The Connecticut Solar (9-0) host the New York Liberty (9-2) this Saturday, June 8 in a highly-anticipated Commissioner’s Cup matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and the sport will probably be broadcast nationally on ABC.
At 9-0, Connecticut is the WNBA’s lone undefeated crew, and has already made franchise historical past for its finest begin to a daily season. The Solar will now attempt to do one thing that hasn’t been achieved—start a season with double-digit wins—for the reason that Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks did it in 2016 (Throughout the Timeline).
Standing within the Solar’s means are the Liberty, who’re coming off a WNBA Finals look in 2023 and are as soon as once more one of many league’s high groups. New York is on a five-game profitable streak and is one sport behind Connecticut within the WNBA standings, at present sitting in second place total.
On paper, the Liberty will current a problem that the Solar have but to face this season. Of Connecticut’s 9 wins, just one is towards a crew that’s at present above .500 (the Lynx, who the Solar defeated in time beyond regulation again on Might 23). The Solar have but to play New York or Las Vegas—the 2 groups most generally anticipated to compete for a championship in 2024—and whereas their undefeated report is actually notable and worthy of reward, they’ll have to beat the league’s high competitors earlier than being added to the dialogue of championship favorites.
For Connecticut to enhance to 10-0, Alyssa Thomas must be at her finest, although it’s not usually that she isn’t. The reigning WNBA Japanese Convention Participant of the Month has continued the excellent all-around play that made her an MVP candidate in 2023; she’s at present averaging 13 factors and 9.3 rebounds per sport, and her 8.8 assists per sport lead the complete league. Every thing the Solar do runs by Thomas, and given how sturdy and statistically spectacular she’s been, it’s no shock the crew is off to such an excellent begin.
The Liberty have a star of their very own in Breanna Stewart, who received her second league MVP award in 2023. Stewart’s offensive versatility makes her a tough matchup for almost anybody, and she or he’s at present averaging 19.9 factors and 9.8 rebounds per sport to associate with a career-high 1.9 steals per sport. Along with former Solar heart Jonquel Jones, Stewart provides the Liberty measurement, size, and defensive exercise which can be unmatched by another WNBA frontcourt.
Connecticut can play some protection of its personal, although. The Solar are forcing turnovers at the next price (22.5 %) than another crew within the WNBA, and 4 of their gamers (Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones and Tyasha Harris) are averaging at the very least one steal per sport. With New York guard Courtney Vandersloot not anticipated to play because of private causes, the Liberty might want to take additional care with the basketball, lest the high-octane Solar get going with their trademark transition basketball.
Sky, Dream face off for the primary time in 2024
The Chicago Sky (4-5), who’re coming off a comeback win towards the Washington Mystics, will return residence to face the Atlanta Dream (4-4) in Saturday’s nightcap. It’s the primary assembly of the season between the 2 groups, and issues actually look completely different than the final time they performed.
Chicago has a pair of rookie stars in ahead Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, who’ve injected new life into the franchise. Accidents to the crew’s veterans have given Reese a big position from the get-go, and she or he’s responded by posting an astounding 5.1 offensive rebounds per sport, which leads the WNBA by a large margin.
Cardoso, in the meantime, has been introduced alongside extra slowly because of an damage of her personal, however will doubtless see an uptick in her taking part in time with beginning heart Elizabeth Williams (knee) out. Cardoso’s potential match with Reese was absolutely an element within the Sky deciding on the 2 of them within the 2024 WNBA Draft, and the longer term could now be nearer than it appears.
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Picture by Adam Hagy/NBAE through Getty Pictures
The Sky’s prized rookies may have their palms full with Atlanta’s Tina Charles. Charles, who didn’t play in 2023, signed with the Dream within the offseason, and whereas the WNBA’s fourth all-time main scorer isn’t the go-to participant in Atlanta like she had been earlier in her profession in Connecticut and New York, she stays probably the greatest rebounders within the WNBA (9.4 per sport), and her low-post scoring will put Chicago’s younger frontcourt by a trial by hearth. Atlanta will want Charles to attain effectively if it’s to cease its present shedding streak at two video games.
Recreation info
New York Liberty (9-2) vs. Connecticut Solar (9-0)
When: Saturday, June 8 at 1 p.m. ET
The place: Mohegan Solar Area in Uncasville, CT
How you can watch: ABC
Liberty damage report: Courtney Vandersloot (uncertain; private), Nyara Sabally (out; again)
Solar damage report: Moriah Jefferson (questionable; ankle)
Atlanta Dream (4-4) vs. Chicago Sky (4-5)
When: Saturday, June 8 at 5 p.m. ET
The place: Wintrust Area in Chicago, IL
How you can watch: WNBA League Go, CW 26, Peachtree Sports activities Community
Dream damage report: Jordin Canada (out; hand)
Sky damage report: Elizabeth Williams (out; knee)
