Hoops Happening: Today in women’s basketball (and beyond) — Thursday May 24, 2018

Miss yesterday’s games and how Jewell Loyd scored 29 points on the Phoenix Mercury, while Sylvia Fowles made history for the Minnesota Lynx? Read on for recaps of all three of yesterday’s games.

In need of some LOLZ? Breanna Stewart brings it with Sh*t Tall People Hear.

Bonus coverage: “Links Appeal.”

And ... introducing a new section to this column: “Everyday Sexism, Everyday Racism: Literally. Every. Day.”

Game recaps

Atlanta Dream grabbed Windy City win over the Chicago Sky, 81-63

Tiffany Hayes had a big game for the Dream, with 22 points, and Brittney Sykes, Elizabeth Williams and Angel McCoughtry also contributed double digits in scoring. For the Sky, Allie Quigley’s 13 points (and quiet games from Stefanie Dolson, Diamond DeShields and Gabby Williams) were not enough to keep the game close.

The question that remains for Chicago is: Which player not named Allie Quigley can be counted on for consistent scoring?

Dallas Wings make strong second-half rally but fall to the Minnesota Lynx, 68-76

As predicted, Lynx superstars would seek to show out against the Wings following Minnesota’s upset loss to the LA Sparks in its season opener — and Sylvia Fowles did just that with a game-high 23 points, 20 rebounds and 5 steals, in a history-making double-double.

Liz Cambage had a double-double for the Wings: 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Despite losing the game, the Wings should take pride in its comeback effort. Had Glory Johnson been on the court, Dallas may have won. But with Johnson expected to miss at least four weeks with a hamstring injury, someone else will need to step up on offense.

Seattle Storm evened season series in 87-71 win over Phoenix Mercury

Phoenix Mercury fans should officially be worried about this team’s ability to get wins against the strongly-contending teams in the west, like the Seattle Storm and LA Sparks. Despite the first win of the season series against Seattle, Phoenix lost two preseason games to the Storm as well, making it a 3-1 series record for the 2018 WNBA preseason and regular season combined.

Seattle has demonstrated an ability to win in different ways, on both ends of the court. Last night, Breanna Stewart had a low-scoring 9 points, which was no problem at all, thanks to her “dawg’s” hot paw hand, meaning 29 points from Jewell Loyd. But emoji eyeballs should be placed all over Stewart’s 11 rebounds — a strong contribution to Seattle’s 33 for the game (compared to 23 for the Mercury).

Diana Taurasi was the high-scorer for Phoenix with 23 points and Brittney Griner chipped in 18. DeWanna Bonner had a near-double-double with 9 points and 9 rebounds. The questions for Phoenix are: 1) Which players not named Taurasi and Griner can be counted on as #3 scoring options. 2) How will Head Coach Sandy Brondello get more out of Briann January in terms of playmaking as well as scoring?

Today’s games

Sisters Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike go head-to-head as the LA Sparks face the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. EST.

Also at 7 p.m. EST, the Washington Mystics face the 0-3 Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN on ESPN 3.

Other happenings in women’s hoops

I really look up to you.

Literally.

Links Appeal

• Lyndsey D’Arcangelo writes about Diana Taurasi’s legendary basketball career and why the GOAT isn’t done yet. Obviously, there are always more opponents to demoralize with a hail of three-point shots.
• Harvard Business School’s Cross Over Into Business program for NBA and WNBA athletes is pretty amazing. Just ask Alana Beard, Marissa Coleman and Elizabeth Williams.
• Trades are regular occurrences in the NBA. Although rare in the WNBA, here are five of the biggest trades in the WNBA that changed the fortunes of the destination teams.
• Chicago Sky’s Gabby Williams explains in her rookie diary how she “kept getting in trouble” at Sky practice. It turns how rookies must unlearn as many things as they have to learn anew.

Everyday Sexism, Everyday Racism — Literally. Every. Day.

• Soccer star Abby Wambach’s stirring commencement address at Barnard College called on women to be the “wolves” and “saviors” of this society. She outlined the reasons and used her experiences as a retired female athlete to justify her call.

• “What should have been a simple parking ticket turned into an attempt at police intimidation, followed by unlawful use of physical force, including being handcuffed and tased and then unlawfully booked.” Sterling Brown of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks is fortunate to be alive. Thankfully, he’s suing. Hopefully he will win.
• UFC photographer Mike Roach asked death-lete Tatiana Suarez to make sure her “assets,” as in breasts, were still visible in a pose. Perfect ... coming from a roach.
• NFL issues policy on National Anthem following season of protest and lost revenue. The policy infringes upon the players’ right to peaceful protest. With any hope, the NFL Players’ Association will protest the decision enacted by this rat-infested gutter trash league.
• Reactions from players, coaches and owners were ... interesting, with some players seeming resigned, while others seem more outspoken than ever.
• Here’s the solution: Don’t play. Every African-American player and ally should call out sick for the first NFL Sunday of the season.
• In a power move, tennis star Roger Federer rightfully called Serena Williams the best to ever play the game. Does the rest of the tennis world agree with him?

How to #WatchThemWork all season

Shine brighter — and help others to shine brighter, too.