Sidelines with Lily

  The 2026 WNBA All-Star player pool is complete, but as with every year, several deserving players were left off the list. Some of the Most Deserving Non-Selections Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury One of the few players close to averaging a triple-double, it's a complete shock that Alyssa Thomas isn't an All-Star this year period. After the 2026 WNBA All-Star Starters were announced, many WNBA fans were surprised to find out that AT wasn't on the list, let alone not an All-Star at all. Regardless of how the voting finished, one cannot deny the force that Thomas is for the Mercury. Thomas currently averages 14.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Such dominance in every area is why fans are not only confused but also infuriated at the matter. Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings An underdog, but also a deserving player to say the least, both Dallas Wings fans and WNBA fans were also uncertain about Azzi Fudd not finding a spot as a 2026 WNBA All-Star. Although he...

  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...

Competing in the Commissioner's Cup Championship tonight at 7:00 pm EST, the Las Vegas Aces will be without 4x MVP A'ja Wilson due to an apparent ankle injury. A Major Blow for the Las Vegas Aces Missing her first game in the 2026 WNBA Season, A'ja Wilson is out and unable to compete with the Las Vegas Aces in the final game of the Commissioner's Cup. This ankle injury that Wilson is experiencing comes at an unfortunate time as she has been putting together yet another MVP-caliber season. Leading not only the Aces, but the entire league in scoring (25.7 ppg), Wilson has been truly unstoppable. Taking into account that she is also averaging nearly 10 rebounds per game; Wilson is on pace to have arguably the best season of her career if she can bounce back from this ankle injury. Although there is no definite time of her return, many sources state that she could be back as early as July 3, 2026, in the Las Vegas Aces' matchup with the Chicago Sky. X-Factors for the Ac...

  Following a physical matchup between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, the WNBA upgrades a no-call fist to Caitlin Clark's throat by Alyssa Thomas a Flagrant 2 along with a 1-Game Suspension. Physicality Gets Out of Hand Again in an Intense Matchup On June 24, 2026, the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever in a grueling contest following their loss to the Fever just two days prior. Despite having left the game early with a lingering back injury, Indiana's 2x All-Star Caitlin Clark led the game in scoring with 19 points accompanied by 8 assists. While a look at the box score may make it seem like Clark's success in this matchup came somewhat easy, it was quite the opposite. With the Phoenix Mercury known for their great defense led by the 7x All-Defensive Alyssa Thomas, it was already going to be a challenging game for the Indiana Fever. The Fever gained a little control of this matchup early, creating their largest lead of 8 points in the early sec...

  After competing in just 12 of the Los Angeles Sparks' 16 games this season, Kelsey Plum had already experienced minor setbacks due to injury. The team has now announced that the 4x All-Star will be out for at least four weeks with a lower left leg injury. A Strong Start for Plum Comes to a Pause Even though she has already missed a few games, Kelsey Plum still sits at second in the league for points per game, averaging 23.9. Although their record may not show it completely, Plum and the LA Sparks have had a commendable start to the season as they are currently 8-8 (.500). Such a record has come with some thrilling wins lead by Plum, but also some tough losses. Earlier this month, on June 13, 2026, the Sparks took on the Phoenix Mercury in a fight to the finish. It was in this matchup with the Mercury that Kelsey Plum would create a new career high of 43 points on 14/26 shooting, accompanied by 7 assists. This standout performance by Plum was just enough to put LA over Phoenix...

  A quarter of the way through the WNBA season, some of the award races are already starting to take shape, even if there is still plenty of basketball left to change the conversation. Rookie of the Year Front-Runner: Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx From the opening stretch of the season, Olivia Miles has looked every bit like the front-runner for Rookie of the Year. With numerous 20-point games and disciplined defense, Miles has shown that she has the potential to become one of the best guards in the WNBA in years to come. Putting up a monster 31-point, 4-rebound, and 4-assist masterclass against the Los Angeles Sparks in the Minnesota Lynx's 99-83 victory, Miles' scoring skill set is nothing but impressive. Thus far, Miles is currently averaging 18.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. One thing about Olivia Miles is that she's far more than a scorer. Beyond that, Miles is a playmaker that sets up her teammates for success. By taking an even deeper lo...

With the 2026 WNBA All-Star voting kicking off today at 2:00 pm EST, it's only right to break down who could make their first All-Star appearance this season. Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx It's a no brainer that Olivia Miles has been playing out of her mind and is on pace to not only be the 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year, but also an All-Star. Averaging 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, Miles has been a gamechanger for the Minnesota Lynx despite the extended absence of their star forward, Napheesa Collier. Ever since her name was called with the Second-Overall Pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Olivia Miles has been playing with a chip on her shoulder. Continuing to never back down to opponents whether they're fellow rookies or vets, Miles knows her value and place in the league already. Miles is the true point guard that Minnesota has needed to play off of fellow guard Courtney Williams to help facilitate the rock to Natasha Howard (and Napheesa Colli...

  Fresh off a standout performance when the Las Vegas Aces hosted the Seattle Storm last night, A'ja Wilson has continued to prove that she is seriously one of the greatest female basketball players the world has ever seen. Building One of the Greatest Resumes in WNBA History In just 8 seasons playing professionally in the WNBA (not including this season which is her 9th), A'ja Wilson has not only earned, but in a way collected awards and accolades, making it seem easy. From her rookie season to her eighth season with the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson has achieved the following honors and awards, not to mention numerous other WNBA records. Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie (2018) 7x All-Star (2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) 6x All-WNBA (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) 5x All-Defensive (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) 4x MVP (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025) 3x Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023, 2025) 3x WNBA Champion (2022, 2023, 2025) 2x WNBA Finals MVP (2023, 2025) Althoug...