(Via Sabrina Ionescu Instagram)
The WNBA is in full launch with tip-off on Friday, May 6th. The Washington Mystics defeat Indiana Fever 84 to 70. Elena Della Donne had her first season-opening game since 2018 and came out dominating with 21 points and nine rebounds. Della Donne was 8-16 in 30 minutes. Natasha Cloud was able to make a presence with her 17 points and 6 assists.
Los Angeles Sparks passed by the defending champs Chicago Sky in overtime with a 98-91 win. New addition to the squad, Jordan Canada, led with 21 points and 8 assists alongside veteran Nneka Ogwumike. Ogwumike was able to add on 19 pts. Canada and Ogwumike were the key pieces that allowed for the overtime win to take place; starting with the made jumper by Ogwumike with 51.5 secs left and Canada’s three free throws that tied the game at 88. After that, the rest was in the hands of the Sparks.
Las Vegas Aces beat Phoenix Mercury 106 to 88, led by Dearica Hamby. The Mercury is still without star Brittney Griner as she is still detained in Russia – with no estimation of when she will be released.
Seattle Storm defeats the Minnesota Lynx by 23 points with their 97-74 win in their newly renovated arena. Jewell Loyd (17 points), Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird (11 points and nine assists) to control for the win.
The following day, May 7th, the New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun battle to the very end. The Liberty came on top, 81 to 79, with Sabrina Ionescu’s 25 and six assists. Her late run helped carry New York to victory. Natasha Howard (16 points) and SamI Whitcomb (15 points) were both able to contribute, as well as the 2020 No.10 overall pick, Jocelyn Willoughby (10 points). Willoughby suffered a torn achilles tendon injury in during a preseason scrimmage causing her to miss all of last season.
Same day, the Atlanta Dream defeated the Dallas Wings 66 to 59. 2022 No.1 Pick, Rhyne Howard, scores 16 points as she makes her debut for the Dream. Cheyenne Parker was making her presence known defensively, racking up 10 rebounds and 3 blocks on top of her 10 points. Former Los Angeles Sparks’, Nia Coffey and Erika Wheeler, both added 11 points to the Dream’s win.
It’s great to see the W back in full action with an eventful season opener. On Sunday (May 8th), the LA Sparks def. Indiana Fever 87 to 77, Washington Mystics def. Minnesota Lynx 78 to 66 and the Las Vegas Aces def. Seattle Storm 85 to 74. The season is in full swing with two games on Tuesday.