Daily News 19

Tag: Minnesota Lynx

  • Caitlin Clark’s Playoff Hopes Dim After Aliyah Boston, Ty Harris Injuries vs. Minnesota Lynx

    Caitlin Clark’s Playoff Hopes Dim After Aliyah Boston, Ty Harris Injuries vs. Minnesota Lynx

    Key Highlights

    • Aliyah Boston exited the game with a lower-leg issue and was ruled out; her playoff availability remains uncertain.
    • Ty Harris suffered a severe left leg injury in the third quarter, leaving the floor in obvious pain and casting doubt on her postseason status.
    • The injuries threaten to dramatically increase Caitlin Clark’s workload and may force rookie Raven Johnson into a significant backup role.

    Fever’s Playoff Hopes Clouded by Injury Crisis

    The Indiana Fever’s regular-season finale against the Minnesota Lynx was effectively decided in the opening minutes, but the final score was the least of the team’s concerns. As the franchise prepared for its first postseason appearance since 2016, the overriding priority was simply surviving the night healthy. Instead, the game devolved into a nightmare scenario that could reshape Indiana’s playoff trajectory before it begins.

    Boston’s Lower-Leg Issue Resurfaces at Critical Juncture

    The first alarm sounded with Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark’s primary partner in the paint. The center departed with just under three minutes remaining in the first half and did not return after the intermission. The team later ruled her out for the remainder of the contest with a lower-leg issue. While Boston had managed similar problems throughout the year, the Fever elected not to risk their All-Star forward with the playoffs looming. Her actual availability for Sunday’s postseason opener remains unclear, leaving a significant void in Indiana’s frontcourt rotation.

    Harris Suffers Devastating Left Leg Injury

    The definitive blow to team morale arrived in the third quarter. Ty Harris, the team’s primary backup ball-handler, went down hard while attempting a layup, suffering a severe-looking injury to her left leg. She remained on the floor for several minutes in obvious pain before being helped off to the locker room—a gut-wrenching image that set off every alarm on the Indiana bench just days before the most important stretch of the season.

    Ripple Effects on Clark and Rotation

    Increased Burden on Rookie of the Year

    Harris’s potential absence drastically alters the coaching staff’s plans. Averaging 13.7 minutes per game, Harris had established herself as a fundamental piece in Indiana’s rotation, serving as the primary backup ball-handler behind Clark. Her presence allowed the Rookie of the Year to take key rest periods without the team’s playmaking and offensive rhythm collapsing. If Harris is unavailable for the postseason, the minutes and responsibility on Clark’s shoulders will increase significantly, forcing her to shoulder an even heavier workload in the most demanding stage of the year.

    Raven Johnson Thrust Into Spotlight

    This situation would open the door for rookie Raven Johnson, who began the season with rotation minutes before seeing her role diminish. The good news for Indiana is that Johnson knows what it means to play under maximum pressure, having starred for four years under Dawn Staley at South Carolina. Her championship pedigree and experience in high-leverage moments could prove invaluable if she is asked to step into meaningful playoff minutes immediately.

    Why This Matters

    The Fever entered the postseason having managed to stay relatively healthy for the majority of the regular season—a rarity in the physical WNBA grind. Losing two rotation pieces in the final tune-up game undermines the depth that allowed Indiana to secure a playoff berth. The team’s championship aspirations in the Caitlin Clark era were always predicated on the supporting cast’s ability to complement her historic playmaking. With Boston’s status in doubt and Harris potentially sidelined, the margin for error has evaporated. Indiana now awaits final medical reports hoping to reclaim both key pieces, knowing their chances of a deep run depend largely on the health of the roster surrounding their superstar guard.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the status of Aliyah Boston and Ty Harris for the playoffs?
    Both players’ availability is uncertain. Boston was ruled out of the regular-season finale with a lower-leg issue but the team characterized it as precautionary. Harris suffered a severe left leg injury in the third quarter and was helped off the floor in obvious pain; the team is awaiting final medical reports on both players.
    How does Ty Harris’s injury affect Caitlin Clark’s role?
    Harris served as the primary backup ball-handler, averaging 13.7 minutes per game and allowing Clark to rest without losing offensive rhythm. If Harris misses postseason time, Clark’s minutes and playmaking burden will increase significantly during the most demanding stretch of the season.
    Who would step in if Harris cannot play?
    Rookie Raven Johnson is the most likely candidate to absorb backup point guard minutes. Johnson played rotation minutes early in the season before her role diminished, but she brings championship experience from four years under Dawn Staley at South Carolina, including high-pressure situations.
  • Caitlin Clark and the Fever Steal Spotlight Before Disappointing Home Game

    Caitlin Clark and the Fever Steal Spotlight Before Disappointing Home Game

    Key Highlights

    • Indiana Fever fell 93-77 to Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Caitlin Clark leading Indiana with 25 points and Kelsey Mitchell adding 22.
    • Pre-game fashion stole attention as Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and Lexie Hull arrived in distinct styles ranging from sporty burgundy to dressed-up neutrals.
    • Fever face quick turnaround against Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, September 22, back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

    Fever Drop Home Contest to Mystics as Clark, Mitchell Pace Scoring

    The Indiana Fever returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday but couldn’t defend their home floor, falling 93-77 to the Washington Mystics in a game that saw the visitors pull away for a comfortable margin. The loss snapped any momentum Indiana hoped to build, though individual performances offered some bright spots amid the defeat.

    Caitlin Clark once again served as the offensive engine for Indiana, finishing with a game-high 25 points to go along with five assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Her scoring output kept the Fever within striking distance for stretches, but Washington’s balanced attack proved too much to overcome. Kelsey Mitchell provided strong secondary scoring with 22 points, yet the supporting cast struggled to generate consistent offense. Lexie Hull managed just two points and two rebounds, while Sophie Cunningham endured a particularly quiet afternoon, logging seven minutes off the bench without recording a point, rebound, or assist.

    Pre-Game Arrivals Turn Heads with Contrasting Style Statements

    Before tipoff, the real storyline unfolded in the arena tunnel as three Fever players showcased dramatically different approaches to game-day fashion. The trio’s arrivals highlighted the evolving culture around WNBA tunnel walks, where personal expression has become as anticipated as the on-court product.

    Caitlin Clark Embraces Sporty Burgundy Monochrome

    Clark arrived at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a sporty look centered around burgundy. The guard wore Nike sweatpants paired with a white T-shirt from the same brand, layering a white-and-burgundy fleece jacket on top. Her sneakers followed the identical color combination, creating a cohesive athletic aesthetic. Dark sunglasses, her hair worn down, and a few accessories completed the ensemble she chose for her arrival at the game.

    Sophie Cunningham Opts for Elevated Polished Look

    Cunningham showed up in a much more dressed-up combination that stood in sharp contrast to Clark’s athletic wear. The guard opted for a dark brown polo shirt with a gray-and-white skirt, completing the look with heels, a black handbag, dark sunglasses, and a necklace while leaving her hair down. The result was a sophisticated, put-together appearance more reminiscent of a business lunch than a basketball game, demonstrating the breadth of personal style within the same locker room.

    Lexie Hull Strikes Middle Ground in White and Brown

    Hull arrived in a white blouse and dark brown shorts, paired with a belt in a lighter shade of brown. Open-toe heels, a handbag, and dark sunglasses completed the outfit, while she also wore her hair down. Her look landed somewhere between the previous two: dressier than Clark’s sporty outfit, but not quite as dressed up as Cunningham’s polished ensemble. The three distinct approaches underscored how WNBA players have transformed pre-game arrivals into a platform for individual expression.

    Why This Matters: Quick Turnaround Tests Fever Resilience

    The loss to Washington carries added weight given the compressed schedule facing Indiana. With less than 48 hours to regroup, the Fever must prepare for a Minnesota Lynx team that presents a vastly different challenge. The Lynx sit among the league’s elite, boasting a defensive identity and veteran poise that will test Indiana’s young core. Clark’s heavy workload — again carrying the scoring burden — raises questions about sustainability over a grueling stretch. Meanwhile, the uneven contributions from role players like Hull and Cunningham highlight the roster depth concerns that have plagued Indiana throughout the season. The fashion spotlight, while culturally significant, won’t mask the on-court adjustments needed before Tuesday’s rematch at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do the Indiana Fever play next?

    The Fever face the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, September 22, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

    How did Caitlin Clark perform against the Mystics?

    Clark led Indiana with 25 points, adding five assists, two rebounds, and two steals in the 93-77 loss.

    What was notable about the Fever players’ pre-game fashion?

    Caitlin Clark wore a sporty burgundy Nike ensemble, Sophie Cunningham arrived in a dressed-up brown polo with gray-and-white skirt and heels, and Lexie Hull chose a middle-ground look with a white blouse, brown shorts, and open-toe heels — showcasing three distinct personal styles.

  • Angel Reese’s Insult Toward Courtney Williams After Heated Clash Sparks Fan Outrage

    Angel Reese’s Insult Toward Courtney Williams After Heated Clash Sparks Fan Outrage

    Angel Reese was at the center of another heated WNBA incident on Sunday after a verbal exchange with Courtney Williams escalated beyond the usual physical battle on the court.

    During the second quarter of the Atlanta Dream’s game against the Minnesota Lynx, Reese became tangled with Williams while trying to make a move in the post. Williams and Natasha Howard closed in defensively, with Williams eventually forcing a jump ball.

    After the players were separated, Reese and Williams continued talking. Fans watching closely believed they could read Reese’s lips as she apparently mouthed “Bald head.” The apparent comment quickly sparked reactions online.

    Fans react to Angel Reese’s trash talk

    “Angel be mad animated man jeez,” one fan wrote. Another joked: “She’s bald! She’s bald and she’s torturing people who have hair!!” Some fans found the insult more bizarre than offensive.

    “Calling someone ‘bald head’ in the middle of a play is so random you almost have to respect the creativity,” one fan said. Others were more critical of Reese’s behavior.

    “She was all up in Collier’s face as well. Reese might be one of the most disrespectful players in the league,” one commenter wrote. Another fan added: “She’s got a knack for talking about people’s hair while wearing a wig.”

    Angel Reese makes WNBA history despite controversy

    The confrontation did not completely overshadow Reese’s performance. Atlanta defeated Minnesota 89-81, with Reese finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds and two steals.

    Her latest double-double was also historic. “NO ONE HAS EVER DONE IT MORE,” the Dream posted. “Angel Reese now stands alone with the most double-doubles (29) in a single season in WNBA history. Another all-time WNBA record. Another piece of history rewritten by Angel Reese.”

    Reese surpassed Alyssa Thomas, who recorded 28 double-doubles for the Connecticut Sun in 2023. After the game, Reese focused on gratitude rather than her exchange with Williams.

    “I’m just grateful and I’m thankful. This opportunity is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Reese said. “Being able to play this game every single day, I wake up and I’m blessed. I’m so happy to be in Atlanta, excited… There’s so many blessings in my life and I’m just super grateful.”

    It was another outstanding statistical performance from Reese, although her exchange with Williams ensured that the postgame discussion focused on more than her record-setting achievement.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Angel Reese Breaks WNBA Record, Then Surprises Fans on TikTok

    Angel Reese Breaks WNBA Record, Then Surprises Fans on TikTok

    Angel Reese had a memorable Sunday both on and off the court, helping the Atlanta Dream defeat the Minnesota Lynx before making a surprise return to TikTok with new videos.

    The WNBA star shared an outfit check with her followers after spending a period away from the platform. Her return came on the same day she made league history with another outstanding performance for Atlanta.

    Angel Reese’s game-day outfit in Atlanta

    Before tipoff, the Atlanta Dream gave fans a glimpse of Reese’s look for the day. She wore a blue dress with purple details, carried a green handbag and styled her hair in a ponytail.

    The pregame post showed what Reese wore before heading to Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, where she was preparing for another regular-season matchup against the Minnesota Lynx.

    Angel Reese sets WNBA double-double record

    Reese played 33 minutes and finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. She shot 5 of 9 from the field and made 5 of 8 free-throw attempts as the Atlanta Dream secured an 89-81 victory.

    Her 11 rebounds also gave her the 29th double-double of the season, breaking the WNBA record for the most double-doubles in a regular season. Alyssa Thomas previously held the record after recording 28 double-doubles in 2023.

    Angel Reese returns to TikTok after making history

    After the game, Reese returned to TikTok with a series of new videos. Her posts drew attention from fans who had noticed that she had not been sharing this type of content as frequently.

    In one video, Reese gave followers another close look at her game-day outfit, showing the blue-and-purple dress, green handbag and ponytail she wore before the game.

    She followed that post with another video featuring a pink short-sleeve shirt and a ponytail. In the clip, Reese lip-synced in front of a mirror, giving fans another glimpse into her Sunday away from the court.

    After setting a WNBA record and returning to TikTok, Reese showed that she is enjoying a standout moment in her career both on and off the court.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu Remains Off the Mark as Shooting Slump Continues

    Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu Remains Off the Mark as Shooting Slump Continues

    Sabrina Ionescu struggled as the New York Liberty fell 79-60 to the Golden State Valkyries at Barclays Center, shooting 2-for-12 from the field and 1-for-9 from 3-point range for seven points.

    Ionescu was not the only Liberty player who had difficulty against the Valkyries’ high-pressure defense. Leonie Fiebich went 1-for-6 from behind the arc, while Rebecca Allen finished 1-for-4.

    As a team, New York shot a season-low 30.2 percent from the field and made just seven of 31 attempts from 3-point range.

    Sabrina Ionescu remains in 3-point slump

    The performance was part of a larger slump for Ionescu, who has endured a difficult three-plus weeks. Over the Liberty’s past seven games, she has attempted a team-high 50 shots from beyond the arc despite missing one game with a foot injury.

    However, Ionescu ranks fourth on the team in made 3-pointers during that stretch, converting only eight of those attempts.

    Ionescu was not specifically asked about her slump after the loss. Allen said she was disappointed by Thursday’s performance, but Ionescu said she wasn’t “personally disappointed.”

    “I think we got really good looks,” she said. “We just didn’t make them.”

    Sabrina Ionescu shoots a jumper during the Liberty’s 79-60 loss to the Valkyries on Aug. 27, 2026 at Barclays Center. John Jones-Imagn Images

    Ionescu has dealt with several injuries this season. Most recently, she missed the Liberty’s Aug. 15 game in Connecticut because of a left foot injury. It remains unclear whether a lingering injury is affecting her performance.

    Regardless, Ionescu appears poised to benefit from a break. After Saturday’s game against Natasha Cloud and the Chicago Sky, the Liberty will pause for the FIBA World Cup. The WNBA season resumes Sept. 17.

    Ionescu was left off the U.S. roster and plans to use the break to train and “continue to get really healthy, take care of my body, feel good.”

    “Hopefully, can have really fresh legs, can feel really good and in rhythm come the last four games of the regular season,” she said. “And then start the playoffs feeling good.”

    Sabrina Ionescu reacts during the Liberty’s loss to the Valkyries
    Sabrina Ionescu reacts after Rebecca Allen’s made basket during the Liberty’s loss to the Valkyries. Michelle Farsi / New York Post

    Liberty drop to eighth in WNBA playoff standings

    The eight playoff teams have already been determined, but teams continue to compete for seeding. Thursday’s loss dropped the Liberty to eighth place, putting them on course to face the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a best-of-three first-round series.

    Ionescu said she is not following the standings because the team cannot control them. Still, the fresh start provided by the playoffs appears to be something she welcomes.

    “We’ve never talked about it as a team, where we fall,” she said. “We understand we got to be peaking at the right time and playing our style of basketball and feeling really good, and I think knowing you can kind of have a fresh start when the playoffs come and put everything behind you in the regular season.”