Latest news with #LicenseAgreement
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA draft: The complete results and order after draft lottery
The Dallas Mavericks won the lottery on Monday and the right to select Duke freshman Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft in Brooklyn, New York. The Mavericks, who finished with a 39-43 record, entered the evening slotted 11th and had only a 1.8% chance of winning the top pick, the fourth-lowest odds to win since the lottery was instituted in 1985. They won the lottery for the first time in franchise history. Advertisement Dallas failed to qualify for the playoffs after losing in the 8-10 matchup of the play-in tournament, clearing the way for the franchise to enter the lottery for the second time in three years after adding Dereck Lively II with the 12th pick in 2023. With the Mavericks landing the No. 1 pick, the San Antonio Spurs jumped six spots to receive the second pick, and the Philadelphia 76ers moved up three positions. The Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz, each with a 14% chance of winning the top pick, round out the top five, respectively. The Washington Wizards, the other team with a 14% chance of claiming the No. 1 pick, fell down the draft board four slots and will draft with the sixth overall pick. The Wizards and Jazz were the two teams that dropped the furthest from their pre-lottery positions. Advertisement Flagg is the overwhelming favorite to be the top pick this year after establishing himself as the Player of the Year at the collegiate level. Should Flagg indeed hear his name called first on June 25, the All-American will become the sixth Blue Devil to be selected first in the NBA draft. Here is the complete draft order of the first round after the lottery: 1. Dallas Mavericks NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 29: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 29, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Pre-Lottery Slot: 11 2. San Antonio Spurs Jan 29, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates in the first half against the LA Clippers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 8 3. Philadelphia 76ers Mar 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles past Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 5 4. Charlotte Hornets Mar 20, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) handles the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 3 5. Utah Jazz Dec 19, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) in the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 1 6. Washington Wizards WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Bub Carrington #8 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Pre-Lottery Slot: 2 Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 4 Dec 4, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) looks to pass the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Johnny Furphy (12) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 6 Mar 2, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) shoots during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 7 Mar 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 9 11. Portland Trail Blazers Mar 12, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) dribbles the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 10 12. Chicago Bulls Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) drives to the basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 12 Mar 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 13 14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta) Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) dribbles in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images Pre-Lottery Slot: 14 Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Record: 37-45 Feb 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts after making a three point basket late in the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Record: 41-41 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit) Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a three point basket in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Record: 44-38 18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis) MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 13: Bub Carrington #8 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after making a buzzer beater to defeat the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on April 13, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Record: 48-34 19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee) 3Apr 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernández directs his team as they play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Record: 48-34 20. Miami Heat (via Golden State) Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) dribbles the basketball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Record: 48-34 21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota) Mar 19, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) makes layup against Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) during the second half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images Record: 49-33 22. Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers) Apr 18, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Record: 50-32 May 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates his game-winning three-point basket in the fourth quarter during game two of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images Record: 50-32 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) Nov 13, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (50) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Record: 50-32 25. Orlando Magic (via Denver) Apr 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dunks against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Record: 50-32 26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York) Mar 11, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) looks to the basket in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images Record: 51-31 27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston) Apr 13, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) goes to the basket after the game New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Record: 52-30 28. Boston Celtics Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) pumps his fist after the Celtics made a basket at the end of the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Record: 61-21 29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland) November 13, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots the basketball against Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Record: 64-18 30. LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City) May 1, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) dribbles the ball in the second half against the Denver Nuggets during game six of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Record: 68-14 This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 2025 NBA draft: The complete results and order after draft lottery
Newsweek
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Mystics vs Fever: Live Stream WNBA Preseason, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Caitlin Clark's second WNBA season gets underway on Saturday as the Indiana Fever host the Washington Mystics in WNBA preseason action. Tune in on Saturday to NBA TV to watch the Fever and the Mystics clash. Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever brings the ball up court during the first half of a game against the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO... Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever brings the ball up court during the first half of a game against the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. More Photo byHow to Watch Mystics vs Fever in WNBA Preseason: Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM ET Channel: NBA TV Stream: Fubo (Try for free) Indiana spent the offseason building a contending roster around last season's Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark. The team re-signed Kelsey Mitchell and added DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham. With Aliyah Boston still at the five, this is suddenly one of the highest-upside rosters in the league. Can the Fever contend for a title in Clark's second season? The Fever also brought in a new head coach, hiring Stephanie White away from the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the Mystics are rebuilding. The team had three of the first six picks in the WNBA Draft, though one of those picks, guard Georgia Amoore, has already been injured. The team traded away Ariel Atkins, but the backcourt still has Brittney Sykes, and the frontcourt still has the intriguing young duo of Aaliyah Edwards and Shakira Austin. Will the Fever be contenders in 2025? Can Washington rise above its current roster situation and make a playoff run? The journey begins with Saturday's preseason meeting between the two sides. Watch the Mystics at Fever game on Saturday on NBA TV at 1:00 PM ET. Live stream the Mystics at Fever game on Fubo: Start your free trial now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
5 Stories To Watch Heading Into The WNBA Season
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 11: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball while ... More being guarded by Sydney Colson #51 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 11, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) The 2025 WNBA season is right around the corner, with preseason tipping off on Friday, May 2, and the regular season starting May 16. With fresh talent joining the league and top teams ready to compete, this year promises to be full of action and excitement. Here are five key stories to watch: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: (R-L) Hailey Van Lith poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert ... More after being selected with the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Sky during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) Known for her shot-making prowess and ability to play both point and shooting guard positions, Van Lith has expressed a desire to showcase her playmaking abilities and leadership on the court at Chicago. Reuniting with former LSU teammate Angel Reese, Van Lith benefits from an established rapport that can translate into on-court synergy. Reese's guidance, emphasizing composure and poise, supports Van Lith's transition into the professional league. Their complementary styles—Reese's dominance in the paint and Van Lith's perimeter skills—offer the Sky a multifaceted offensive approach. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 6: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky dribbles down the court against ... More the Los Angeles Sparks during the first quarter at Wintrust Arena on September 6, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. During a recent interview with WGN News, Van Lith opened up about her reunion with Reese and highlighted a side of her teammate that often gets overlooked.'Me and Angel picked up right where we left off,' Van Lith said. 'We had, like, a team dinner last night and we were cracking jokes all dinner. She's great energy. I think one thing about Angel that a lot of people don't give her credit for is... she does have, like, a selfless leader mindset. Like, she has went out of her way to make sure that my mindset is right, that my energy is right. That I'm feeling comfortable.' That support matters—especially as Van Lith enters a league known for its speed, physicality, and steep learning curve. 'So yeah, it was great to get out there with Angel again,' she added. 'All the vets have been, like, super encouraging to me.' Van Lith with an invaluable opportunity to learn from a seasoned veteran, Ariel Atkins. Atkins, a WNBA Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and two-time All-Star, is renowned for her defensive tenacity, having been named to the All-Defensive Team in each of her first five seasons—a league record. Her experience and leadership can serve as a model for Van Lith, particularly in developing defensive skills and understanding the nuances of professional play. With the Sky's strategic acquisitions, including Atkins and other key players, the team is poised for a competitive season. Van Lith's integration into this veteran-laden roster, alongside her chemistry with Reese, positions her to make significant contributions. Observing how Van Lith adapts to the WNBA's demands and leverages mentorship from players like Reese and Atkins will be crucial in assessing her impact on the team's success. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: Paige Bueckers is interviewed after being selected first overall by ... More the Dallas Wings during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) Bueckers is exactly what Dallas needs right now: a steady, high-IQ playmaker who can control the tempo, elevate those around her, and take pressure off Arike Ogunbowale—especially in tight, late-game situations. For too long, Ogunbowale has shouldered the scoring load and often been forced into tough, high-volume shots when the offense stalled. With Bueckers on the floor, that changes. Her court vision, timing, and ability to make quick decisions bring a much-needed sense of order to the Wings' offense. Bueckers thrives in reading defenses, creating space, and making the extra pass—something that allows Ogunbowale to play freer, spot up more, and attack without always initiating. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 15: Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Dallas Wings runs the court ... More against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 15, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) Their contrasting styles could be the perfect blend: Bueckers brings balance and poise, while Arike brings flair and fearlessness. Together, they give Dallas a versatile backcourt capable of adapting to any matchup—slowing things down when needed or turning up the heat in transition. And while Bueckers is often praised for her offense, her defense is quietly solid. She plays with anticipation, communicates well, and is willing to battle—traits that will only improve as she adjusts to the physicality of the league. Add in her leadership, composure, and winning mentality, and you have a rookie who's ready to contribute immediately. For a Wings team looking to make a playoff run this season, this backcourt might finally be the missing piece. FEBRUARY 12, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - LA Sparks guard Kelsey Plum at an introductory WNBA press ... More conference at the Arena on February 12, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) The LA Sparks are turning a corner, and Kelsey Plum might just be the spark they need to lead that charge from the top. After finishing dead last in the standings last season, going 2–8 down the stretch, the Sparks are in full reset mode—but not without talent. Rickea Jackson brings length, athleticism, and shot creation. Dearica Hamby is a relentless competitor with championship experience. Rae Burrell offers shooting and versatility, and Azurá Stevens will be a major force in the paint. On paper, this team has the raw ingredients. What they've been missing is a proven floor leader to tie it all together. That's where Plum comes in. Plum brings championship pedigree, Olympic gold, and one of the most competitive mindsets in the league. She plays with pace and edge, and when she's locked in, she can score in bunches or get teammates involved without missing a beat. More importantly, she brings urgency—something a young team like LA desperately needs if they want to dig out of the bottom. With Plum leading the point, this offense finally has structure. Her ability to push tempo, make plays off the bounce, and keep defenses honest from three-point range will open things up for everyone else. While it might take time for this group to find its rhythm, there's already more cohesion and purpose. Don't be surprised if LA shocks a few teams this season. With Plum setting the tone and a young core eager to prove itself, the Sparks may not be at the bottom for long. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 30: DeWanna Bonner #25 of the Indiana Fever poses for a photo during ... More the Indiana Fever Media Day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 30, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever aren't just hoping to improve—they're aiming for a deep playoff run, and they're building like a team that means business. After years of rebuilding, the Fever made one of the biggest offseason statements by hiring 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year Stephanie White. Her arrival signals a serious shift in culture—someone who knows how to win and how to bring the best out of a talented roster. And the Fever didn't stop there. They added a veteran core with championship experience, grit and power, signing forward Dewanna Bonner, guard Sophie Cunningham, and forward Natasha Howard. That's leadership, toughness, and versatility across the board. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUN 04: Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever shoots the ball during the ... More game against the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by). Bonner, Cunningham, and Howard give Caitlin Clark plenty of options, making her job as a playmaker easier with their scoring and experience. Bonner's leadership and versatility, Cunningham's shooting and movement off the ball, and Howard's inside presence all allow Clark to have more freedom and space to create. And critically, they kept two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, one of the most consistent scorers in the league. With Mitchell's offensive firepower, White's structure, and a now-veteran Aaliyah Boston anchoring the paint, Indiana looks more complete than ever. For the first time in years, the Fever have both experience and elite young talent. They've got a coach who knows how to win, vets who've been to the Finals, and a roster that finally has balance. This team isn't rebuilding anymore—they're ready to contend. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: The New York Liberty pose after the win over Minnesota Lynx in Game ... More Five of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 20, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime to win the championship. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) The New York Liberty, the reigning WNBA champions, are poised to defend their title in 2025 with the same core group that led them to success in 2024, while adding a key new piece to strengthen their championship bid. Natasha Cloud, one of the league's top defenders, joins the Liberty after coming over from the Phoenix Mercury. Known for her defensive tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions, Cloud brings a level of intensity that will complement New York's already formidable lineup. Her defensive skills, combined with her ability to excel in transition and create opportunities for teammates, will be invaluable for the Liberty as they continue their pursuit of a second consecutive championship. With her leadership and basketball IQ, Cloud adds a strategic dimension that will only enhance New York's competitiveness. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 10: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty takes a shot during the ... More second half against the Minnesota Lynx during Game One of the WNBA Finals at the Barclays Center on October 10, 2024 in New York City. (Photo) While the departure of Courtney Vandersloot is a notable change, the Liberty still retain their big three: Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. Stewart's all-around game remains one of the most versatile and impactful in the league, and Ionescu's scoring and playmaking abilities continue to drive the team's offense. Jones' dominant presence in the paint and on the boards ensures that New York maintains a strong inside game, making them a tough matchup for any opponent. Although the Liberty have made adjustments, their core remains intact, with the addition of Cloud further strengthening their defense and providing the team with an added layer of depth. With an elite roster led by Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones, New York is well-positioned to continue their championship pursuit and remain one of the most formidable teams in the league. The Liberty's combination of returning stars and the addition of Natasha Cloud from Phoenix strengthens their standing as the team to beat in the 2025 WNBA season.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
No More Missing Tip-Off: WNBA Airs All Preseason Games
UNCASVILLE, CT - APRIL 27: A close up view of the WNBA logo on a WNBA official game ball during ... More Connecticut Sun training camp on April 27,2025, at the Tribal Practice Facility in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Building off the monumental viewership numbers from last year, the WNBA announced earlier this week that their entire pre-season games would be aired for the first time in the league's 28 years. Friday, May 2 marks the first pre-season games with the highly anticipated debut of No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers and the newly assembled Dallas Wings (including former CT Sun players Ty Harris and Dijonai Carrington and Indiana Fever's NaLyssa Smith), under first time head coach Chris Koclanes. Koclanes and his squad will square off against the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces led by 2024 MVP A'ja Wilson and point guard Chelsea Gray, now joined by Jewell Lloyd (formerly Seattle Storm) are looking to reclaim a WNBA title this year after winning in 2022 and 2023. The two teams will play at 7 pm ET on ION or WNBA League Pass which is allowing a free preview. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: (R-L) Paige Bueckers poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy ... More Engelbert after being selected with the first overall pick by the Dallas Wings during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) The Wings and Aces game is followed by the Chicago Sky facing off against the Brazilian National Team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at LSU's Pete Maravich Assembly Center at 9 pm ET. This game is a two part homecoming for Sky players. Forward Angel Reese is returning to her alma mater and center Kamila Cardoso will be playing against her home country and national team teammates. This game can again be found on ION and WNBA League Pass. The Chicago Sky's Angel Reese takes shots at the end of the first day of training camp, April 27, ... More 2025, at Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield, Illinois. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) On Saturday, May 2, Caitlin Clark and the completely overhauled roster of the Indiana Fever play the Washington Mystics at 1 pm on NBA TV and WNBA League Pass. This will be the first time that Clark has played basketball since the WNBA playoff series loss to the CT Sun in late September of last year. Unlike many of her colleagues, Clark did not play overseas or in the inaugural Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, thus, fans are itching to see her compete, especially alongside her old teammates in Aliyah Boston, Kelsie Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and new additions in Sophie Cunningham (formerly Phoenix Mercury), Brianna Turner (Sky), Natasha Howard (Wings), DeWanna Bonner (Sun), and Sydney Colson (Aces). The Fever will also match up against the Brazilian National Team in a return to Clark's college home court, Carver Hawkeye Arena on Sunday, May 3 at 4 pm airing on ESPN. The game sold out in less than an hour demonstrating once again the magnetism of Clark. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 30: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever poses for a photo during ... More the Indiana Fever Media Day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 30, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) Additionally, the Golden State Valkyries, the league's newest expansion team will compete against their state rivals the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, May 6 at 10 pm ET on WNBA League Pass. Other games of note, both the Wings and New York Liberty who won the 2024 WNBA championship will play the Toyota Antelopes of the Japan Basketball League during the pre-season. Specifically, the Liberty take on the Antelopes at Oregon's Matthew Knight Arena at 10 pm ET on May 12, a homecoming for Oregon Ducks alums Sabrina Ionescu and Nyara Sabally. The full pre-season game schedule can be found here. Follow me on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
CBS News
01-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Timberwolves head to 2nd round of NBA playoffs after eliminating Lakers: "Our guys fought"
Playoff success was a largely foreign concept to the Minnesota Timberwolves during their first 34 years of existence. The 2003-04 team led by Kevin Garnett won two postseason rounds, but those were the only two series victories in team history until last spring. After Minnesota knocked off LeBron James and Luka Doncic on Wednesday night to reach the second round in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history, it's safe to say this current pack of Wolves has a bit more playoff tenacity than the teams that came before them. Now back in the Western Conference semifinals, Minnesota is anticipating an even higher climb. "Our guys fought," coach Chris Finch said after their 103-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. "They fought through it. I'm happy that they are able to achieve something that no other team has been able to do in the history of the franchise, which is go back to the second round two years in a row. Now there's a lot bigger goals out there, but for the moment we'll be pretty happy about that." The Timberwolves had an outstanding five-game series against the Lakers, demonstrating the team poise necessary to handle the inevitable adversity of a playoff run along with the cool implementation of tactics to slow down elite players — in this case, Doncic and James. After routing the Lakers in Game 1, Minnesota responded to a loss in Game 2 by hanging on for a pair of difficult fourth-quarter victories at home. The clincher was a strange game, with the Lakers going fully to a small-ball lineup in an attempt to score against the Wolves' aggressive team defense. That cleared the paint for center Rudy Gobert, who responded with playoff career highs of 27 points and 24 rebounds to keep Minnesota ahead even while his teammates missed 40 of their 47 3-point attempts. Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Getty Images "When (Gobert) does what he does tonight, you see how good we can be as a team," Julius Randle said. The Wolves had to survive a nightmare shooting game from leading scorer Anthony Edwards, who missed all 11 of his 3-point attempts and finished 5 for 19 overall. They made up for it with team defense and balanced scoring, getting at least eight points from seven players in Finch's eight-man rotation. The relative ugliness of the victory didn't bother the Wolves, who took satisfaction from answering every challenge presented by the star-studded Lakers. After last season's second-round series victory over defending champion Denver and their Western Conference finals loss to Doncic's Dallas Mavericks, the Wolves know they'll have to find previously unimagined ways to win in the postseason, and they're growing comfortable with it. "I think what I'm super happy (about) with this team right now is we're not satisfied," Finch said. "We've got a long way to go. We'll regroup, but we are certainly going to celebrate this because this team took a lot of (criticism) throughout the season. That was set against the backdrop of a really good run last year. But every team is different, every team has to come together, every team has to go through pain and every team has to figure it out. This team figured it out." Minnesota could even be the home team in the second round if Golden State takes advantage of its two additional chances to finish off second-seeded Houston after losing Game 5 on Wednesday night. Facing Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler in the postseason might be even more daunting than this showdown with Doncic and James, but the Wolves are ready to keep rolling. "It's just a start, but I feel good about it as well," Randle said. "Especially the way we won, and how we were doubted. It just shows we've got a lot of character in the locker room."
