Huskies in the Pros: Dolson fuels Mystics in Week 7
Napheesa Collier in win over New York Liberty: 21 points (6-13 FG, 3-3 3PT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Stewart in loss: 24 points (8-15 FG, 2-3 3PT), 11 rebounds
In a strong addition to a phenomenal MVP campaign for Napheesa Collier, the former Husky was able to put on a show in the Commissioner’s Cup Final, outdueling star Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty for the Lynx’s first Commissioner’s Cup in team history.
The final matchup of the event was intense as not only was Collier able to drop 21 points to give her a team a massive edge, but Stewart was also playing elite basketball with 24 points of her own. In the end, the well-roundedness of the Lynx lineup that saw 4 starters crack double digits was ultimately able to help the team secure the 94-89 dub.
Napheesa Collier in loss to Dallas Wings: 29 points (13-21 FG), 11 rebounds
In what was another strong performance from Collier, the Lynx were unable to grab their second straight win of the week against Arike Ogunwale and the Dallas Wings, dropping the matchup 94-88 on the road.
Despite the massive win for Dallas, their first since May 26th, it’s just the 4th loss of the season for Collier and Minnesota. With how she’s been able to lead her team consistently to wins, and with players such as Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith continuing to play team-first basketball, expect the Lynx to remain one of the toughest teams in the W.
Stefanie Dolson in loss to Connecticut Sun: 18 points (6-11 FG, 4-7 3PT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds
In a heartbreaking loss for the Mystics, one that certainly would have been a massive highlight of their season, Stefanie Dolson continued a strong stretch of play for Washington, dropping 18 points in a 94-91 loss.
Unfortunately, however, the team was unable to escape 23 turnovers throughout the night which would give the Sun a massive advantage. As one of the hottest teams in the W this season, the trio of Tyasha Harris, Dijonai Carrington, and Dewanna Bonner would capitalize to combine for 69 points and grab a gritty win on the road.
Diana Taurasi in win over Los Angeles Sparks: 20 points (7-11 FG, 5-8 3PT), 6 assists, 4 rebounds
In a huge win for the Phoenix Mercury, the team had a monster second half to grab a 92-78 win over the Los Angeles Sparks.
The team naturally had multiple pieces of the puzzle to what orchestrated the win, with Kahleah Copper’s 24 points being a huge reason for the victory. But, to get to that huger second half explosion, Diana Taurasi certainly deserves her flowers as well. Thanks to 20 from DT, including four triples in the first half, she’d help give the team some momentum, something the team would capitalize on for their ninth dub of the season.
Tiffany Hayes in win over Washington Mystics: 17 points (5-8 FG), 4 rebounds
Stefanie Dolson in loss: 23 points (8-11 FG, 5-6 3PT), 7 rebounds, 3 assists
In her first entry of the series, Tiffany Hayes was able to play a huge part in Las Vegas’ 88-77 win over the Washington Mystics on the road, outdueling Stefanie Dolson and Co.
In 25 minutes of action, Hayes dropped a season-high 17 points and 4 rebounds off the bench. She played an especially important role in the second half as the game came within single digits. While Washington would have a huge role in the first half thanks to some quality play by Dolson, who would have 23 points in total in the game, the Aces would get the last laugh in the final minutes. With a 21-8 scoring advantage in favor of Las Vegas, the team would seal the deal in the final quarter of play.
Breanna Stewart in win over Atlanta Dream: 22 points (7-17 FG), 12 rebounds
Tina Charles in loss: 16 points (7-15 FG), 12 rebounds
Just as the first two matchups went down between these two rosters, it was the New York Liberty that came out on top, fueled by another great contest by Breanna Stewart who would drop 22 points and 12 rebounds in the victory.
For the former Husky, it was not only a successful night for her squad but also for her personally as she secured her 5,000th point, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history and breaking Diana Taurasi’s record of 243 games.
Despite the slow start for Stewie, she was able to finish strong and help the Liberty outscore Atlanta 45-34 in the second half to get their 16th victory of the season.