WNBA Hot 5
(Pre All-Star Weekend)
By Deon Cash
In a busy week right before the WNBA All-Star weekend, things have undoubtedly heated up around the W.
Here are some of the hot topics in the WNBA to go along with the Indiana Fever recap.
BIRD, STORM LEAVE WITH WIN IN FINAL GAME IN INDY
Sue Bird, arguably the greatest point guard in the history of the WNBA, played in Indianapolis for the final time in her illustrious 20-year career, as she hangs up the shoes after this season.
However, it was her teammates who did the heavy lifting in the 95-73 win at the Coliseum in Indianapolis.
Jewel Lloyd, an All Star, dropped 25 in the win and Tina Charles, the newest addition to the Storm, dropped 13 points and 8 boards as the Storm move to 14-8 on the season. Brynn January, also a big time baller in the WNBA, will be retiring as well this season for the Storm and was honored.
Kelsey Mitchell, a top 5 scorer in the league and one of the biggest snubs from the All-Star game, dropped 21 on the night but it was not enough as the Fever fall to 5-18 on the season.
SKY'S TOP 5? DIGGINS WANTS OUT OF PHOENIX
Skylar Diggins-Smith, one of the best PG's in the W, has made it clear: She wants out in Phoenix.
From her sideline near physical altercation with Diana Tauraisi, to her subliminal messages, to her shot at her head coach, it's very clear at this point.
Diggins-Smith has had enough, and wants to be traded, released, or whatever the cause may be. She wants out. ASAP.
Now while we have seen these types of disputes blow over, know that Diggins-Smith is not the one for fake feelings, which is why this is becoming a big deal. It seems that Diggins-Smith has taken offense to some things that have happened in the organization, and wants out.
If this is the case, here are 5 places Diggins-Smith could - and should - end up.
(1) Indiana Fever (5-18) 5 GB of 4th Place
The Fever could use Diggins-Smith to run the show, pushing Kelsey Mitchell to the shooting guard primarily and giving the Fever a 1-2 punch they desperately could use, which would be a dynamite backcourt to say the least. Did we mention that Diggins-Smith trainer used to be Carlos Knox, the head coach of the Fever as well? With Diggins-Smith the Fever could bounce right back into the playoff race.
(2) Los Angeles Sparks (10-11) 3rd Place
Diggins just played against the Sparks, and ran it up for 22 in the narrow loss. The Sparks are in a dogfight for a playoff spot, and adding someone like Diggins to go with the Ogwumike sisters and Liz Cambage would provide a huge boost for the Sparks organization who got rid of Derek Fisher mid-season due to not being where they wanted to be.
They have won 3 straight and seem to be turning things around. Adding Skylar would make the Sparks become a big-time lineup for any team to face in any round.
(3) New York Liberty (9-12) 1 GB of 4th Place
With Sabrina Ionescu coming into her own, she is showing why she will be a Top 5 player in the W for a long time. The Liberty are just 1 star away from becoming a formidable force in the East. They currently are sitting a game out of the final playoff spot in the East, so adding a player like Diggins would ensure movement into the Top 4 of the East. Plus Diggins is a bright lights type of player, and New York would definitely provide that.
(4) Washington Mystics (14-10) 3rd Place
The Mystics started out fast, but have tailed off a little, due to the inconsistencies of the offense. This strategy has been on purpose, due to the fact that the Mystics have decided to bring Top 10 hooper Elena Della Donne around slowly this season.
The reason?
To keep her fresh for the playoffs. With Natasha Cloud running the show, the Mystics could use another bonafide scorer to push their championship hopes to another level. Adding Diggins-Smith to Della Donne and Cloud would provide a heck of a trio moving forward.
(5) Minnesota Lynx (8-15) 2,5 GB of 4th Place
The Lynx are one of the legit contenders to make a run for a playoff berth, and adding Diggins-Smith would boost them as a near favorite to grab a spot. Why?
They run a offense that would be conducive to Diggins Smith playing style. She is a iso player, but is a great player without the ball and with a big as well, and the Lynx have players all over who can score and make plays. But Diggins would provide leadership and ball control, which are crucial come playoff time. Adding Diggins to a squad that boasts Ariel Powers, Sylvia Fowles, Kayla McBride and Jessica Shepard?
Now you might have something special.
WNBA SNUBS MITCHELL, TAURASI, CAMBAGE FOR ALL STAR GAME
While the WNBA has its own problems as far as development and promotion, the one thing they should be able to do is get the All-Star game right. This season? There were a few snubs and while we will tackle the issue tomorrow on the S.E.Live Show, here are the biggest snubs of the Game in Chicago this year.
Kelsey Mitchell - Fever Guard
Mitchell has been Top 5 all season in scoring, and has led a young Fever team all season. She is also Top 15 in assists and Top 10 in 4th quarter points this season. How she wasn't put in the All-Star game is beyond us. We get she's not on a good team, but she is arguably one of the top 10 players in the WNBA this season.
Diana Tauraisi - Mercury Guard-Forward
A major omission by WNBA, keeping off one of the top 10 players of All-Time. And by the way, she's on the cover of NBA2k23 along with Bird.
Liz Cambage - Sparks Center
While it took her a little bit to get into the flow of the season after leaving Vegas, she has been dominant in her last games, and when on the court, is one of the top Centers in the W, bar none. Add to the fact that she is one of the Top 5 most popular players in the world, Cambage should absolutely be in the game. She is box office, and has shown that over the course of her career.
MORNING GAME PROVIDES LYNX WITH A WIN OVER CHAMPS
The WNBA decided to let the ladies play in a "Early Game" and it was entertaining early before the Lynx pulled out a 3-point win against the defending champs in the Chicago Sky.
The game was played at 11am and both teams looked ready for the task, with fast play early.
Ariel Powers was dominant early, dropping 17 in the 1st half before ending with 22 and 10 boards. The Sky had a chance to tie it but Quigley's 3 to tie it at the buzzer bounced off the rim.
Chicago falls to 15-6 while Minnesota improves to 8-15.
TONIGHTS GAMES
FEVER TO BATTLE CHAMPS IN INDY, LOOK TO STOP LOSING STREAK
STORM LOOK TO STOP SPARKS WIN STREAK
IONESCU LEADS LIBERTY TO FACE DIGGINS, PHOENIX
The Indiana Fever are set to take on the defending champs in the Chicago Sky tonight at 7pm, Can they knock off the defending champs for the 2nd straight time in Indy?
Can the Seattle Storm stop the L.A. Sparks winning streak? The Sparks will look to continue the good play lately against Sue Bird, leading scorer Breanna Stewart and the Storm.
Can Sabring Ionescu outplay Skylar Diggins and the Mercury? Ionescu just had a triple double in a big win over the Aces in her last game.
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