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Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Wings Rookie Paige Bueckers Makes WNBA History vs Dream
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. The Dallas Wings are one of the bottom three teams in the WNBA this season, but rookie guard Paige Bueckers has been the team's lone bright spot. The 23-year-old No. 1 overall pick is Dallas' leading scorer (18.2 points per game), and she also leads the team in assists (5.5 per game), steals (1.9 per game), and minutes per night (34.4). In Wednesday's 88-85 loss to the Atlanta Dream, Bueckers put forth another strong performance, only strengthening her case for Rookie of the Year. The UConn alum logged a game-high 21 points, seven assists, two rebounds, and a steal, and she wrote her name in the WNBA record book in the process. "Paige Bueckers now has the most games by a rookie in WNBA history with: 20+ PTS, 5+ AST, 0 TOV," Polymarket Hoops wrote on X. More Basketball: Fever Predicted to Trade for WNBA Champion After Caitlin Clark News Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings calls a play against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at College Park Center on July 30, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings calls a play against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at College Park Center on July 30, 2025 in Arlington, marked Bueckers' 11th game this season with 20 or more points, her 15th with five or more assists, and fourth with zero turnovers. But that wasn't the only record Bueckers attained on Wednesday. She also matched a historic feat accomplished by WNBA legend Cynthia Cooper. "Despite the loss, Paige Bueckers tied Cynthia Cooper for the fastest player to reach 400 PTS and 100 AST in WNBA history 🙌 Both did it in just 22 games!" espnW posted on X. Despite the loss, Paige Bueckers tied Cynthia Cooper for the fastest player to reach 400 PTS and 100 AST in WNBA history 🙌 Both did it in just 22 games! — espnW (@espnW) July 31, 2025 More Basketball: Lakers' JJ Redick Sends Clear Message to Bronny James After NBA Summer League Cooper, a former head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, was a four-time WNBA champion, four-time WNBA Finals MVP, three-time All-Star, three-time scoring champion, two-time league MVP, and she won an Olympic gold medal (1988) and bronze medal (1992). Among rookies this season, Bueckers ranks first in points, rebounds, and steals per game, first in made field goals (142), fifth in blocks per game (0.7), sixth in rebounds per game (4.0), seventh in made 3s (25), and eighth in free-throw percentage (.849), per Basketball Reference.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sixers' VJ Edgecombe issues statement to Philadelphia in Players' Tribune entry
Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe expressed his excitement to join the organization and the City of Brotherly Love in a written entry on The Players' Tribune. Edgecombe was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals on 34% shooting from 3-point range at Baylor. He finished in double figures 27 times, including a season-high 30 points on Jan. 22 in a win over Kansas State. The 6-foot-5 standout has had a brief opportunity to ingratiate himself with the team and city since becoming the third pick in the 2025 NBA draft on June 25. He detailed that experience, along with other topics, in the article released Wednesday on his 20th birthday. The journey has been crazy, man. It's just surreal. Philly, I'm proud to be one of you, now. Thank you to the 76ers organization for giving me the opportunity. I couldn't be more grateful to be here. Now, I've gotten the chance to explore a little bit. I've had some Philly cheesesteaks. I've run up the Rocky steps. I'm just getting comfortable and getting my bearings. But I'm really looking forward to earning your respect, and the respect of my teammates and coaches. I'm just trying to be a sponge and learn and absorb, and hopefully get better. Edgecombe debuted with the Sixers in the NBA Summer League, averaging 21.5 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and 1.5 blocks on 42.5% shooting from the field. He was limited to two appearances due to a left thumb sprain. The Bahamian guard had the opportunity to meet teammate Paul George after appearing on the latest episode of "Podcast P" released on Monday. George told Edgecombe that he believes he can contribute next season and help the Sixers win based on his dynamic skill set and ability. Edgecombe has the potential to play a large role with the Sixers next season as a player who can affect games on both sides of the ball. Based on his latest letter penned on The Players' Tribune, Edgecombe appears to be ready to get to work.
New York Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
Alex Rodriguez sees Napheesa Collier following his path as he takes control of Timberwolves, Lynx
Alex Rodriguez appreciates a business-minded athlete. The Yankees great — who made the jump from MLB superstar to CEO of A-Rod Corp., and now co-owner of the NBA's Timberwolves and the WNBA's Lynx — heaped praise on Lynx veteran Napheesa Collier for building a business empire while in the prime of her career. 'Napheesa is an incredible example and role model for other athletes, both men and women, that you can take something in sports and not take your eye off the ball, but yet build something really equally as special on the business side,' Rodgriguez told The Post while speaking on behalf of his partnership with Lysol. 'So, hats off to her.' Advertisement 7 The Timberwolves introduce Marc Lore (L) and Alex Rodriguez as the new owners during a Press Conference at the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 10, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images Collier, a five-time WNBA All-Star and 2024 Euroleague Champion, and the Liberty's Breanna Stewart founded Unrivaled, which is a 3v3 professional women's basketball league that plays in Miami during the WNBA offseason — offering the highest average salaries in women's sports history, equity in the league, top-tier amenities, housing and childcare. Collier, who is averaging 23.5 points and 7.7 assists, is in the conversation for MVP after being a runner-up last season to Aces star A'ja Wilson, who won her third career MVP award. Advertisement The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the controlling interest in the Timberwolves and Lynx to Rodriguez and Marc Lore last month following four years as limited partners. The 2009 World Series champion said he's using knowledge passed down to him by former Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, who died in 2010. 7 Napheesa Collier (24) celebrates a basket against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter at Target Center on July 25, 2025. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images 'I gotta tell you, I played for almost 25 years in the major leagues and to be able to take some of my practices that I've learned from the life of George Steinbrenner, who was a great boss and an incredible role model,' Rodriguez said. 'He expected only the best, so I was able to learn from the best in the business, that was great. Advertisement 'Over the last four years [as a limited partner], I've done an incredible amount of listening and learning and studying … and we have so many incredible governors in our game. We have an amazing commissioner Adam Silver, who said, 'I want you to do a lot of listening, not a lot of talking and just be a student and learn from some of the great partners.'' 7 Timberwolves owners Marc Lore (L) and Alex Rodriguez pose with Minnesota star Anthony Edwards at a press conference at NBA Summer League on July 10, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images The Timberwolves' season ended in a Game 5 loss to the Thunder in the Western Conference finals — the second straight year Minnesota fell one round short of its first trip to the NBA Finals. With the second half of the WNBA season underway, the league-leading Lynx (22-5) are poised for a second consecutive trip to the Finals after falling to the Liberty last season. Advertisement 'I'm really proud,' said Rodriguez, a 14-time MLB All-Star. 'The last two years for the Timberwolves, we've been in the final four of 30 teams. And the Lynx, last year were the final two, came down to the wire, we lost to the Liberty. 'And this year, we were off to a hot start with the Lynx. It's an exciting time. Folks in Minnesota have been very supportive and it's an incredible sports town.' 7 Alex Rodriguez and girlfriend Jaclyn Cordiero attend Game 4 between the Lakers-Timberwolves during the 2025 playoffs. NBAE via Getty Images Rodriguez was also complimentary of Nets owners Clara and Joe Tsai, who bought the Liberty from James Dolan for a reported $10 to $14 million in 2019. The Liberty's valuation is on track to increase to $450 million after the installation of the team's new $80 million practice facility in Greenpoint. 'She's a powerhouse,' Rodriguez said of Clara. 'I really have a lot of respect and admiration for Claire Tsai and Joe, of course.' 7 Alex Rodriguez (middle) praises Lynx star Napheesa Collier for her efforts in creating the Unrivaled league while on a panel with Candace Parker (L) and Scott Galloway (R) at Sport Beach by Stagwell during Cannes Lions in June 2025. Ella Pellegrini Advertisement The Lynx face the Liberty (17-8) in Minnesota on Wednesday. Rodriguez understands that he can impact the local community, including youth sports. 7 Alex Rodriguez celebrates his 50th birthday with his girlfriend Jaclyn Cordeiro in Italy on July 27, 2025. Instagram/ Jaclyn Cordeiro The father of two recently celebrated his 50th birthday during a European vacation with his two daughters, Natasha, 20, and Ella, 17, and his girlfriend, fitness entrepreneur Jaclyn Cordeiro. Advertisement The CEO of A-Rod Corp — an investment firm that backs companies across real estate, sports and entertainment — went public with their relationship in December 2022. 7 Alex Rodriguez for Lysol. Lysol Rodriguez, who has worked as an MLB analyst for Fox Sports since 2017, signed a multi-year contract with the network in 2023.
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey help introduce Nike Giannis Freak 7 in commercial
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey appeared in a new Nike commercial alongside Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Harper and Bailey helped promote the release of the Freak 7, the latest signature shoe created for the two-time NBA MVP with a new 'ANTETOKOUNMPO' traction pattern. The installment is expected to be available globally online and in select retail locations on July 29. The two players signed name, image and likeness deals with Nike last year at Rutgers. They are among several first-round picks who have signed with a brand, joining Cooper Flagg (New Balance), VJ Edgecombe (Adidas) and Kon Knueppel (Jordan Brand), among others. Harper debuted with the Spurs in the NBA Summer League, averaging 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal on 35.7% shooting from the field. The No. 2 pick dealt with a minor groin injury and was shut down by the team after two appearances. Bailey, the fifth pick, posted averages of 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists with the Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Like Harper, he was limited to two appearances because of a hip injury and didn't suit up for the team in Las Vegas, Nevada. After strong freshman campaigns with the Scarlet Knights, Harper and Bailey established themselves as top-five picks this year. They enter the upcoming season with tremendous hype and will do so, having appeared in a new commercial for Nike.
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
Hollywood meets NBA hardwood: A look inside the rise of the Summer League Film Festival
LAS VEGAS -- While Bronny James and other young talent were lighting up the NBA Summer League court in Las Vegas, another game was being played just a few steps away: One with scripts, storyboards and studio buzz. Inside the Thomas & Mack Center, just as the league wrapped up Sunday, a different kind of crowd formed. Hollywood execs, producers and curious power players were slipping away from the basketball action to catch a slate of 34 film projects created by NBA stars past and present. More than just film screenings, it's an emerging playground where sports and the art of storytelling collide. From baseline to backlot, the Summer League Film Festival is generating off-court buzz — with the likes of Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, actor-producer Mark Wahlberg and filmmaker Deon Taylor joining the mix. Conversations are building on turning this three-day showcase into a launchpad for athlete-filmmakers, backed by film industry veterans who understand both the creative and business sides of shaping ideas and grooming projects for the screen. 'This definitely has legs,' said retired NBA player Stacey Augmon after previewing 'UNLV: Kings of Vegas,' a documentary chronicling the untold story of the Runnin' Rebels in the Strip View Pavilion. A 10-minute clip was screened before a packed audience, including Sundance Film Festival director Michelle Satter and production companies like the Wahlberg co-owned Unrealistic Ideas and Alcon Entertainment, the company behind 'The Book of Eli' and 'Blade Runner 2049.' Like other entries, the 'Kings of Vegas' team showcased select footage, including interviews with high-profile names such as Snoop Dogg, Chuck D and Jimmy Kimmel, alongside UNLV legends Augmon, Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony and others. After the screening, the producers and cast discussed the film's origins, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. The documentary remains in development, but Augmon says the film festival is already proving its worth. 'This gives us another great avenue,' said Augmon, who played on the Runnin' Rebels team that won the 1990 NCAA championship before his 15-season NBA career. His college teammate, Anderson Hunt, said sharing their authentic, real-life stories offer a major advantage like never before, unlocking new pathways to getting their projects financed and sold. 'We have control of what's coming out,' Hunt said. 'People might know about our stories through the internet. But stuff like this takes our platform to the next level. This is great for us, and Deon is like a golden child.' The festival spotlighted stories produced by NBA stars past and present including Nikola Jokic, Luguentz Dort, Tony Allen, Nate Robinson, Kyle Anderson, Cole Anthony, Keyon Dooling and Udonis Haslem. Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor of Hidden Empire Film Group were tapped to infuse the festival with seasoned filmmaking expertise, helping bridge the worlds of sports and entertainment. He played a key role in encouraging Hollywood insiders to show up, especially during the NBA Summer League's final stretch to keep the closing days as enticing as opening week. Taylor credited NBA Summer League co-founder Albert Hall for having the foresight to spark the collaboration. 'This is all invaluable,' said Hall, who cofounded the league with Warren LeGarie in 2004. 'The players make money, no doubt about it. They invest in these projects. But they don't really know what the system can provide or how to approach it. Kind of like a young executive getting into the sport or a young player trying to be seen and get exposure. It's the same way. They have to be coached up.' Hall said the partnership with Hidden Empire was a natural next step following their successful collaboration with the NFL and Skydance Sports, where they led film training sessions in March for more than 20 current and former NFL players. He added that having Wahlberg and Archie Gips of Unrealistic Ideas on board brings more industry muscle to strengthen the initiative and help drive it forward. Taylor said the festival is a door opener for the athletes. 'It's a gateway for athletes to share their art, do their art and be creative without anyone questioning them,' said Taylor, director of 'Black and Blue,' 'The Intruder, 'Meet the Blacks' and 'Fatale.' A former basketball player in East Germany turned independent filmmaker, he said true artistry requires neither a film school nor a Hollywood pedigree. 'The greatest artists are the ones that draw, create, build, shoot in the face of negativity and who paint pictures of what they see in the times that they live in,' Taylor said. 'You can only do that if you live in this culture. You can do that if you've lived and experienced it. You can't do that from a high-rise building with no pain. These guys come from adversity in life and sports.' EverWonder Studio president Michael Antinoro certainly thinks so, and then some. He sees the film festival as more than a one-off spectacle in Las Vegas. In Antinoro's eyes, it could become the Oscars of athlete-driven storytelling with satellite versions popping up in the NBA arenas throughout the season. He sees value in helping standout projects secure the final funding and reach the right distributors. 'If we can add any value, we're in the rooms talking to all the networks and streamers that distributes films,' said Antinoro, a founding partner of the studio, which specializes in nonfiction content, documentaries and live events. The company served as co-executive producer on 'Defiant: The Manny Pacquiao Obsession' in 2019 and produced projects featuring Mike Tyson and Brett Favre. 'We're talking to them a lot. It's all about exposure,' he said. 'Some of these films maybe need a little more money just to get them over the line. If it makes sense, we can play a little there too.' For Michelle Satter, it's all about fostering a supportive creative community. She sees promising potential in what's taking shape at the Summer League Film Festival. While it's still early, Satter can envision a future where projects from the festival eventually find their way into Sundance. 'Why not? Of course,' said Satter, a founding figure at Sundance since 1981. She now serves as the founding senior director of Sundance Institute's artist programs. She's exploring how it might support the festival after being invited by Taylor. Sundance already has an existing partnership with Taylor's Hidden Empire. She called the opportunity to collaborate on this new venture both exciting and aligned with Sundance's mission to uplift emerging voices in storytelling. Satter's late son, Michael Latt, had his documentary short 'Hoops, Hopes & Dreams' premiere at Sundance early this year. She said Sundance gets about 15,000 short film submissions each year, but there's room for compelling storytelling that opens up new perspective from an athlete's lens. 'That was the power of storytelling, the unity of sports and bringing people together in community,' she said. 'I love the idea. These are the stories people need to see. They need to be out there in the world.'
