Latest news with #SixthPlayeroftheYear
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Best bets for the second-half of the 2025 WNBA season
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Unlike other sports, the WNBA's All-Star break actually comes at the season's midpoint. This is a great opportunity to assess the futures markets and uncover betting value. I think a solid wager exists for the Most Improved Player award. Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray has 15/1 odds at DraftKings, and I think she should instead be among the favorites. When analyzing awards, one must realize these unique markets and entail much more than a player's or team's performance. Those obviously matter but an award also involves votes by media members. While that variable can be tricky, it also means it is a circumstance beyond an oddsmaker's wheelhouse. Their normal routine requires assessing outcomes of games and an athlete's statistical output. Handicapping voters is a much different animal. Specifically, the requirements for this award are often left up to interpretation. There is no exact criteria, such as the Sixth Player of the Year mandating a maximum level of games started. Recent winners have included role players significantly increasing their stats or a fringe All-Star having an All-WNBA season. Gray would be categorized with the latter. She was recently selected as an All-Star starter for the first time and is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds and assists. Her Atlanta Dream are also having a solid season and she figures to produce more now that fellow All-Star Rhyne Howard will miss at least the rest of the month with a knee injury. Most importantly, ESPN just published an article with four reporters making their midseason selections and Gray earned three of the votes. She was also the consensus choice in June. Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream looks on during the game against the New York Liberty on July 13, 2025 at Barclays Center Arena in Brooklyn, New York. NBAE via Getty Images Other candidates, including betting favorite Veronica Burton (+350 odds), also have decent cases. They have boosted their production by more than Gray has. However, they could cannibalize each other, especially since Burton and Kayla Thornton (+400 odds) are teammates on the Golden State Valkyries. Plus, receiving increased minutes on an expansion team could even diminish their candidacy. Additionally, others with shorter odds (Azura Stevens +550, Brittney Sykes +650, Erica Wheeler +700, Gabby Williams 10/1, Sami Whitcomb 12/1) don't really seem like a case that separates themselves from the others. Betting on the NBA? Previous winners Brionna Jones (2021) and Jackie Young (2022) remind me of Gray's season. They only slightly improved their stat lines but each did help their team finish with the league's best record. Atlanta will not have the top seed but Gray is clearly leading this team and that could be enough. Plus, voters view her in a special light and thus passes the smell test, so Gray could receive this award for both her play and career achievement. Why Trust New York Post Betting Doug Kezirian is a New York Post contributor who has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He's also the rare personality who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58K) and also grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.
New York Post
13-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Kennedy Burke's blossoming offensive game providing Liberty extra firepower
We've got you covered on the Liberty beat Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA. tRY IT NOW Kennedy Burke noticed the shift two weeks ago, when the Liberty last played the Dream on June 29 and Atlanta — predictably — started doing whatever it could to take away her 3-point shot. She knew it would happen at some point. It was inevitable. Burke's 3-point shooting, head coach Sandy Brondello said, has been 'off the charts,' allowing her to turn a season-opening tear into a breakout campaign with the Liberty, and at some point, defenses would make the next move in the chess match and force her to respond. It happened that day at Gateway Center Arena when Burke went 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. Her Sixth Player of the Year case still remains intact entering the Liberty's next game against the Dream, this time at Barclays Center on Sunday. Burke leads the WNBA in 3-point percentage (48.6), though her 70 shots are only a fraction of what the most frequent shooters in the league attempt — such as Atlanta star Rhyne Howard's 185 and Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu's 145. Burke's 3-point percentage has jumped from 25.9 percent to 48.6 between 2024 and 2025 and her increase in attempts from beyond the arc (1.5 to 3.7, respectively) has remained notable, too. But Burke, to end the first half of a season where multiple Liberty absences allowed her to log more minutes, has relied on attacking the basket off the dribble as the counter to defensive adjustments, while also using her own defense — including six steals Tuesday against Las Vegas — to create opportunities at the offensive end as she searches for ways to prevent her career year from eventually stalling. 'Knowing if my 3-point shot is not open, I can attack because I know I have a quick first step,' Burke said after practice Saturday, 'so just realizing like the defense is gonna be different now. So just doing whatever it takes to get to the basket and be aggressive.' The breakout for Burke dated back to the winter months, when she took shot after shot from behind the arc in both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble situations. She also worked with her trainer on attacking the basket, too, in preparation for when teams tried to take those 3s away. 3 Kennedy Burke shoots a 3-pointer during the Liberty's win over the Aces on July 8, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images And early on in season, it became clear that defenses would need to eliminate that layer of her skill set. Burke hit all four of her 3s during the second game of the season — one of four times this year where she has hit four shots from beyond the arc — and watched as those repetitive drills from the offseason started to pay off. For most of the 2024 season, which marked her first with the Liberty, Burke struggled to settle into a consistent role on a superteam with a mostly rigid rotation, though. A second-round pick in 2019, Burke averaged just 12.1 minutes and 3.4 points per game in her first season in New York while trying to figure out where she fit in around the Liberty's collection of stars, and that can be 'hard,' Breanna Stewart — her Seattle Storm teammate in 2021 — said. 3 Kennedy Burke drives to the rim during the Liberty's win over the Aces . NBAE via Getty Images But Burke has 'really embraced the role' now, Stewart said. She has created an expectation of consistency, of production, of the Liberty knowing exactly what they'll get from her in each game. At most points this season, that involved 3-pointers. But recently, it has expanded to shots inside the arc, too. It evolved to include games such as Tuesday, when she compiled those steals against the Aces — including four in the third quarter that directly led to seven Liberty points at the other end. 'Obviously she's not getting as open,' Brondello said, 'but she still gets her shots up. But look, she's more than just a 3-point shooter.' Covering the Liberty like never before Sign up for Madeline Kenney's Inside the Liberty, a weekly Sports+ newsletter. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Burke has been one of the players to take on increased minutes with 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones out after re-injuring her right ankle. Even though Jones participated in some five-on-five work Saturday and continues to progress, Burke has likely carved out a role that will last even after Jones returns and the Liberty get back to full strength. Burke will likely earn a chance to demonstrate that these strides aren't fleeting glimpses of her potential. The Liberty could use taller lineup combinations at times, Brondello said. They can move everyone around a bit, too. And they can incorporate all of Burke's versatile skill set, one that, finally, has translated across a WNBA season consistently. 3 Kennedy Burke drives to the rim during the Liberty's win over the aces on July 8, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images 'Whatever look they give her,' Stewart said, 'she just takes the other one.'
San Francisco Chronicle
11-07-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
How Tiffany Hayes' big bet on herself made her a Valkyries leader
Tiffany Hayes took a risk when she decided to leave the Las Vegas Aces for the just-hatched Golden State Valkyries during free agency. Without knowing what the expansion team's future held — sold-out home games, a $500 million valuation and a competitive record — the choice for a WNBA veteran such as Hayes to depart from one of the league's most successful franchises meant welcoming a host of uncertainties. 'I knew there was a big risk. That's why my decision was really hard. I loved everything about being at the Aces, especially on the court,' said Hayes. 'There was a great group of girls there. We joked pretty well.' Hayes' choice meant betting big on herself — chasing opportunity over comfort and holding onto the belief that 'everything will fall into place.' Now, two months into the season, the veteran guard has embraced the unfamiliar: a leadership role unlike any she has held in her career. Head coach Natalie Nakase says Hayes is a 'coach in the locker room.' Teammate Monique Billings has called her a mentor. To Hayes, these descriptions seem new. 'That's something I've wanted to work on for a long time, like I haven't had to be that anywhere else. Last year, obviously (the Aces) had all their leaders already, in Connecticut they had all their leaders already, so just stepping up to the plate and trying to help her as much as possible,' Hayes said. 'Hearing that (Nakase) is complimenting me doing that, I'm appreciative of that, because it's, like I said, very uncomfortable. It's not what I normally do; I lead by example.' From the jump, Hayes has led Golden State (10-9) with her play and veteran presence. In the Valkyries' season opener against the Los Angeles Sparks, it was Hayes who made an early steal and scored in transition, immediately injecting energy into the squad. Even as she suffered a nose injury after taking an arm to the face against the Washington Mystics, her fearlessness sparked her teammates to rally around her absence. As All-Star reserve and Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton put it, 'Her going down … that win was for Tiff.' In a win over the Seattle Storm last week, Hayes stepped up after Thornton's early exit to drop 21 points on efficient 8-for-13 shooting. And in Saturday's loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Hayes scored a season-high 23 points, tacking on a season-high five 3-pointers. Whether starting or coming off the bench, the 2024 Sixth Player of the Year brings an edge to her play that's contagious, and her adaptability has been stabilizing for a young team still learning how to play together. 'She was always like, 'Whatever you guys need, do you want me to start? You guys want me to come off the bench? I'll do whatever it takes in order to win,' and so I knew that was special,' said Nakase, who as the Aces' assistant head coach worked with Hayes last season. 'And she always takes charges out of nowhere. And I'm like, 'What are you doing,' you know, the impact she's taking is pretty aggressive. … I'm just like, 'Dude, you're fearless.'' As one of the most experienced voices in a younger locker room, Hayes is not just contributing on the court — she's helping shape the culture. Billings knows the effect Hayes can have, having played alongside her for five seasons with the Atlanta Dream. 'In Atlanta, she was my vet. She's just always been so rock solid on and off the court, someone I consider a friend, not just a teammate,' Billings said. 'She's someone who I've just been privileged to have around. I don't know, I would say she mentored me when I was young, but now like she's just a sister, someone who I genuinely love and appreciate.' Hayes has quietly carved out a remarkable WNBA career. A 2012 second-round pick out of UConn, she quickly became a cornerstone for Atlanta, spending a decade with the franchise and earning an All-Star nod in 2017. After being traded to Connecticut in 2023, Hayes started all 40 games for the Sun before announcing her retirement. Just six months later, Hayes came back to sign with Las Vegas in May 2024, emerging as a powerful contributor off the bench. She grew close with Nakase, and that helped ease her decision to venture into the unknown with Golden State. 'Having her in Vegas was great for me. I loved her,' Hayes said. 'We're the ones that got the closest while I was there, so coming here with her was definitely a good thing for me. That was a part of the reason, too.' 'The day that I met Tip, I remember we went out to dinner and she was just so warming. She's a very calming and warming presence, a good vibe, and I'm attracted to those people because I'm kind of hyper and high energy,' Nakase said. 'I knew she would make me better … and then hopefully I could spark her, too.' And sparked she was. Despite seeing her season disrupted by injuries, Hayes is averaging the second-highest points per game on the team. After missing three games after injuring her nose against Washington on May 21 and returned against Minnesota on June 1, only to aggravate the injury and miss another four games. Even as she continues to rock a protective face mask on the court, Hayes doesn't shy away from leading the charge. 'Tip's a dawg at the end of the day,' said guard Veronica Burton. 'It's not easy, especially when it's something with your face. That's, outside of basketball, you know, something you want to protect. And her ability to come in and still play as aggressive as she does and sacrifice her body for us, regardless of what's kind of going on with that, is really impressive and a testament to her.' Hayes has come a long way during her 13 seasons in the league, becoming one of seven active players to achieve more than 4,500 career points, 1,000 rebounds, 800 assists and 300 steals. Above everything — the statistics, the leadership — Hayes is appreciative of her WNBA experience, and stays committed to 'what feels right' for her. 'When you're doing the right thing for yourself and for others around you, I think everything will fall into place, and things have been going well for me here,' Hayes said. 'We're doing well as an expansion team, we don't even have to call ourselves that. I'm definitely loving and enjoying every bit of my journey, and I'm always appreciative of it.'
Indianapolis Star
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Report: Former Fever forward DeWanna Bonner to sign with Mercury, reunite with fiancée
INDIANAPOLIS – Former Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner will sign with the Phoenix Mercury in the next few days, according to a report from ESPN's Michael Voepel. Bonner, a 16-year WNBA veteran, was one of the Fever's marquee signings in the offseason, following coach Stephanie White from Connecticut to Indianapolis. But Bonner felt like she wasn't a fit with Indiana's style from the beginning, and eventually requested a trade from the Fever early into the season. Bonner was away from the Fever for five games while Indiana's front office tried work out options, but they couldn't find a suitable trade because of the size of Bonner's contract (a near-max $200,000). As Bonner was on an unprotected contract, Indiana could release her without a buyout or monetary penalty. Indiana waived Bonner on June 25 and signed guard Aari McDonald. Bonner played nine games for Indiana, averaging 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 21 minutes per game. 'I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise," Bonner said in a release when she was waived. "Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, I felt the fit did not work out and I appreciate the organization's willingness to grant my request to move on, particularly at this point in my career. I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young players.' Bonner hit the waiver wire for 48 hours, but was not picked up by any team, likely because of the size of her contract. Now, she is reportedly headed back to Phoenix, where she was drafted in 2009. Bonner won two championships and was a three-time Sixth Player of the Year with the Mercury in 10 seasons. Phoenix is also where her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas, plays. Bonner and Thomas played together in Connecticut for five years before Thomas was traded to Phoenix and Bonner opted to sign with Indiana. Phoenix, which already has 12 players on its roster, will have to release a player to accommodate Bonner. The Mercury should have the cap room, assuming Bonner signs for the veteran minimum.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WNBA Reacts to Major Retirement Announcement on Tuesday
WNBA Reacts to Major Retirement Announcement on Tuesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Some big, yet expected, news struck the basketball world on Tuesday morning when former Chicago Sky legend and 2021 WNBA champion Allie Quigley officially announced her retirement from basketball at the age of 38. Advertisement She last played in 2022 and is considered one of the Sky's most prominent players in franchise history, having spent 10 of her 14 seasons in the league with the team. The news came just two days after Quigley's wife and former teammate, Courtney Vandersloot, suffered a torn ACL in the Sky's latest game on Saturday and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. The couple recently welcomed their first child together, which Quigley mentioned in her retirement announcement through "The Players' Tribune." "I didn't tell a lot of people, but I played in 2022 thinking it would probably be my last season. I really, truly soaked it all in," Quigley said. "I never retired, though." She continued, "I just took the 2023 season off… then I took the 2024 season off… then I took the 2025 season off… you get the idea. But all jokes aside, I never actually meant to do an Irish goodbye. When I sat out after 2022, it was for a very specific reason. It was so I could start the next phase of my life: becoming a mom. To be honest, I thought I would get pregnant fast, then at least leave the option open to play one more season. But things didn't happen as fast as we would have liked. They did happen, though!! And I'm thrilled to say that on April 8, 2025, Courtney and I celebrated the birth of our baby girl, Jana Christine." The WNBA reacted to the news by posting, "Official Retirement Announcement: Thank you Allie Quigley!" As the WNBA noted, Quigley played a vital role in helping lead the Sky to their one and only title in franchise history during the 2021 season. She is a three-time WNBA All-Star, a two-time Sixth Player of the Year, and a four-time 3-Point Contest winner. Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot (22) celebrates with guard Allie Quigley (14).© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Across her 14 years in the league, she averaged 22.4 minutes, 10.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. During her 10 seasons with the Sky, she had eight seasons where she averaged 11 or more points per game, including three seasons where she averaged over 15. Advertisement Related: Kamilla Cardoso's Three-Word Message to Courtney Vandersloot After ACL Injury This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
