Sidelines with Lily

  Just as star-studded as the 2026 WNBA All-Star Starters, the WNBA has released this year's All-Star Reserves. 2026 All-Star Reserves Allisha Gray, Angel Reese, and Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream When the WNBA announced the 2026 All-Star Starters, fans across the world were outraged to find out that zero players on the Atlanta Dream made the list. Just as frustrated as the fans, Angel Reese expressed her disappointment to the media when she said, "I expect to be disrespected." Reese continued a spoke about her teammates, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard saying, "For those two, though, I think they work so hard, and they put a lot of work in, and the way that they’re guarded every game and they [have to] adjust. The reason why we’re where we are is because of those two. For us not to have anyone was just a slap in the face, but they’re not going to say anything. I am." The frustration displayed by Reese and many others is valid in that Gray, Howard, and Reese are all ...

  In a season full of many highs and lows just a few months in, Kate Martin has earned a Standard Contract with the Los Angeles Sparks. Martin's 2026 Season Summary (Thus Far) An Unexpected Waiver Just days before the Golden State Valkyries' regular season opener, Kate Martin was waived from the team she called home. This came as a surprise to both Martin and WNBA fans as she quickly became a fan favorite when she touched down in Golden State after being selected in the 2025 WNBA Expansion draft by the Valks. Prior to getting waived, Martin participated in the Valkyries' preseason matchup with the Seattle Storm where she contributed 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Martin wouldn't make any other preseason appearances due to a quad strain that likely lead to Golden State's desire to part ways. New Beginnings in LA Less than a week after getting waived by the Valkyries, Martin signed a developmental contract with the Los Angeles Sparks. A developmental contract is...

  In a tight matchup that was at the moment anyone's game, things heated up between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries as the Dream drop their fifth straight game. Tensions Rise in the First Half Cecilia Zandalasini and Allisha Gray Get Heated Coming into this matchup, the Atlanta Dream were not only looking to end their losing streak, but to also take home a win in their series with Golden State as they lost on the road to the Valks on June 24 and 26, 2026. Although the Atlanta Dream has recently seen struggles to finish games strong, there was hopes that they could turn it all around and get the win in their first home game since their first matchup with the Valkyries. The start of this contest was promising for Atlanta. The Dream had spectacular ball movement followed by assists for good shots and even steals that lead to buckets in transition. Atlanta would lead by three points at the end of the first quarter, but the second quarter was when things got chippy. In what...

  The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend is just around the corner. The 2026 All-Star Starters have been announced, and the reserves are yet to come as the WNBA introduces a new draft format to honor the league's 30th Anniversary. 2026 All-Star Starters Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever There's no denying that the Indiana Fever have arguably the best "big three" in the league with Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. One of the most underrated players in the W, Kelsey Mitchell is a scoring machine. Averaging 21.6 points per game and third in scoring in the entire league, Mitchell deserves this spotlight. In addition to the way Mitchell pours in buckets for the Fever, she does so efficiently as her shooting splits are almost an unreal 50-40-90. Just behind Mitchell in points per game, Caitlin Clark has also found her groove in recent games as she averages 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 8.2 assists on the season. Also in the top 5 in...

  For one more night, Connecticut fans will get the chance to cheer for two of UConn's most beloved stars as Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd return to familiar hardwood. Potentially the Final Connecticut Homecoming Home Is Where the Huskies Are Today, July 8, 2026, both Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd could be playing their last basketball game in the state of Connecticut. An emotional thought for UConn fans all over the world, this day has been dreaded since the WNBA announced that the Connecticut sun would move to Houston as the Comets beginning in the 2027 season. Because of this, there will not only no longer be a WNBA team in the state of Connecticut, but also no other reason/way for the UCo nn alumnae to compete in front of their beloved home crowd. This matchup against the Connecticut Sun will be held at  PeoplesBank Arena, a place that both Bueckers and Fudd have played at before during their time at UConn. Since their National Championship run in 2025, Bueckers and Fudd are...

  In a battle that came down to the final few minutes, the New York Liberty took the victory over the Las Vegas Aces to become the first 2x WNBA Commissioner's Cup Champions. Game Recap: New York Takes the Title The Sab and Stewie Show Due to the absence of 4x MVP A'ja Wilson, the New York Liberty were considerable favorites heading into this matchup. Because the Aces didn't have their leader and foundation to the team, notable pressure was likely lifted off the shoulders of Liberty stars, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. Not only did the two seemingly play freely last night, but they had their best game of the season as a duo last night. Looking to have her breakout game since returning from an ankle injury, Sabrina Ionescu proved herself to be the exact same player she was prior to her temporary setback. Ionescu lead the Liberty in scoring with 26 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. This was huge for New York as Ionescu knocked down several clutch threes to ho...