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#ShrinkTheGame Vol. 15
& We Back
Fred S
July 22, 2025
Welcome! 🎉 In an effort to stop spamming my friends with constant women’s basketball updates, I’ve created this newsletter. I know—so generous of me. No need to thank me! I’m here to keep you informed on most things WBB.
Table of Contents
WNBA Preview
The All-Star “break” is over, and 10 out of 13 teams are already back in action today (July 22nd). I know there were complaints about the All-Star Game not being competitive, but let’s be real, these women basically get no break. The game was Saturday, and most teams were back at practice by Monday.
And imagine if your team’s star player got injured messing around in an All-Star Game?? That’s why I personally enjoyed the light-heartedness of it all. It was fun, it was chill, and honestly, that’s exactly what it should’ve been.
The best thing that came out of the weekend for me was the StudBudz 72-hour livestream. It really showed that these women do like each other and get along. A lot of the rivalries and “beef” are manufactured by fans and the media, not the players themselves.
I also hope people are finally starting to challenge this tired-ass narrative that WNBA players are “catty” or “jealous.” That’s just a misogynistic interpretation of competitiveness. Women are allowed to get heated. Allowed to be competitive. Allowed to not like each other on the court—and then turn around and have good relationships off the court. It’s not fake, it’s not weird—it’s just HOOPS.
I will probably do a deeper dive into the Anti-Labor and Anti-Women reaction to these players demanding their fair share of the increased profit the WNBA has seen because that’s a whole history lesson.
Fred’s Power Rankings
Phoenix Mercury 15-7
Game Results | July 7: Mercury. 72 – Dallas 102 July 9: Mercury 79 – Golden State 72 July 14: Mercury 79 – Lynx 71 July 16: Mercury 66 – Lynx 79 |
Going into the All-Star break, the Mercury are my #1 team. They’ve been steamrolling opponents—even with Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, and Lexie Hull all out due to injury. Alyssa Thomas has been willing this team to extremely impressive wins. She is, without a doubt, playing at an MVP level.
After an embarrassing loss to the Dallas Wings’ rookies, the Mercury bounced back to beat the Wings, Golden State, and—most impressively—the Lynx, with AT putting up a dominant 29/8/5 stat line.
What’s impressed me most is how their role players have stepped up: Sami Whitcomb dropped 36 in the second Dallas game, Monique Billings came up big against Golden State (though to be fair, the Valkyries were playing sloppy), and of course, DeWanna Bonner has had major games too.
Bonner officially joined the Mercury last week after a short and tumultuous stint with the Indiana Fever. Fever fans are not thrilled that DB is now performing better than she did in Indiana, but that whole situation proves just how important fit is in this league. Sure, we know she wanted to play alongside her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, again after their four-season run in Connecticut. But DB’s ties to Phoenix run much deeper.
She was drafted by the Mercury in 2009, spent a decade with the team, won three consecutive Sixth Woman of the Year awards (important context since some Fever fans claimed she had an issue coming off the bench), and brought home two championships. She met and played with her ex-wife in Phoenix and had her children there. In other words: the roots are deep.
Now, in a more comfortable environment and with that on-court chemistry with AT, we’re seeing just how effective DB still is even at 37.
With Satou sitting out the All-Star games, it seems like Kah and her are making good progress and will be returning soon. Lexi Held is also finally back at practice after recovering from a collapsed lung.
I am really hoping the Merc are fully healthy by Friday because the Liberty will be fully healthy for their game. Would love to see an equally yoked match between these two.
Minnesota Lynx 20-4
Game Results | July 9: Lynx 71- Mercury 79 July 10: Lynx 91 - Sparks 82 July 12: Lynx 81 - Sky 87 July 14: Lynx 91 - Sky 78 July 16: Lynx 76 - Mercury 66 |
Despite their 20–4 record, I’ve moved the Lynx to number two because of their ugly losses to an undermanned Mercury team and the Chicago Sky. That said, they’ve still been the most consistent and well-rounded team in the WNBA heading into the All-Star break—even when missing key players like Phee, K-Mac, and Jessica Shepard. We’re also seeing much more consistent play from Courtney Williams, which has been huge.
This break came at the right time for the Lynx, who have played three more games than most teams in the league. The fatigue was clearly starting to show.
To their credit, they redeemed themselves from those two losses with dominant bounce-back wins against both the Sky and the Mercury.
All-Star-wise, Team Phee had a weekend to remember—taking the W in the All-Star Game and with Phee herself earning MVP honors (and setting the all-time scoring record with 36 points!). The StudBudz absolutely took over the weekend, showing off the chemistry and lightheartedness that make this team so fun to watch.
I fully expect them to come out of the break strong—with yet another win against the Chicago Sky (who will once again be short-handed).
New York Liberty 15-6
Game Results | July 8: Liberty 87 - Aces 78 July 13: Liberty 79 - Dream 72 July 16: Liberty 98 - Fever 77 |
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!!!!!!
Whew—where do I even begin?! After an incredibly rough road trip, the Liberty are back on a three-game winning streak to kick off their homestand. They demolished the Aces (who unfortunately lost A’ja Wilson in the first half), staged an epic comeback against the Dream (down 19 points!), and cruised to a dominant win over the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever.
Leonie Fiebich has finally decided to get aggressive—putting up 15/9/2 against Vegas and a WNBA regular season career-high 20/4/4 in the Fever game. Her presence as both a scorer and rebounder has made a huge difference.
Izzy Harrison has also stepped up big time, giving us much-needed scoring and defense against opposing bigs like Brittney Griner. Watch the Izzy and Marine minutes together! They have crazy chemistry.
And shoutout to Nyara Sabally, who bounced back in a major way after a rough outing against Seattle to come up huge against Atlanta.
During All-Star weekend, the Liberty had a clean sweep: Tash Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu walked away as Skills Challenge and Three-Point Contest champions, and Stewie sealed the deal in the All-Star Game for Team Phee!
And Now? We were BLESSED with the news that the Liberty have signed Stephanie Talbot (recently waived by Golden State) and Emma Meesseman. I repeat: Emma Meesseman—Ms. I won WNBA Finals MVP coming off the bench, back-to-back-to-back EuroLeague MVP, two-time EuroLeague champ, and the leading scorer of the 2024 Olympics—is joining the squad. This might be the top 10 news I’ve ever received in my LIFE. This is like the Warriors getting Kevin Durant! Chips aren’t guaranteed, but we’ve got a damn good chance now.
Stephanie Talbot is likely just a temporary signing until Emma clears her visa, which could take a few weeks—but what a buffer!
To make roster space, the Liberty waived Marquesha Davis, our 11th pick in the 2024 draft. The writing was on the wall when she didn’t get much playing time, even when the roster was down to 9. Thank you for your service, CHAMP.
And my favorite news of the week?? Jonquel Jones is officially off the injury report and set to play her first game since June 19th! We’re finally fully healthy and ready to run through all your favorite teams.
Seattle Storm 14-9
Game Results | July 9: Storm 83 - Sun 93 July 11: Storm 79 - Sun 65 July 13: Storm 69 - Mystics 74 July 16: Storm 67 - Valkyries 58 |
The Storm are confusing!!! Like… why are you losing to the Connecticut Sun and the Washington Mystics?????
This team looks like a second-round exit again, IMO. They have a high ceiling, but they consistently play down to their competition—and that’s going to hurt them when it matters most.
Ezi Magbegor is starting to find her offensive rhythm again, scoring in double digits in 3 of the last 4 games, which is a good sign. But overall, I think the struggles come down to one key thing: they’re old.
Seattle is the oldest team in the league. Nneka Ogwumike noticeably plays worse without at least one day of rest. Their starters have some of the highest usage rates in the league, and veteran bench pieces like Alysha Clark just haven’t been reliable. (AC is 16-of-49 from three this season—that has to improve.)
On the upside, the Storm recently signed Tiffany Mitchell, who was waived by the Aces, and she’s been giving them solid minutes off the bench.
But they need to figure something out—fast. Because if they have another early playoff exit, I wouldn't be surprised if Head Coach Noelle Quinn is out of a job.
Shout out to Skylar Diggins, She came last in the Skills Challenge but posted the first triple-double in All-Star history, including setting the record for assists with 15.
Atlanta Dream 13-9
Game Results | July 7: Dream 90 - Valkyries 81 July 11: Dream 82 - Fever 99 July 13: Dream 72 - Liberty 79 July 16: Dream 80 - Sky 49 |
The Atlanta Dream are a great team and still very much a contender—but they’ve struggled to close out games in the fourth quarter. With Rhyne Howard sidelined at least until the end of July, it’ll be interesting to see who steps up—not just offensively, but defensively. Rhyne is one of the best two-way guards in the league and has been defending at an All-Defensive Team level.
Naz Hillmon is the player I’d watch to take on a bigger role during this stretch. Meanwhile, Maya Caldwell and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough have been giving pretty meh minutes. (Also… Shatori is getting paid $150K?? This might be the worst contract in the league lol)
Jordin Canada has been steadily improving post-injury and even dropped 30 points in their loss to the Fever. I still think she’s just okay overall, but I’m curious to see how she continues to evolve with Rhyne out.
The Dream had three players at the All-Star Game this year—Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Brionna Jones—which I love for them. It's a testament to how talented this roster really is.
Their upcoming schedule includes Vegas, Phoenix, and Minnesota—a great stretch to test their strength, with a few easier games sprinkled in.
At their peak, the Dream could make a run to the Finals. But if they keep giving up big leads in the fourth, they’re looking more like a second-round exit.
Indiana Fever 12-11
Game Results | July 9: Fever 61 -Valkyries 80 July 11: Fever 99 - Dream 82 July 13: Fever 102 - Wings 83 July 15: Fever 85 - Sun 77 July 16: Fever 77 - Liberty 98 |
The Fever have had an up-and-down season, especially with Caitlin Clark being out due to a quad and eventually a groin injury. But somehow, they found their groove and pulled off some solid wins thanks to strong play from Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Natasha Howard.
When Caitlin came back on July 13, it was obvious she wasn’t healthy. I really believe they rushed her return. Her three-point shot has been way off, her efficiency is down, and the turnovers are up. Sure, defenses have adjusted and know how to scout her now—but she clearly hasn’t been moving well.
It all came to a head during that physical game against Connecticut, where Caitlin ended the night in tears, clutching at her groin. She missed the July 16 game against the Liberty, had to sit out the All-Star Game and the three-point contest, and didn’t rehab over the break, so now she’s out for the foreseeable future. Rushing back from a soft tissue injury was a mistake smh
The Fever got smacked by the Liberty on July 16 and are probably going to catch another one today (July 22) since the Liberty are finally fully healthy. They’ve got a tough stretch ahead with games against the Mercury, Aces, and Storm. Still, they should be able to pull out some wins against teams like Chicago and Dallas.
Washington Mystics 11-11
Game Results | July 8: Mystics 81- Sky 79 July 10: Mystics 70 - Vegas 68 July 13: Mystics 74 - Storm 69 July 15: Mystics 80 - Sparks 99 |
The Mystics are such a fun team to watch and have finally clawed their way back to a .500 record! This squad has the perfect balance of vets and young talent, and multiple players who can pop off on any given night.
Shakira Austin has been playing extremely well since returning from injury, which has been a huge boost—especially with Kiki’s production dipping a bit.
Sonia Citron would probably be Rookie of the Year if Paige didn’t exist. I continue to be impressed by her (and Kiki’s) poise. They both approach the game like they’ve been in the league for years.
Brittney Sykes has seen a bit of a production dip, but I expect her to bounce back after the All-Star break. I’ve also been liking the minutes Aaliyah Edwards is getting, especially after those trade rumors. She brings a real spark—especially when she’s matched up against top-tier bigs like Ezi/Nneka or Phee/Alanna.
Overall, this team is fun, competitive, and might just sneak into the playoffs. And with a pretty manageable schedule ahead, they’ve definitely got a shot.
Golden State Valkyries 10-12
Game Results | July 9: Valkyries 80- Fever 61 July 12: Valkyries 102- Aces 104 July 14: Valkyries 77- Mercury 78 July 16: Valkyries 58- Storm 67 |
The Valks have come crashing back down to earth. After an amazing run in June (mostly home games), they’re now reminding us why they’re the fourth-worst road team in the league. They clearly feed off the electric environment in Ballhalla, but without that energy on the road, they struggle.
This is a team built on gritty defense, but they have a hard time generating offense—especially against better teams. They shoot a lot of threes but also have the worst 3-point percentage in the league. It makes sense, though—they’re trying to overcome a lack of star power with volume shooting.
Still, there’s a lot to like. Even in their losses, the games have been close. We’re watching some of their EuroBasket returnees, like Jalen Saluan, work their way back into rhythm, while new additions like Kaitlyn Chen and Laeticia Amihere are finding their roles. They also just activated Iliana Rupert’s contract—another French national team member (France stay exporting hoopers!).
Victoria Burton is still my personal frontrunner for Most Improved Player. Her playmaking and scoring have been elite, and she’s leading this team at just 25 years old. Kayla Thornton has cooled off a bit, but she’s still putting up solid numbers in scoring and rebounding. And Kate Martin? She continues to be a spark plug off the bench. Wild that she was literally drafted out of the audience in 2024—just a straight-up hooper.
Overall, this is still a fun team to watch—and honestly, a nightmare matchup for anyone who catches them in the first round of the playoffs. Good luck with that lol.
Las Vegas Aces 11-11
Game Results | July 8: Aces 87 - Liberty 78 July 10: Aces 68 - Mystics 70 July 12: Aces 104 - Valkyries 102 July 16: Aces 90 - Dallas 86 |
Since their July 8 game against the Liberty, the Aces have been dealing with injuries and roster changes—but somehow, they’re starting to find their footing.
A’ja Wilson hurt her wrist in that Liberty game, and yet she’s gone on to drop 34 and 37 points with a bum wrist. Greatest player in the world. Period.
Jackie Young had an abysmal showing against the Mystics, but since then, she’s been absolutely balling. Unfortunately, she hurt her hip in the game against Dallas and is still questionable for tonight (July 22).
The trade for NaLyssa Smith has already proven to be the right move. She’s giving A’ja some much-needed help in the paint and just notched her first double-double since the 2024 season. Once she gets her fouling under control, she’s going to be exactly what Vegas needs.
That said—without consistent contributions from Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd, I don’t see this team going far. A’ja having to drop 37 just to beat Dallas is not sustainable.
Los Angeles Sparks 8-14
Game Results | July 10: Sparks 82- Lynx 91 July 13: Sparks 92- Sun 88 July 15: Sparks 99- Mystics 80 |
The Sparks are finally stringing some wins together and looking a little more cohesive. That said, so far they’ve only been able to beat weaker teams—despite solid efforts from their starters.
Rickea Jackson continues to show real growth, consistently putting up 10+ point games and showing how effective she is at getting to the basket. It helps that Azurá Stevens and Dearica Hamby are versatile bigs—they can rebound, drive, and stretch the floor by knocking down threes.
Kelsey Plum keeps putting up big numbers, while Julie Allemand has started to prove she’s a better PG fit for this team than Odyssey Sims. Sims was probably looking to score more than facilitate, which makes sense, because she’s a certified bucket, but Allemand just fits the system better.
Cam Brink has started to do more on-court and contact work and is slated to return by the end of July. That’s huge for the Sparks—she’s a reliable center with so much length that her presence alone alters shots. Let’s not forget she finished second in blocks last season… despite only playing half the year. Her potential is out of this world, and honestly, it was smart of the team to give her time to fully heal.
I’m still not sure this is a playoff team, but if they go on a run, they could sneak in. The jury’s still out on their coach, though.
Chicago Sky 7-15
Game Results | July 8: Sky 79 - Mystics 81 July 9: Sky 87 - Wings 76 July 12: Sky 87 - Lynx 81 July 14: Sky 78 - Lynx 91 July 16: Sky 49 - Dream 86 |
Angel Reese. Angel is currently playing at an elite level, and it should not go unnoticed. She’s averaging 12.9 rebounds a game, and only 2.9 of them are offensive boards—aka “Mebounds”. But what’s even more impressive is that she’s averaging 4.4 assists as a forward. Her rebounding and playmaking are operating at an elite level right now. And listen, if I believed in giving lottery picks the Most Improved award (which I don’t), I’d give it to her right now.
Someone else I’ve gotta shout out is Rachel Banham. Since moving into the starting lineup, her production has jumped, especially her three-point shooting. She needs to stay in that starting role permanently. Ariel Atkins has also been looking way more comfortable lately, which is a great sign.
The one player I wish could be more consistent is Kamilla. When she’s locked in, she’s dangerous—like when she dropped 27 and 7 against the Sparks. But sometimes, she gets so passive the coach has no choice but to sit her. I’m hoping she finds that consistency soon, because when she and Angel are both locked in? It’s a problem.
Unfortunately, Ariel Atkins will be out for their first game back from All-Star with a leg injury, and Michaela Onyenwere will also be out.
On a brighter note, they just picked up Marquesha Davis—recently waived by the Liberty—on a 7-day hardship contract. Glad she landed somewhere!
Dallas Wings 6-17
Game Results | July 9: Wings 76 - Sky 87 July 13: Wings 83 - Fever 102 July 16: Wings 86 - Aces 90 |
The Wings have been mid all season—and nothing has changed. After that rookie-led beatdown of the Mercury, they went on to lose every other game since.
Honestly, it should be a major concern for Wings fans that Arike has been playing this bad. She’s nursing a torn? strained? Something in her thumb, and it’s made her even worse. Whether it’s a bad fit or just a slump, Dallas needs to figure out how to actually utilize Arike—or it might be time for both sides to move on after this season.
The bright spot? The rookies. Paige, JJ Quinerly, and Aziah James have all been hooping and putting up solid games. But damn, they really miss the rim protection from Nalyssa Smith (traded to the Aces) and Dijonai Carrington (still out with a rib injury).
Also gotta give some credit to Li Yueru and Luisa Geiselsöder—both have been playing well and doing their jobs.
IMO, the Wings need to stop playing around and fully commit to a rebuild. Trim the fat: that means moving on from Myisha Hines-Allen, Arike, and Teaira McCowan. Let the kids run the show.
Connecticut Sun 3-19
Game Results | July 9: Sun 93 - Storm 83 July 11 Sun 65 - Storm 79 July 13 Sun 88 - Sparks 92 July 15 Sun 77 - Sky 85 |
This team is still ass. God Bless ’em. But they got a win over a Seattle team!
All jokes aside, you have to respect the greatness that is Tina fucking Charles. Even with the team struggling, it’s been amazing to see her put up insane numbers—like 29 and 11 in the win against the Storm. But beyond all that, the legend is pouring so much into these young players. It’s been dope as hell to watch.
Saniya Rivers is also out there giving the team real minutes. She’s starting to go off offensively, but her defense? Immaculate. She’s leading the Sun in both steals and blocks. Like—omg.
And then they added French baller Leila Lacan, who is amazing. Like, what tf are they feeding players in France?? Between the WNBA and NBA, the French National Teams’ Olympic performances catapulted these players straight into stardom and league contracts. Leila can score at will, attack the basket, and clamp up on D. Her joining the squad is definitely a reason the Sun are playing better and keeping games close.
Now they just signed another French national team hooper—Mamignan “Migna” Touré. I don’t know much about her yet, but if her teammates are any indication, she’s about to start cooking real soon.
Hoops & Hype: Media Picks
Check out some of the cool podcasts, videos, reads, and fashion I saw this week.
