This week marked an exciting kickoff to the WNBA preseason, with four thrilling games showcasing emerging talent and new team dynamics.
On Monday, both the Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks triumphed in nail-biting finishes, defeating the Phoenix Mercury and Golden State Valkyries by just one point each. The Chicago Sky also added to the excitement with a victory over the Minnesota Lynx, while the Atlanta Dream rounded out the action on Tuesday with a win against the Washington Mystics.
Among the notable performances, Kelsey Plum made her debut with the Sparks, quickly becoming a standout player. She scored 11 points, contributed five assists, and grabbed two rebounds, effectively leading the team’s offense under new head coach Lynne Roberts. The Sparks edged out the Valkyries with an 83-82 victory, marking a memorable start for both Plum and the expansion team.
Meanwhile, Brittney Griner shone in her first outing for the Dream, demonstrating her elite capabilities in a 80-70 win over the Mystics. Griner achieved a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her dominance on the court. After a playoff run that ended in the first round last season, Griner’s standout performance could be pivotal in propelling the Dream into contention this year.
In the other games, A’ja Wilson and Angel Reese continued to impress, with Wilson scoring 14 points and collecting six rebounds for the Aces in their 85-84 win over the Mercury, while Reese added nine points and eight rebounds to the Sky’s 74-69 victory against the Lynx.
As teams approach the regular season, they are faced with the tough reality of roster reductions. With the first official games set for May 16, teams must finalize their rosters, leading to some difficult cuts. Recently, the Aces released Queen Egbo and Harmoni Turner, while the Mercury waived Shyla Heal and Anna Makurat.
These preseason games are essential for squad preparations and roster evaluations, as teams seek to fill crucial final spots. While it’s unfortunate that talented players may be let go due to limited roster availability, the growth of the WNBA indicates that more opportunities will present themselves in the future. Here’s hoping that all deserving players find new opportunities within the league soon.