-Connecticut Sun game, with court records claiming, per ESPN, that “Lopez removed a green sex toy from his sweatshirt pocket, threw it and hit two spectators, including one minor. After the toss, he attempted to leave the building. An arena volunteer witnessed the incident, followed Lopez and tackled him.” While denying association with Carver, the memecoin group has claimed Lopez was part of their stunt; in the group’s Telegram chat, he was reportedly dubbed a “hero” and a “legend.” (Lopez has been charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and misdemeanor assault.)
On August 20, Charles Burgess, of Dayton, Ohio, surrendered at Brooklyn’s 78th Precinct, where he was charged with third-degree assault attempted, assault in the second and third degrees, second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree menacing, third-degree obscenity, fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, interference with a professional sporting event and second-degree harassment. According to prosecutors, Burgess pulled a green dildo out of his pocket during an August 5 New York Liberty game and threw it towards the court, hitting a 12 year-old in the leg. Burgess’ attorney told the New York Post that his client “voluntarily surrendered,” is married with six kids, and has “absolutely no criminal record.” The attorney also claimed that “video evidence” shows that “no one was actually struck by the thrown object rendering any of the included assault charges unsustainable,” and that “Mr. Burgess intends to vigorously fight these embellished and exaggerated charges.”
Is this as misogynistic as it sounds?
Sure seems like it! While some have attempted to claim otherwise by noting similar incidents that have occurred at NFL games—for instance, Buffalo Bills fans have been known for throwing dildos on the field during games against the New England Patriots—others are not convinced. As Slate’s Christina Cauteruccinotes, “football players wear helmets and padding on a field 12 times larger than a basketball court, making a flying dildo much less dangerous. And it’s foolish to pretend that the context is identical. Throwing a piece of penis-shaped, penetration-ready silicone at a woman in her workplace sends a much different message than tossing one at a man.”
What has the league said?
On August 4, the WNBA said in a statement: “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league. Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans. In line with WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban in addition to being subject to arrest and prosecution by local authorities.” A day later, Los Angeles Sparks coach Lynee Roberts said: “It’s ridiculous. It’s dumb. It’s stupid. It’s also dangerous, and you know, player safety is No. 1, respecting the game, all those things.”
What have players had to say?
On August 1, Cunningham wrote on X: “stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.” The same day, Sky center Elizabeth Williamstold reporters: “It’s super disrespectful. I don’t really get the point of it. It’s really immature. Whoever is doing it needs to grow up.” New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison wrote on X: “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.” Former Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasitold Front Office Sports: “I would have picked that thing up and thrown it right back at them.”
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have suffered through a rough 2025 WNBA season. At the beginning of the year, they were expected to be a championship contender. That has not been the case.
With just seven games remaining in the season, the Fever hold a 19-18 record. As for Clark, she has only been able to play in 13 of those games.
Even though Indiana is still the No. 8 ranked team in the WNBA, recent days have not been kind to the team. Over their last eight games, the Fever have gone just 2-6. They have been sliding down in the standings during that time period.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Storm in the game at Climate Pledge Arena on May 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Storm in the game at Climate Pledge Arena on May 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Lately, Clark has been missing time due to a groin injury. Unfortunately, that is not going to change when Indiana takes on the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night.
As shared by Tony East of Forbes, the Fever have ruled Clark out for that game. In addition, Indiana will be without Chloe Bibby as well and the other three players who are dealing with season-ending injuries.
While there is still hope that she will return at some point this season, there has been no timetable offered. The Fever are simply having to wait and see when she’s ready to return to the court.
All season long, Clark has been banged up and dealing with injuries. Even when she has played, she has come up well short of being the MVP candidate that many thought she would be.
Throughout the 13 games she has played, Clark has averaged just 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, five rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, while also shooting 36.7 percent from the floor and 27.9 percent from three-point range.
Despite all of the bad that has been going on for the superstar guard, Clark had some big news drop on Monday. Clark is officially a Nike athlete and her new logo has been revealed.
Hopefully, her 2025 season is not lost. She may not be playing against the Storm, but there are still six other games after that one on the schedule.
If Clark is able to return, perhaps the Fever could sneak into the playoff picture. Should they be able to make that happen and Clark is at full health, Indiana could still be a team that makes some noise in the postseason.
Make sure to follow Newsweek Sports for all Indiana Fever and WNBA news and updates.
Her WNBA journey looked about finished for the 2025 season until the Valkyries gave her an opportunity just after the All-Star break after a plethora of injuries left the expansion team shorthanded. Now, the Valkyries can’t imagine a rotation without her.
On Sunday, she had her best game of the season as she locked up former teammate and rookie of the year candidate Paige Bueckers while tying a career-high 16 points in a 90-81 win over the Wings.
“I think it was a full circle moment,” Charles said after Sunday’s win. “I started the season here, and to be cut was sad, but it also gave me the opportunity to get film and get picked up by the (Valkyries). So even though it didn’t work out here like I wanted to, it gave me another opportunity where I fit in a little bit more.
“So it just shows that everything happens for a reason, and I’m really glad that I was able to win with my team and do well and help them.”
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) loses control of the ball against Golden State Valkyries guard Kaila Charles during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
When the Valkyries first signed Charles on Aug. 1, the former University of Maryland standout was tasked with learning a new system and teammates on a team that’s in the midst of trying to make a playoff push.
On the morning she joined the team, Charles boarded a plane to Chicago and had a few hours to learn the Valkyries’ playbook before a 7 p.m. tipoff against the Sky. The Valkyries coaching staff quickly briefed Charles before the game and the shooting guard was immediately in the rotation that night.
That night against, Charles played 17 minutes, scored five points, grabbed five rebounds and closed the fourth quarter in her first game with the team.
“Sometimes it’s on the fly,” assistant coach Landon Tatum told this news organization in a recent interview about how they fit players like Charles into their rotation the day of a game. “We know this person can do this really well. So, let’s see if this works. I wouldn’t necessarily say we know ahead of time going into games this is going to for sure work, but I think because we do a solid job of knowing what players do well, we can kind of plug and play specific people with certain people.”
Since then, Charles has been a rotation regular. She’s played in every game and been a valuable piece off the bench for Nakase as a defensive stopper and consistent catch-and-shoot player.
In her first start with the Valkyries on Sunday, Charles was tasked with guarding Bueckers, who came into the game with a streak of 30 consecutive double-digit scoring games.
Charles shadowed Bueckers for every minute she was in the game. Her active hands bothered the rookie star and her quick feet kept Bueckers away from the basket.
Charles held Bueckers scoreless in the first half and eventually limited her to just nine points on 3-of-12 shooting.
“Credit to Kaila for coming and doing what she does,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said. “Locking people up, and also on the offensive end, just being confident in her shot making. She makes quick decisions, taking it hard to the basket. Credit to Kaila because she’s really only had two practices with us.”
With the injuries the Valkyries have, Charles’ role will only get larger in the coming weeks as the Valkyries try to secure a playoff spot.
Golden State is currently in eighth place with a half-game lead over the ninth-place Los Angeles Sparks for the final playoff spot. The Valkyries are also a half game behind the sixth-place Indiana Fever and seventh-place Seattle Storm with matchups against both franchises in the coming weeks.
The battle to make the playoffs makes Charles’ presence, and her ability to step in when her team needs her most, all the more valuable.
“I think some people may limit or not understand the challenge that can come from being cut, but her ability to come in and affect everything, not just offensively but also defensively, says a lot about who she is as a person.” Valkyries point guard Veronica Burton said of Charles after Sunday’s win.
“It’s a major testament to come in, back to the team that waived you this season and play 35 minutes and impact the game.”
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 24: |Veronica Burton #22 of the Golden State Valkyries and Kaila Charles #6 celebrate the team’s win over the Dallas Wings following the game at College Park Center on August 24, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Healthy players and wins are becoming harder and harder to come by for the Valkyries as the season enters its final phase.
Golden State dropped its third consecutive game when the visiting team fell to Phoenix 81-72 on Friday night.
Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes, who made her return after resting against Phoenix in the Bay Area on Tuesday, left the game with an injury with 7:17 to go in the third quarter.
Hayes collided with Mercury guard Kahleah Copper after she closed out on a pass intended for Copper. Hayes crumped to the ground and later went back to the locker room.
Rookie guard Carla Leite also injured her ankle in the same quarter, and although she attempted to play through it, eventually was pulled with 8:20 in the fourth quarter.
Coach Natalie Nakase said both were in good spirits after the game.
“She was smiling, and I’ll have to wait to see from our medical staff what the situation is,” Nakase said of Hayes, adding about Leite. “She something was sore with her foot, but she said she’s good.”
With their veteran leader knocked out, the Valkyries tumbled back to .500 with an 18-18 record and into the last playoff spot as the No. 8 seed after losing the rematch to the Mercury, who beat Golden State in the Bay Area on Tuesday.
The Valkyries kept it close for a while, though. Golden State trailed 41-31 at halftime, and a burst in the third cut the deficit to 50-47 with a little over four minutes remaining in the quarter.
One of the few bright spots for the Valkyries was rookie wing Janelle Salaun, who was asked to take on more of a scoring role with Cecilia Zandalasini staying at home while nursing a calf injury.
Salaun scored 15 on a variety of drives, contested finishes and some soft mid-range jumpers. Coming off a 24-point, 14-assist masterclass on Tuesday, Veronica Burton put up a solid 11 points and eight assists for the Valkyries.
Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas stuffed the stat sheet with an 13-point, 12-rebound, 16-assist effort, her sixth triple-double of the season.
“We need to be better on defense,” Salaun said. “Sometimes, we make shots, sometimes we do not. But I think we need to be more connected on defense.”
Golden State will play at Dallas on Sunday. ”
Makoa Akani gets the last laugh
After being the topic of much conversation following her soccer-esque foul on Veronica Burton, the rookie out of France showed that she was more than just a defender against Golden State.
She made 6 of 9 shots and scored 18 points, 11 in the second quarter, spacing the floor for her more-decorated teammates in Thomas and Co. One of her fastbreak layups with two minutes remaining on the third quarter clock pushed the Phoenix lead to 62-49 and forced Nakase to call timeout.
As a team, the Mercury peppered the Valkyries from the perimeter and made 14 of 32 from 3-point land, compared to just 8 of 31 for Golden State.
Long-range ineptitude, fastbreak success
The Valkyries shot 3 of 15 from the 3-point line in the first half, forcing up shots due to their inability to break down the compact Suns defense. Instead of continuing to throw up bricks from long range, Nakase’s Valkyries appeared to place an emphasis on pushing the pace.
Though the team only had 14 fastbreak points according to the official box score, Golden State’s willingness to run and play in semi-transition allowed the visitors to create open looks. Salaun broke free for a couple of fastbreak layups, as did Hayes in the second quarter after a Mercury turnover.
Rupert returns
Both Hayes (rest) and Rupert (concussion) were back in the starting lineup after missing Tuesday’s game at Chase Center.
Though shutting down Thomas is impossible – after all, Thomas put up a triple double – Rupert still had her moments against the MVP candidate.
The center pulled off a nice block on a Thomas fastbreak midway through the second quarter, and a few minutes later, forced a miss with a vertical contest. She ended the game with nine points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Kayla McBride scored 29 points, Jessica Shepard got the second triple-double in franchise history, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Indiana Fever 95-90 on Friday night.
The Lynx (29-7) snapped a two-game losing streak and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
Shepard finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists on 10-for-11 shooting while playing all 40 minutes. She joined Moriah Jefferson as the only Lynx players to record triple-doubles in franchise history.
She completed her triple in just 21:57 of action, the fastest in WNBA history. Previously, the record was set by Seattle’s Skylar Diggins on July 28, at 22:51 of play.
McBride added five assists, and was 10 for 19 from the field. Natisha Hiedeman had 17 points in 26 minutes off the bench.
Minnesota Lynx’s Kayla McBride (21) is defended by Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis.
Darron Cummings / AP
Kelsey Mitchell scored 27 points to lead Indiana (19-17), and Lexie Hull had a career-high 23.
Shepard had a double-double at the half with 11 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Minnesota took the lead for good off Shepard’s driving layup early in the third quarter, and outscored the Fever 32-17 in the period.
With four minutes remaining in the game, Indiana went on a 10-4 run, but their comeback came up just short.
Shey Peddy started off her Fever career with three straight 3-pointers after joining the team on a seven-day hardship contract on Wednesday. She finished with 10 points in 16 minutes.
Caitlin Clark missed her 14th straight game with a right groin injury.
The teams last met in the Commissioner’s Cup championship on July 1, a 74-59 Indiana victory.
Up next
Lynx host the Fever in the second game of a home-and-home on Sunday.
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The Phoenix Mercury (21-13) and Las Vegas Aces (22-14) sit in a virtual tie in the WNBA standings, occupying the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds in the upcoming WNBA playoffs. This game looms large, as it could be the difference between getting home-court advantage in the first round.
Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates with Kiah Stokes #41 after stealing an inbound pass during the final moments of the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena on August… Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates with Kiah Stokes #41 after stealing an inbound pass during the final moments of the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena on August 15, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Aces defeated the Mercury 86-83.
Phoenix finds itself on a two-game winning streak, the last of which was an impressive comeback victory on the road against the Golden State Valkyries. Phoenix allowed a whopping 59 points in the first half before tightening the screws and giving up just 32 in the second half en route to a 98-91 win. Kahleah Copper led the team in scoring with 25, while Alyssa Thomas put up a near triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Las Vegas is currently riding an eight-game win streak after dispatching the Atlanta Dream 74-72 on Tuesday night. A’ja Wilson was the star, scoring 32 points on 12-for-24 from the field to go with 12 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks. Jackie Young added 16 points, with Chelsea Gray dishing out 11 assists in the victory. The Aces have just eight games left, making this even more important than it is for the Mercury.
This will be the fourth and final meeting between the Mercury and Aces, with the Aces holding a 2-1 lead in the season series.
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Golden State, with only eight players available, lost to Phoenix 98-91 at Chase Center in the third matchup between the teams jockeying for playoff positioning. The Mercury, seeded fourth, have now won all three games against the seventh-seeded Valkyries.
Veronica Burton continued to stuff the stat sheet at point guard, putting up an efficient 24 points and 14 assists, while surprise starter Kate Martin put in 14 points. Janelle Salaun scored 13 and Carla Leite threw in 15.
“I’m really impressed with our ability to step up,” Burton said. “So, testament to everyone just stepping up, testament to Kate (Martin) being ready when her number is called, getting thrown into the starting lineup.”
Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 25 points, while Satou Sabally put up 17 points and triple-double machine Alyssa Thomas had 13 points, eight assists and nine rebounds.
Phoenix’s Satou Sabally (0) and Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) talk one another after their WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 19, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Golden State led 73-68 after three quarters, but the loaded Mercury were too much for the home team in the fourth. Phoenix outscored the Valkyries 30-16 over the last 10 minutes.
But the drama began long before tipoff.
Only a few hours after coach Natalie Nakase called Tuesday’s matchup a must-win, veteran guard Tiffany Hayes was held out for rest purposes.
Hot-shooting forward Cecilia Zandalasini went through warmups, but was replaced in the starting lineup by Kate Martin and did not appear on the bench.
“They both warmed up pre-game and they didn’t feel 100% healthy,” coach Natalie Nakase said. “You know my motto, right? If they’re not 100% and they don’t feel right, it’s not time to play.”
The Italian perimeter player was ruled out with a left calf strain midway through the first quarter. Centers Monique Billings (left ankle sprain) and Iliana Rupert (concussion) were already unavailable for the team fighting for postseason seeding.
Golden State led 31-28 at halftime, and 59-47 at halftime in front of the team’s 17th consecutive sellout in San Francisco.
The Valkyries are now seventh in the playoff standings with eight games left. Golden State (18-17) will have two days to rest up before it hits the road and plays a rematch with the Mercury in Phoenix.
Van and Rachel react to Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally (6:28) before comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins to dig into controversial jokes by Tony Hinchcliffe and the art of political comedy (19:42). Then, a breakdown of Lil Durk’s arrest on a murder-for-hire charge (49:43), and Shaq gives advice to Angel Reese on making the WNBA sexier (1:11:16). Plus, Dwyane Wade’s statue has a face that’s not his (1:23:22).
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
The Indiana Fever fired coach Christie Sides on Sunday, the organization announced.
Sides went 33-47 in her two seasons with the squad, including going 20-20 this season. The Fever made the playoffs as the sixth seed and were swept in the first round by the Connecticut Sun.
Indiana is the sixth team to make a coaching change this offseason, joining Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington and Los Angeles. All of the coaches let go had three years or less experience.
Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides reacts during Game 2 of a first-round WNBA basketball playoff series against the Connecticut Sun, Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn.
Jessica Hill / AP
Whoever takes over the Fever will have a strong young core to work with, led by Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. The pair have won the last two WNBA Rookie of the Year awards.
“We are incredibly thankful to Coach Sides for embracing the challenge of leading us through an integral transition period over the last two seasons, while also positioning us well for future growth,” Fever president of basketball operations Kelly Krauskopf said.
“While decisions like these are never easy, it is also imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which includes maximizing our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana. Coach Sides was an incredible representative of the Fever and our community, and we wish her nothing but success in the future.”
Krauskopf came back to the Fever earlier this month after spending time with the Indiana Pacers.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) is greeted by coach Christie Sides after a foul during the first half of the team’s WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks in Los Angeles, Friday, May 24, 2024.
Ashley Landis / AP
Sides was a longtime assistant in the league, spending time with Chicago (2011-16), the Fever (2017-19) and Atlanta (2022) before getting the head coaching job. She replaced Marianne Stanley and her interim successor, Carlos Knox, who coached in the 2022 season.
Sides had two years left on her contract.
The Fever haven’t had a head coach last for more than three years since Lin Dunn, who coached from 2008-14. Since then, they’ve had Stephanie White (2015-16), Pokey Chatman (2017-19) and Stanley (2020-22).
Indiana had a brutal schedule to start the season and lost eight of their first nine games. The Fever finally got going after the Olympic break, winning seven of eight to get into playoff contention.
NEW YORK — Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said the WNBA championship was “stolen” from the Lynx during her complaints about the officiating Sunday night.
The New York Liberty beat the Lynx 67-62 in Game 5 in overtime, getting there after a disputed foul gave Breanna Stewart two free throws that tied the game with 5.2 seconds remaining in regulation.
“We know we could have done some things, right, but you shouldn’t have to overcome to that extent,” Reeve said. “This s*** ain’t that hard. Officiating is not that hard.”
Reeve, who has led the Lynx to four WNBA championships and coached the U.S. women to an Olympic gold medal this summer in Paris, said she was aware there would be headlines about her complaining.
“Bring it on,” she said, “because that s*** was stolen from us.”
The Liberty shot 25 free throws, while the Lynx went 7 for 8. Minnesota was called for 21 fouls to New York’s 17, with All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, fouling out.
Reeve took particular issue with the foul on Alanna Smith with Minnesota holding a 60-58 lead. Stewart drove into the lane and appeared to take the shot before there was any contact. The Lynx challenged the call, but it was upheld after video review.
Reeve called the contact “marginal at best.”
“This sucks,” she said, after mentioning faulty officiating in Minnesota’s loss in the 2016 WNBA Finals. “This is for a championship, for both teams. Let them decide it. What contact is legal should be the same for both teams.”
Had the Lynx won Sunday night’s game, it would have marked a record fifth WNBA championship. Instead, the Liberty earned their first ever title.
Reeve was the WNBA’s Coach of the Year this season after leading the Lynx to a 30-10 regular season.
NEW YORK — As confetti fell and Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” blared through the arena, the New York Liberty celebrated the end of a 27-year odyssey.
The team that always fell short, starting from their days in Madison Square Garden, through detours to Radio City Music Hall and Westchester County Center, finally found their way to the top.
Start spreading the news, indeed: There’s finally a pro basketball champion in New York again after a 67-62 overtime win over Minnesota in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday night.
“I’ve been manifesting this moment for awhile, There’s no feeling like it,” Breanna Stewart said. “Credit to Minnesota they gave us a tough series. The fans have been amazing everywhere we’ve gone. To bring a championship to New York, first ever in franchise history it’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city. It’s going to be bonkers.”
Kayla Thornton, center, of the New York Liberty reacts during the third quarter against the Minnesota Lynx during Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on Oct. 20, 2024.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Jonquel Jones scored 17 points to lead New York, which was one of the original franchises in the league. The Liberty made the WNBA Finals five times before, losing each one, including last season. This time they wouldn’t be denied, although it took an extra five minutes.
With stars Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggling on offense, other players stepped up. Leonie Fiebich started off OT with a 3-pointer, and then Nyara Sabally had a steal for a layup to make it 65-60 and bring the sellout crowd to a frenzied state.
“Whoever scores in overtime first usually wins,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said.
Minnesota didn’t score in OT until Kayla McBride hit two free throws with 1:51 left. The Lynx missed all six of their field goal attempts in overtime. After Ionescu missed a shot with 21 seconds left, her 18th miss on 19 shot attempts, the Lynx had one last chance, but Bridget Carleton missed a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left.
Stewart, who missed a free throw with 0.8 seconds left in the end of regulation in Game 1, hit two free throws with 10.1 seconds left in overtime to seal the victory.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock the players hugged and streamers fell from the rafters. Stewart and Jones hugged. The two prize free agent signees two years ago that helped get this team its first title.
New York trailed by two in regulation when Stewart was fouled with 5.2 seconds left. After a lengthy video review, Stewart calmly hit two free throws to tie the game at 60.
Kayla McBride, who finished with 21 points, had an open look for a 3, but it fell off the rim and the game went to OT.
Many of the former Liberty greats were in the audience, including Teresa Weatherspoon, who hit a half-court heave in the 1999 WNBA Finals to force a decisive Game 3 that year. That was the last time that New York had a chance to play in a championship-deciding game until this year.
Jones, who was the only player on the Liberty to compete in a Game 5 before when she was with Connecticut in 2019, earned MVP honors.
“I could never dream of this. You know how many times I’ve been denied. It was delayed. I am so happy to do it here,” she said.
Napheesa Collier scored 22 points to lead Minnesota before fouling out with 13 seconds left in OT.
The Lynx were trying for a record fifth WNBA title, breaking a tie with the Seattle Storm and Houston Comets. Minnesota won four titles from 2011-17 behind the core group of Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore. That was the team’s last appearance in the WNBA Finals until this year.
“Congratulations to the Liberty on their first championship,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. “It took them 28 years, congrats to them. We were that close to our fifth, it just didn’t happen.”
This is the first time since 2019 that the WNBA Finals have gone the distance. Since the league switched to a best-of-five format in 2005, seven other series have gone to a Game 5 and the home team had won five of those previous contests, including in 2019.
This series has been a fitting conclusion to a record-breaking season for the league. All five games came down to the last few possessions and have included two overtime games and a last-second shot, which have led to record ratings.
The first three games each had over a million viewers on average, with the audience growing for each contest. They also have had huge crowds in attendance.
Liberty fan Spike Lee was courtside over an hour before tipoff chatting with the media while wearing his Ionescu jersey. Once Ionescu finished warming up pregame, the pair had a brief exchange and hugged. Lee was part of a sellout crowd of 18,090 that helped this series set both the overall attendance record for a WNBA Finals as well as the average attendance mark.
