Sunday will function three video games within the WNBA, with the spotlight undoubtedly being the matchup between the Phoenix Mercury (9-8) and the Indiana Fever (7-12) at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Why? I’ll provide you with two probabilities to guess, however you’ll most likely solely want one: Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi.
When Clark was main Iowa by the 2024 NCAA Match, SportsCenter’s Scott Van Pelt requested Taursai what’s in retailer for gamers like Clark within the WNBA, and the White Mamba responded like a Mamba ought to, asserting, “Actuality is coming….you look superhuman enjoying in opposition to some 18 years olds, however you’re going to return play with some grown ladies which were enjoying skilled basketball for a very long time.”
And actuality has come for Clark. Sure, she’s put up phenomenal numbers, averaging 16.2 factors, 5.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists per sport, however it hasn’t led to a lot successful, with the Fever presently at 7-12. As the 2 put together to face one another for the primary time within the W, their feedback have been comparatively tame. Clark acknowledged, “It’s form of like a dream come true,” when requested throughout media availability about enjoying the legend, and Taursai stored it quick and candy, saying, “Yeah, it’ll be enjoyable.”
These quotations might not point out a lot of something, however will probably be attention-grabbing to see how a lot Clark talks when she hits photographs and the way the competitor in Taurasi responds. I can’t wait to see the jawing, onerous fouls and nice basketball.
Liberty, Lynx favored in Sunday’s different showdowns
The assembly between the Fever and the Mercury is perhaps the primary occasion, however first, now we have the Atlanta Dream (7-9) taking over the the New York Liberty (15-3) at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. Excluding the Commissioner’s Cup Championship sport (which doesn’t depend in the direction of a group’s regular-season file), the Liberty are on a three-game successful streak, sitting atop the standings and at dwelling versus the Dream. So, clearly, they are going to be favored to win.
An already uphill battle for Atlanta is even more durable with Rhyne Howard nonetheless out with a left ankle harm. A win will solely occur if Allisha Grey has a monster sport.
Similtaneously the Fever-Mercury sport, the Chicago Sky (6-10) will play the Minnesota Lynx (13-4) on ESPN3. This contest will function a Lynx group recent off a defeat in opposition to the Dallas Wings and a Sky group combating to guard their dwelling courtroom and their eighth spot within the standings. Minnesota will likely be favored on this matchup, however with Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter on the opposite aspect and the Sky at dwelling, anticipate it to be a tricky matchup for the Lynx.
Sport info
New York Liberty (15-3) vs. Atlanta Dream (7-9)
When: Sunday, June 30 at 1 p.m. ET
The place: Barclays Middle in Brooklyn, NY
The right way to watch: ESPN
Liberty harm report: Nyara Sabally (out; again)
Dream harm report: Rhyne Howard (out; left ankle)
Chicago Sky (6-10) vs. Minnesota Lynx (13-4)
When: Sunday, June 30 at 3 p.m. ET
The place: Wintrust Enviornment in Chicago, IL
The right way to watch: ESPN 3
Sky harm report: Elizabeth Williams (out; knee)
Lynx harm report: Napheesa Collier (possible; proper wrist)
Phoenix Mercury (9-8) vs. Indiana Fever (7-12)
When: Sunday, June 30 at 3 p.m. ET
The place: Footprint Middle in Phoenix, AZ
The right way to watch: ESPN
Mercury harm report: none
Fever harm report: Temi Fagbenle (questionable; proper thumb)
