Latest news with #EasternConferencePlayeroftheMonth
New York Post
05-08-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Wings star Paige Bueckers set for lone Brooklyn stop against Liberty
For the first and only time this season, the Paige Bueckers spotlight will shift to Brooklyn. The Liberty will host the Wings star rookie, who made the All-Star game and has averaged 18.5 points per game this season after being the top pick in April, on Tuesday night in a rematch from last week — when a woeful Dallas team, stumbling through plenty of growing pains with a new-look roster and first-year coach, shocked the Liberty at College Park Center. Advertisement Bueckers collected 20 points, six rebounds and four assists during the win, and now the shorthanded Liberty will be tasked with trying to contain her again in front of a crowd likely featuring plenty of No. 5 jerseys. Bueckers was named the WNBA's Rookie of the Month for July — the second consecutive month she earned the honor — on Monday after averaging 18.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, and during their game Wednesday against the Dream, she tied Cynthia Cooper as the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 points and 100 assists by doing so in just her 22nd game. It has provided a fitting encore to 2024, when Caitlin Clark entered the league as the No. 1 pick, rewrote record after record and turned games — both at home and on the road — into glimpses of the reach of her stardom. Advertisement Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) is fouled by New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Bueckers' campaign won't feature a taste of the postseason, with the Wings at 8-21 and well outside of the playoff picture, but their win against the Liberty served as the signature victory of her era in Dallas so far. It was unexpected, even with the Liberty down Breanna Stewart, Kennedy Burke and Nyara Sabally. Advertisement It was surprising, given the separation between the teams in the standings. And now, Bueckers will get a chance to replicate that. Sabrina Ionescu has led the league in scoring (25.6 points per game) since the All-Star break, and on Monday was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for July — the fifth time in her career she took one of the league's monthly awards and the first time during the 2025 campaign. Advertisement Across the Liberty's 10 games, Ionescu averaged 21.4 points, 6.6 assists and 5.5 rebounds, and it marked her best calendar month of scoring since last July (23.2). Her campaign to repeat in August got off to a scorching start, too, when she poured in 36 points — on a career-best 14 made field goals — Sunday. She also collected 23 points Friday when the Liberty lost to Connecticut. And with Stewart set to miss the next chunk of the season due to a bone bruise in her right knee, the Liberty will need Ionescu to keep carrying the offense and helping replace the lost production of their other superstar.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls Guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu Drawing Leaguewide Interest Amid Roster Shakeup
Coby White (Image via NBA) The Chicago Bulls are again stirring the NBA trade pot—this time with Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu reportedly gaining attention from teams across the league. Following the trade that sent Lonzo Ball to Cleveland in exchange for Isaac Okoro, the Bulls appear to be on the verge of further backcourt changes amid tightening salary cap pressures and a looming financial reset. Trade Buzz Around Bulls' Backcourt According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, White and Dosunmu have emerged as intriguing trade assets this offseason. 'Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White have drawn plenty of trade interest around the league, sources said. More teams have inquired about Dosunmu since before the draft than White,' Siegel reported. While the Chicago Bulls could hold onto both players through the trade deadline, the noise around potential offseason moves suggests that at least one could be on the way out. Coby White: Career Year, Rising Value Coby White is coming off the most impressive season of his six-year NBA career. The 25-year-old averaged: Stat Category 2024-25 Season Stats Points 20.4 Assists 4.5 Rebounds 3.7 Steals 0.9 Field Goal % 45.3% 3-Point % 37.0% Free Throw % 90.2% True Shooting % 60.1% Minutes Per Game 33.1 White's performance reached its peak during a 14-game stretch in March, where he averaged 29.1 points per game, ultimately earning Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors. Across 422 career games with Chicago, he has maintained averages of 15.2 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Ayo Dosunmu: Underrated But Reliable While Dosunmu's 2024–25 season didn't grab headlines like White's, his impact was consistent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Also 25 years old, Dosunmu played a crucial role on both ends of the floor. Ayo Dosunmu (Image via Getty) Stat Category 2024–25 Season Stats Points 12.3 Assists 4.5 Rebounds 3.5 Steals 0.9 Field Goal % 49.2% 3-Point % 32.8% Free Throw % 78.5% True Shooting % 58.5% Minutes Per Game 30.3 Over 279 career games, Dosunmu has recorded steady averages of 10.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. Contract Status and Cap Situation Both White and Dosunmu are entering the final years of their contracts, earning $12.8 million and $7.5 million respectively. Their pending free agency adds urgency to the Bulls' decision-making, especially with limited room under the cap. Chicago Bulls' 2025–26 Financial Snapshot: Key Financials Amount Total Salary Commitments $153+ million Remaining Cap Space ~$1.5 million Major Expiring Contracts (2026) ~$95 million The expiring deals of Nikola Vucevic ($21.5M), Zach Collins ($18M), and Kevin Huerter ($18M) could clear the path for a near-total cap reset in 2026. This potential flexibility increases the likelihood that the front office will act now to align the roster with future goals. What's Next for the Chicago Bulls? While no trade is imminent, the groundwork for a backcourt shakeup is clearly in motion. Whether the Chicago Bulls decide to keep one guard, move both, or wait until the deadline, their long-term strategy is starting to emerge—cut costs now, assess young talent, and open the door to a major retooling next summer. As Brett Siegel noted, even amid uncertainty, there is persistent 'buzz that exists regarding one of these players being dealt this offseason.' Also read: NBA Speculation: Giannis Antetokounmpo' Future Raises Eyebrows as LeBron James' Trade Talk Fades With the Bulls' quiet but deliberate moves in the background of Summer League, all eyes remain on Chicago as the front office navigates one of the most crucial offseasons in recent memory. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
NBC Sports
17-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Atlanta Dream off to hot start under new coach Karl Smesko and play of Allisha Gray
NEW YORK — The Atlanta Dream made a lot of moves in the offseason, hiring Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast and bringing in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to complement Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. So far the moves have paid off as the Dream have the third best record in the league behind Minnesota and New York. Atlanta (8-3) is off to one of the franchise's best marks through 11 games since coming into the league as an expansion team in 2008. The 2016 team also won eight of its first 11 games but then went on to drop its next six games. Gray has flourished in Smesko's system, shooting a career-high 51% from the field including 42% from behind the 3-point line. She earned the league's Eastern Conference Player of the Month for May. 'I think it's the offense and just finding my shots,' Gray said. 'I feel like Karl puts in an offense and the way he pays attention to the details and really helps me. Tells me if I'm open shoot the ball. Instills that confidence in me, that's been a big part of my success.' Griner came to the team as a free agent after spending the first 11 seasons with Phoenix after the Mercury drafted her No. 1 in 2013. With so much talent around her she doesn't feel like she has to shoulder the load every night for the Dream to win. In a 33-point victory over Washington, she took just four shots. The game before, a rout of Chicago, the 6-foot-8 star took only three shot attempts. 'Before you know if I only took three shots in the game it's a loss. Here you look up and we're beating a team by 25,' she said at practice. 'It just takes so much pressure off of me.' Power poll rankings New York and Minnesota both suffered their first losses of the season and the Lynx passed the Liberty for the top spot in the poll. Atlanta moved up to third with Phoenix and Seattle the next two. Indiana was sixth with Golden State behind them. Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Washington were next. Chicago, Connecticut and Dallas rounded out the poll. Paint the line orange The WNBA launched a new initiative aiming to bring the women's professional game closer to communities by painting the official WNBA 3-point line on park basketball courts across the country. It was debuted in New York at a park in Brooklyn. 'I'm excited about what this initiative means in terms of access and representation,' said WNBA Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin, who grew up in New York. 'I think it's just further evidence of the way that we want to be able to connect with young girls who are inspired by the WNBA.' Player of the week Gray earned Player of the Week honors for the second time this season. The Dream wing averaged 23.3 points, six rebounds and 4.3 assists to help the team go 3-0 on the week. Other players receiving consideration were Napheesa Collier of Minnesota, Sabrina Ionescu of New York, Caitlin Clark of Indiana and Satou Sabally of Phoenix. Game of the week Indiana at Las Vegas. With Clark back in the lineup, the Fever continue a western trip in Las Vegas. It's unclear if A'ja Wilson will be back for the game as the Aces' star is in concussion protocol.
Hamilton Spectator
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Atlanta Dream off to hot start under new coach Karl Smesko and play of Allisha Gray
NEW YORK (AP) — The Atlanta Dream made a lot of moves in the offseason, hiring Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast and bringing in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to complement Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. So far the moves have paid off as the Dream have the third best record in the league behind Minnesota and New York. Atlanta (8-3) is off to one of the franchise's best marks through 11 games since coming into the league as an expansion team in 2008. The 2016 team also won eight of its first 11 games but then went on to drop its next six games. Gray has flourished in Smesko's system, shooting a career-high 51% from the field including 42% from behind the 3-point line. She earned the league's Eastern Conference Player of the Month for May. 'I think it's the offense and just finding my shots,' Gray said. 'I feel like Karl puts in an offense and the way he pays attention to the details and really helps me. Tells me if I'm open shoot the ball. Instills that confidence in me, that's been a big part of my success.' Griner came to the team as a free agent after spending the first 11 seasons with Phoenix after the Mercury drafted her No. 1 in 2013. With so much talent around her she doesn't feel like she has to shoulder the load every night for the Dream to win. In a 33-point victory over Washington on Sunday, she took just four shots. The game before, a rout of Chicago, the 6-foot-8 star took only three shot attempts. 'Before you know if I only took three shots in the game it's a loss. Here you look up and we're beating a team by 25,' she said at practice Monday. 'It just takes so much pressure off of me.' Power poll rankings New York and Minnesota both suffered their first losses of the season last week and the Lynx passed the Liberty for the top spot in the poll. Atlanta moved up to third with Phoenix and Seattle the next two. Indiana was sixth with Golden State behind them. Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Washington were next. Chicago, Connecticut and Dallas rounded out the poll. Paint the line orange The WNBA launched a new initiative last week aiming to bring the women's professional game closer to communities by painting the official WNBA 3-point line on park basketball courts across the country. It was debuted in New York on Thursday at a park in Brooklyn. 'I'm excited about what this initiative means in terms of access and representation,' said WNBA Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin, who grew up in New York. 'I think it's just further evidence of the way that we want to be able to connect with young girls who are inspired by the WNBA.' Player of the week Gray earned Player of the Week honors for the second time this season. The Dream wing averaged 23.3 points, six rebounds and 4.3 assists to help the team go 3-0 on the week. Other players receiving consideration were Napheesa Collier of Minnesota, Sabrina Ionescu of New York, Caitlin Clark of Indiana and Satou Sabally of Phoenix. Game of the week Indiana at Las Vegas, Sunday. With Clark back in the lineup, the Fever continue a western trip in Las Vegas. It's unclear if A'ja Wilson will be back for the game as the Aces' star is in concussion protocol. ___ AP WNBA:
Fox Sports
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Atlanta Dream off to hot start under new coach Karl Smesko and play of Allisha Gray
Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — The Atlanta Dream made a lot of moves in the offseason, hiring Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast and bringing in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to complement Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. So far the moves have paid off as the Dream have the third best record in the league behind Minnesota and New York. Atlanta (8-3) is off to one of the franchise's best marks through 11 games since coming into the league as an expansion team in 2008. The 2016 team also won eight of its first 11 games but then went on to drop its next six games. Gray has flourished in Smesko's system, shooting a career-high 51% from the field including 42% from behind the 3-point line. She earned the league's Eastern Conference Player of the Month for May. 'I think it's the offense and just finding my shots,' Gray said. 'I feel like Karl puts in an offense and the way he pays attention to the details and really helps me. Tells me if I'm open shoot the ball. Instills that confidence in me, that's been a big part of my success.' Griner came to the team as a free agent after spending the first 11 seasons with Phoenix after the Mercury drafted her No. 1 in 2013. With so much talent around her she doesn't feel like she has to shoulder the load every night for the Dream to win. In a 33-point victory over Washington on Sunday, she took just four shots. The game before, a rout of Chicago, the 6-foot-8 star took only three shot attempts. 'Before you know if I only took three shots in the game it's a loss. Here you look up and we're beating a team by 25,' she said at practice Monday. 'It just takes so much pressure off of me.' Power poll rankings New York and Minnesota both suffered their first losses of the season last week and the Lynx passed the Liberty for the top spot in the poll. Atlanta moved up to third with Phoenix and Seattle the next two. Indiana was sixth with Golden State behind them. Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Washington were next. Chicago, Connecticut and Dallas rounded out the poll. Paint the line orange The WNBA launched a new initiative last week aiming to bring the women's professional game closer to communities by painting the official WNBA 3-point line on park basketball courts across the country. It was debuted in New York on Thursday at a park in Brooklyn. 'I'm excited about what this initiative means in terms of access and representation,' said WNBA Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin, who grew up in New York. 'I think it's just further evidence of the way that we want to be able to connect with young girls who are inspired by the WNBA.' Player of the week Gray earned Player of the Week honors for the second time this season. The Dream wing averaged 23.3 points, six rebounds and 4.3 assists to help the team go 3-0 on the week. Other players receiving consideration were Napheesa Collier of Minnesota, Sabrina Ionescu of New York, Caitlin Clark of Indiana and Satou Sabally of Phoenix. Game of the week Indiana at Las Vegas, Sunday. With Clark back in the lineup, the Fever continue a western trip in Las Vegas. It's unclear if A'ja Wilson will be back for the game as the Aces' star is in concussion protocol. ___ AP WNBA: recommended
