2025 WNBA Regular Season | Page 60 | The Boneyard

2025 WNBA Regular Season

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During the All Star break, I heard one of the talking heads say watch out for Atlanta in the second half of the season. They had the easiest schedule among the better teams in the league. They do seem to be surging and are nipping at the Liberty's heels.

No Griner for a few games but they seem to be fine. Hillmon w/ 14/13 as a starter today. How about Jordin Canada? Seattle gave up on her years ago, but she's grown into a pretty darn good PG in the league. I always thought the Storm sold her short.

And they've been doing this without Howard.
 
nwhoopfan said:
Clark has been in and out of the lineup so much this year, it's kinda hard to get an accurate read on the situation. They start to adjust without her, then she's back and they have to adjust again. I would buy that they are better defensively, but Clark really pushes the pace and they score more. Her shooting has never really come around this season, but if she's been battling leg injuries the whole time that's understandable. I'd still like to see what would happen if she can get healthy and play for several weeks with the rest of the lineup.

Further complicating trying to figure out this team was the whole drama w/ Bonner's here and then gone, disappointing appearance. Cunningham took a long time to get going, but once she finally did it seems like Hull has really faded.
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I can see you want to make excuses for Clark, and I’m fine with that. But I suspect @The deacon will fault us for it. “You play with whatever circumstances you find,” if I recall correctly.
 
nwhoopfan said:
Clark has been in and out of the lineup so much this year, it's kinda hard to get an accurate read on the situation. They start to adjust without her, then she's back and they have to adjust again. I would buy that they are better defensively, but Clark really pushes the pace and they score more. Her shooting has never really come around this season, but if she's been battling leg injuries the whole time that's understandable. I'd still like to see what would happen if she can get healthy and play for several weeks with the rest of the lineup.

Further complicating trying to figure out this team was the whole drama w/ Bonner's here and then gone, disappointing appearance. Cunningham took a long time to get going, but once she finally did it seems like Hull has really faded.
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Not to mention adding in Natasha Howard which took a minute for her to figure out her role. She’s been playing very well for Indiana.

Clark haters will always cling to what they can to diminish her skill and importance. Fact is, Indiana has a very good lineup this year and is still a strong team even without Clark. If Clark can get healthy and the team gets used to her being in the lineup, Indiana will be a major threat
 
Bone Dog said:
I can see you want to make excuses for Clark, and I’m fine with that. But I suspect @The deacon will fault us for it. “You play with whatever circumstances you find,” if I recall correctly.
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Indiana didn't make the playoffs for what, 7 or 8 years until Clark showed up? They were UNDEBATABLY better w/ her last year. They were supposed to be even more improved this year when they added Bonner, Howard and Cunningham. Almost the whole team has been up and down this year. They've finally got on a bit of a winning streak, but prior to that they were fairly disappointing the whole year with and without Clark. I still think we need to see her back in the lineup/ w Howard and Cunningham both in the flow of things to see what this team really can be.
 
nwhoopfan said:
Aari McDonald looks pretty good running the show for Indiana today. I've seen people say she isn't really a PG.

Indiana might get a win on the road against Seattle today...with Mitchell not being able to hit anything, and of course no Clark. Howard and Boston have been doing work on the interior and Cunningham is continuing with her recent hot streak.

Malonga is coming along for Seattle. Only 19, she could be really good down the road a bit.
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I gotta say, McDonald is a perfect example of how important “fit” is when determining if someone is going to be a good pro or not. McDonald was waived by LA and likely would’ve been out of the league this year if Clark didn’t get injured. Indiana’s situation with Bonner and Clark’s injury worked out to be a perfect storm for Aari and she’s thriving in her role. We’re seeing similarly great seasons by Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton who were seldom used last season. With expansion coming up, I’d expect we’ll see a lot of other relatively unheralded players shine if they land in the right situation for the talent to be optimized. Glad to see McDonald having a great season.
 
The million dollar coach will certainly be grateful to sleep in his own bed. This road trip certainly has challenged the MeRC and revealed a number of issues even when the big three are all available.

The first quarter in Chicago has revealed a number of challenges FOR THE presumptive COY

Evidently DV can no longer jump she's been blocked twice.

Sabally decided not to play

Nate's use of the Dallas defense is working against a depleted Chicago squad .... But that vaunted Phoenix offense has yet to appear.

Sister on sister action maybe one of the most entertaining parts of a lackluster game
 
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nwhoopfan said:
Indiana didn't make the playoffs for what, 7 or 8 years until Clark showed up? They were UNDEBATABLY better w/ her last year. They were supposed to be even more improved this year when they added Bonner, Howard and Cunningham. Almost the whole team has been up and down this year. They've finally got on a bit of a winning streak, but prior to that they were fairly disappointing the whole year with and without Clark. I still think we need to see her back in the lineup/ w Howard and Cunningham both in the flow of things to see what this team really can be.
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Eh, I wouldn’t bother. Even if Clark comes back and leads them to a championship averaging a triple double, haters will undoubtedly find a way to diminish her.
 
Salon ejected for a REAL cheap shot against Lloyd. A disgrace and, in my view, warrants a suspension.
 
DEpup said:
Hmm. Maybe because even shorthanded, the Liberty were in the game... I think they needed another starter caliber wing with some size who can play defense to spell McBride and Carlton. Against teams like Liberty with bigger and somewhat fast guards, playing Courtney at the off guard for too long is not ideal.
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Messeman helps the Liberty, but the recent games show how much not having Stewie hurts the team. Her defense, leadership, handling the ball are all missing the last 4 games. Emma as she gets adjusted will bring those talents until Stewie gets back.
 
Bone Dog said:
I’m not sure the numbers support this take on the situation.
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The debate as to whether Indiana is better with or without Clark is an interesting one. Coach White and Indy's front office put together a roster that has been able to handle the ups and down of a season. That's all that matters as the team's focus is a deep run in the playoffs, possibly a championship. The fact that they're just as competitive without Clark shows the front office made the right decisions to put them in that position.
 
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cancontent said:
The debate as to whether Indiana is better with or without Clark is an interesting one. Coach White and Indy's front office put together a roster that has been able to handle the ups and down of a season. That's all that matters as the team's focus is a deep run in the playoffs, possibly a championship. The fact that they're just as competitive without Clark shows the front office made the right decisions to put them in that position.
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Without looking at the stats and just basing things off the eye test, I would probably say that they have around the #4/5 offense and defense without her, and around the #2/3 offense and #6/7 defense with her. There are trade-offs that I think even out in the end. It's also hard to tell since she never really got going and the players around her have transformed their game (Cunningham and Howard particularly) since she has been out of the lineup.

She should be back soon since I hear she is practicing with the team. I bet they are waiting for these four away game along the West coast to have concluded -- this stretch of 6 games in 11 days, with four consecutive aways games has been brutal on their bodies. They started to look tired against the Storm, so I am kind of anticipating two losses against the Sparks and Mercury due to tired bodies before they arrive back home to play the Sky.
 
bballnut90 said:
Eh, I wouldn’t bother. Even if Clark comes back and leads them to a championship averaging a triple double, haters will undoubtedly find a way to diminish her.
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You’re kidding right? Is looking at results now the same as hating? Puhleeeeze. No one has said anything to diminish Caitlin Ogunbowale’s talents, which are considerable. But that doesn’t mean every team becomes its best self by adding her. The only haters here are the ones who refuse to make a sober assessment of the facts of this season. Caitlin’s a strong woman and a great player. Don’t diminish her by trying to shield her from reality.
 
Interesting round of games yesterday. New York/Connecticut was fun to watch. Great to see Emma back in the WNBA. She gives New York another scoring option in case Stewie, Jones, or Lonescu have off days. Great win for New York to break their losing streak.

Atlanta/Washington was another fun game to watch. Washington and their young core of players, if everyone stays healthy, are going to be a problem over the next few years. Kiki and Sonia are playing likes vets. I love Kiki's intensity! Sonia just goes about her business and is smooth with her game. There is an intense quality about her game, but it is so smooth. Like a good Brandy. Love her game. Atlanta looks so much better and comfortable out there. Coaching and style of play helps. We get to see the real Naz Hillmon!! She is a baddie!!

Indy/Seattle-I swear living in the Midwest (Minnesota) sucks as a sports fan. Local TV will show a Midwest team and we got the Indy/Seattle game on ABC. Keep in mind we got Indiana on Friday on ION. SMH. Anyway, that game was interesting mainly because of the play through out the game. It was sloppy at times and then it flowed. Then it got sloppy again. But in the end, Indiana held on and got the win. Getting these wins is huge for Indiana without Caitlin. It has to boost their confidence. Both teams were probably wore out and that is probably why the game got sloppy at times and looked rough. But good win for Indiana. Seattle older team but they figure out their shot selection. They were so close!!

The game I could not wait to watch but was shocked in the end, Las Vegas/Golden State. Jewell Loyd showed up! The same for Jackie Young. They shot the ball better and it showed in the end. Golden State just did not have that same zest for the game. Both teams were probably fatigued but the Aces looked like they wanted it more in the end. Great day of games on a pretty chill Sunday.
 
bballnut90 said:
I gotta say, McDonald is a perfect example of how important “fit” is when determining if someone is going to be a good pro or not. McDonald was waived by LA and likely would’ve been out of the league this year if Clark didn’t get injured. Indiana’s situation with Bonner and Clark’s injury worked out to be a perfect storm for Aari and she’s thriving in her role. We’re seeing similarly great seasons by Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton who were seldom used last season. With expansion coming up, I’d expect we’ll see a lot of other relatively unheralded players shine if they land in the right situation for the talent to be optimized. Glad to see McDonald having a great season.
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Agree, though I think it's a combo of player "fit" and players simply getting better after several years in the WNBA. Aari definitely seems to be thriving in Indiana, but she's had an upward trajectory in FG% and APG her 5 years in the league.

Another great example is Naz Hillmon, who has made herself into a 3-point shooter and is fully integrated into Atlanta's lineups (a new coach probably didn't hurt). Kennedy Burke is also in that category.

I have no stats to back this up, but feels like year 4/5 is when you start to see real strides for some players. Plum is a prime example. Young and Copper are another.
 
JellyBean said:
The game I could not wait to watch but was shocked in the end, Las Vegas/Golden State. Jewell Loyd showed up! The same for Jackie Young. They shot the ball better and it showed in the end. Golden State just did not have that same zest for the game. Both teams were probably fatigued but the Aces looked like they wanted it more in the end. Great day of games on a pretty chill Sunday.
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This was the Valks' 6th city in 10 days while down three starters. I'm not at all surprised we played like we were gassed. Was very impressed with Kaila Charles - she has slotted right in brilliantly with hustle, great reads, and solid handles.
 
I will be puzzled about the plan in Washington if they don’t trade Aaliyah. They can definitely use a guard and I assume some team in the league will give them one for Aaliyah. And they clearly aren’t tanking. So why don’t they try to lock down that 7 or 8 seed in the playoffs?
 
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Stagnant said:
I will be puzzled about the plan in Washington if they don’t trade Aaliyah. They can definitely use a guard and I assume some team in the league will give them one for Aaliyah. And they clearly aren’t tanking. So why don’t they try to lock down that 7 or 8 seed in the playoffs?
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I would hold on to Aaliyah because of a host of reasons. Guard wise, the Mystics are loaded they really don't need another guard.

DEpup said:
I still wonder whether Edwards will get expansion draft chosen by Toronto. It would be in their best interest to make her the close by hometown face of that team to sell tickets.
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I do worry about the expansion draft and if Aaliyah becomes available. That draft, especially if Portland is included, is going to open up a lot of playing opportunities for a lot of players.
 
cancontent said:
. . . Coach White and Indy's front office put together a roster that has been able to handle the ups and down of a season. . . . The fact that they're just as competitive without Clark shows the front office made the right decisions to put them in that position.
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The Fever brain trust deserves credit for their recovery from the disastrous Bonner signing. McDonald and now Bibby are really helpful pieces. But the Fever brain trust also deserves blame for the Bonner signing, which was a big mistake from the outset.
 
DEpup said:
I still wonder whether Edwards will get expansion draft chosen by Toronto. It would be in their best interest to make her the close by hometown face of that team to sell tickets.
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A side question—with the whole league becoming free agents next year, how will the expansion draft work? This past expansion draft was after free agency started, and with the entire league becoming unrestricted free agents, the only players who will be signed to teams are on rookie contracts. Teams can protect up to 6 players and most teams don’t have 6+ players on rookie contracts.
 
Lynx goes into their matchup without Napheesa on Tuesday night. We will see who steps up for the Lynx.
 
BigTenGuy said:
The Fever brain trust deserves credit for their recovery from the disastrous Bonner signing. McDonald and now Bibby are really helpful pieces. But the Fever brain trust also deserves blame for the Bonner signing, which was a big mistake from the outset.
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They do have to own the Bonner signing error, but did it hold them back significantly this season? No. Have they been able to make decent adjustments? Yes.

Overall, they've come out ahead in my opinion. This could not have been said a couple seasons ago.
 
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With two days left until the Trading Deadline, Richard Cohen of Her Hoops Stats gives his opinion on where each team stands (buyer, seller or ???), whom they should consider and what players could be targeted. As usual, a good cup-of-coffee read.

herhoopstats.substack.com

2025 WNBA Trade Deadline Possibilities

We break down where every team stands ahead of Thursday's deadline, whether they should be buying or selling, and who might be on the move
herhoopstats.substack.com herhoopstats.substack.com
 
BigTenGuy said:
The Fever brain trust deserves credit for their recovery from the disastrous Bonner signing. McDonald and now Bibby are really helpful pieces. But the Fever brain trust also deserves blame for the Bonner signing, which was a big mistake from the outset.
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In hindsight, the Bonner signing turned out to be messy but when they initially signed Bonner, it was a No-brainer. All the talk, at the time, was how impactful the signing of Bonner would be for the growth of the team.
 
www.espn.com

WNBA Power Rankings: Lynx, Liberty navigate star injuries with reinforcements

Atlanta rides a three-game winning streak up the board while Minnesota and New York navigate without their stars.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

5 weeks left and the Dream are taking advantage of the week schedule (including two games against the Mercury) and surging at just the right time.

I think the biggest question mark down the stretch will be the timing of return of various stars who are out with injury. In particular New York would benefit from having Stewie back in the lineup to develop timing prior to the playoffs
 
JellyBean said:
In hindsight, the Bonner signing turned out to be messy but when they initially signed Bonner, it was a No-brainer. All the talk, at the time, was how impactful the signing of Bonner would be for the growth of the team.
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And the resigning in Phoenix is equally messy
 
azfan said:
The million dollar coach and presumptive COY is taking an interesting approach to managing the situation.

brobible.com

Phoenix Mercury All-Star Disappears Due To Mysterious 'Personal Reasons' After Surprise Benching

Satou Sabally will not play for the Phoenix Mercury against the Chicago Sky. The WNBA veteran was ruled out due to "personal reasons." Her mysterious
brobible.com brobible.com
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I don't think this has anything to do with the coach. Nyara was also not present for NY's game on Sunday and Satou is now listed as back for tonight's game, so there's some speculation there may have been a family issue. See also this thread:

 
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