Latest news with #AariMcDonald
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year odds: Is the award still Paige Bueckers' to lose?
2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year odds: Is the award still Paige Bueckers' to lose? Show Caption Hide Caption Aari McDonald made her Indiana Fever debut on Tuesday vs Mystics Signed via the WNBA emergency hardship exemption because of Fever's piling injuries, Aari McDonald helped Indiana snap a 3-game losing streak. The WNBA season is still in its early stages. That said, we've already seen several storylines start to form. The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is as strong as ever. The race to see who can stay undefeated the longest between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx is in full force. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries have lost three in a row after starting the season 2-1. Can they remain in the playoff hunt through their inaugural season? Another storyline fans were dying to see this year is Dallas Wings' rookie Paige Bueckers. After helping lead UConn to a national championship, all eyes were on the young superstar to see if she could help turn the Wings around the same way Caitlin Clark helped the Indiana Fever. So far, it's been a struggle. Bueckers and the Wings sit at 1-7, and it has drastically impacted Bueckers' Rookie of the Year odds. Bueckers began the season as a sure-fire bet to win the award. Here's where she stands after the first eight games of her professional career (all odds provided via BetMGM): 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year odds: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings (-800) Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics (+900) Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics (+1100) Janelle Salaun, Golden State Valkyries (+1600) Aneesah Morrow, Connecticut Sun (+25000) Hailey Van Lith, Chicago Sky (+25000) Saniya Rivers, Connecticut Sun (+25000) Ajsa Sivka, Chicago Sky (+25000) Aziaha James, Dallas Wings (+25000) Maddy Westbeld, Chicago Sky (+25000) Madison Scott, Dallas Wings (+25000) Aaliyah Nye, Las Vegas Aces (+25000) Makayla Timpson, Indiana Fever (+25000) Bree Hall, Indiana Fever (+25000) Sania Feagin, Los Angeles Sparks (+25000) Te-Hina Paopao, Atlanta Dream (+25000) Dalayah Daniels, Minnesota Lynx (+25000) Lucy Olsen, Washington Mystics (+25000) Rayah Marshall, Connecticut Sun (+25000) Shyanne Sellers, Atlanta Dream (+25000) Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm (+25000) Juste Jocyte, Golden State Valkyries (+25000) Sarah Ashlee Barker, Los Angeles Sparks (+25000) WNBA POWER RANKINGS: How the teams stack up based on their 2025 championship odds
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Indiana Fever's Newest Addition Makes Strong Statement After First Game
Indiana Fever's Newest Addition Makes Strong Statement After First Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. With Caitlin Clark still out due to a strained quad, the Indiana Fever took a three-game losing streak into Tuesday's game against the Washington Mystics, needing to stop the bleeding. Advertisement They did just that with an 85-76 victory in their first game of Commissioner's Cup play. Guard Kelsey Mitchell carried them offensively with 24 points, while guard Lexie Hull added 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. They also got some help from newcomer Aari McDonald, whom they signed on Monday. She shot just 2-of-7 from the field on Tuesday, but she contributed five assists and three steals in 27 minutes off the bench. Afterward, she talked about playing in her first WNBA game since last September. "It felt good tonight to finally get back... The team, the players and the fans -- they all were very welcoming to make sure I had everything to be successful tonight," she said. "... When your number is called, you gotta be ready to deliver, and I felt like I did just that. ... Grateful we got the win." McDonald, a 5-foot-6 guard, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft by the Atlanta Dream. She had been a big-time scorer in three years at Arizona, where she won the Pac-12 Player of the Year award in 2021. Advertisement After three years with the Dream, she was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks prior to last season. But after she didn't make the Sparks' final roster for this year, she was waived a few weeks ago. LA Sparks guard Aari McDonald (15).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images McDonald was signed under the WNBA's emergency hardship exception. The Fever are not only without Clark but also guards Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson, and those injuries have left them very thin in the backcourt. Tuesday's win improved their record to 3-4. Clark, who suffered her injury roughly a week ago, is expected to miss about two weeks, possibly a little longer. Related: Indiana Fever Had Words After Snapping Three-Game Losing Streak This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Kelsey Mitchell scores 23 and the Fever _ without Caitlin Clark -- beat the Mystics 85-76
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell had 23 points, Lexie Hull scored all 14 of her points in the second half and the short-handed Indiana Fever, playing without Caitlin Clark, beat the Washington Mystics 85-76 on Tuesday night to snap a three-game losing streak. Clark was out with a left quad strain, while veteran guard Sophie Cunningham exited early in Friday's loss to Connecticut and did not play against the Mystics. The Fever scored 31 points in the third quarter — after scoring 38 in the entire first half — to take a 69-55 lead. Aari McDonald, making her Indiana debut, made the Fever's fifth 3-pointer of the third with 2:29 left. Washington scored the opening 12 points of the fourth quarter to get within 69-67 on layup by Brittney Sykes. But Indiana scored seven straight points to pull away. Hull made an open layup for a 78-73 lead and she helped force a jump ball at the other end. The Fever won the jump ball and Mitchell completed a three-point play, after a reverse layup, for an eight-point lead at 1:28. Aliyah Boston added 10 points for Indiana (3-4). Kiki Iriafen and Sykes each scored 20 points for Washington (3-5). Sonia Citron, second among rookies at 14.3 points per game, added 13 points and Shakira Austin had 10. The Fever made a season-high 11 3-pointers, while the Mystics were just 1 of 10 from long range. ___ AP WNBA:
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Who Is Aari McDonald, the 5-foot-6 guard just signed by the Indiana Fever?
Aari McDonald during her first practice with the Indiana Fever, signed under a WNBA hardship exception amid key injuries to the roster/ Image: Instagram In an effort to stabilize their roster amid a string of injuries, the Indiana Fever have turned to Aari McDonald, signing her to an emergency hardship contract. In the WNBA, a hardship contract is a temporary agreement allowing teams to sign a player when their roster falls below the league-mandated 10 available players due to injuries. The contract remains in effect until the injured players return, at which point the team must release the hardship player. McDonald's signing comes as a result of injuries to key players like Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, who have left the Fever shorthanded. McDonald, a former top draft pick, will look to bolster the Fever's lineup in their time of need, providing depth and defensive intensity while the team's regulars recover. 'I was very anxious. It felt weird sitting at home watching the games this time of the year, but when I got the call I was very excited, very blessed and humbled to join a team like the Fever,' McDonald said after her first practice with the team. 'I'm just excited and I'm ready to compete and win.' McDonald's WNBA journey: A strong defensive presence McDonald was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, selected by the Atlanta Dream after a standout college career at the University of Arizona. Known for her relentless defense and quick hands, McDonald quickly became a household name in the WNBA. In her rookie season, she averaged 6.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game. She also finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting and earned a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Over her next two seasons, McDonald's role evolved. In 2022, she showed marked improvement, posting 11.1 points per game on 41.1% shooting. However, her numbers took a dip in 2023 and 2024, averaging 7.9 points and 8.7 points, respectively, as her offensive consistency remained a challenge. Despite these fluctuations, McDonald has been recognized for her defensive prowess. Standing at just 5'6", she makes up for her size with quick feet, ball pressure, and a fiery intensity that disrupts opponents' offenses. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White expressed excitement about McDonald's defensive abilities, noting her 'activity level' and ability to get into the paint and make decisions once there. White added, 'She's a true point guard... she brings that energy.' International experience: A successful stint in Australia In August 2024, after failing to make the final roster for the Los Angeles Sparks, McDonald signed with the Perth Lynx in Australia for the 2023-24 WNBL season. There, she showcased her scoring ability, leading the WNBL with an impressive 19.8 points per game. McDonald's stellar play earned her All-WNBL Second Team honors and further demonstrated her potential as a top-tier guard in professional basketball. Why are the Indiana Fever signing McDonald now? With Caitlin Clark sidelined due to a left quadriceps injury and Sophie Cunningham dealing with a right ankle injury, the Fever have been hit hard by injuries. Clark, who has been a cornerstone for the team, is expected to miss at least two weeks. The loss of these key players left Indiana with only eight available players, triggering the emergency hardship exception that allows teams to temporarily sign replacement players. 'The goal would be to get everybody back to their natural positions if we can,' said Stephanie White, addressing the current shuffling of the roster. McDonald's signing will help provide the Fever with much-needed depth, especially as they struggle to stay competitive without their star players. McDonald's defensive acumen is expected to fill an immediate gap, particularly on the perimeter. Fever head coach White emphasized McDonald's ability to 'get into the paint' and control tempo, something the Fever have lacked during Clark's absence. White also noted that McDonald has impressed already in practice, showing that she's ready to contribute right away. A rivalry rekindled: McDonald vs. Caitlin Clark While McDonald's arrival in Indiana is mainly due to the Fever's injury woes, some fans are also recalling the viral moment between McDonald and Clark from a previous game. The two players' fiery competitiveness during their college days has fueled a growing rivalry. Fans humorously noted McDonald's arrival, joking about the tension between her and Clark, with one fan saying, 'Just make sure she doesn't run up to guard CC while she's doing her recovery, lol jk jk welcome to the team Aari!' This playful reference highlights the intensity and chemistry between the two players, who will now share the court as teammates. Looking ahead: Can McDonald help the Fever rebound? McDonald's signing is seen as a stopgap measure for the Fever, but her presence could provide a much-needed boost. The Fever opened the season with an impressive win over the Chicago Sky, but since then, they have struggled, losing three consecutive games and posting a 1-4 record. The absence of Clark has been particularly noticeable, with the team failing to find their rhythm. Tuesday's game against the Washington Mystics will be an important test for the Fever. McDonald, with her intensity and defensive tenacity, could help them regain some traction and set the tone for their upcoming games. However, her time with the Fever is contingent on when the team has 10 healthy players, meaning her stay could be brief. McDonald's journey in Indiana may be short-term, but it could be pivotal in helping the Fever navigate through this challenging period. With her grit, defensive skills, and playmaking potential, McDonald could be exactly what the team needs to stay competitive while their injured stars recover.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Short-handed Fever sign G Aari McDonald
June 2 - The Indiana Fever signed former lottery pick Aari McDonald on Monday via an emergency hardship exception. The 5-foot-6 guard was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream and was runnerup for the WNBA's 2021 Rookie of the Year honor. She averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 116 games (29 starts) for the Dream (2021-23) and Los Angeles Sparks (2024). McDonald spent training camp with the Sparks, but she was placed on waivers two days before this season began. McDonald, 26, arrives as star Fever guard Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with a left quadriceps injury. Veteran guards Sydney Colson (leg) and Sophie Cunningham (ankle) also are dealing with recent injuries for Indiana (2-4), which takes a three-game losing streak into Tuesday's home game against the Washington Mystics. --Field Level Media
