WNBA Player News

The degree of difficulty for a majority of Mabrey’s shots contributed to her inefficiency on Friday night against the wings. She tried to drive and score in a clogged paint in addition to taking shots where she didn’t have much separation. The two field goals she made were either off the catch or as a result of a screening action. With 2:37 left in the second quarter, Mabrey hit a step-back three on the left wing that came as a result from a screen from teammate Haley Peters that gave her more room to set her shot. While her shot wasn’t falling, she still found a way to facilitate. She found Jacy Sheldon in transition, and Charles in her spots near the basket. Toward the end of second quarter, Mabrey’s left knee buckled, and during halftime she was ruled as questionable to return. She returned to start in the third quarter, however, playing 13 of her 29 minutes in the second half.

Gray followed up her 13-point, 10-assist performance against the Lynx with another strong outing on Sunday. She found her shooting touch and shot above 50.0 percent from the field for the first time since August 21 against Phoenix, while tallying at least three made three-pointers for the third time in the last four games. The veteran guard made her usual impact as a passer against the Sky and will have another opportunity to deliver a strong performance on Tuesday in the rematch vs. Chicago.

Young was one of several Aces players to perform well against the Sky on Sunday. The veteran guard shot the ball efficiently both inside and outside the arc en route to finishing as one of the Aces’ leading scorers on the evening. She also thrived as a facilitator and ended the game just one assist shy of a double-double. Young has now amassed 39 assists over the past five contests, continuing to positively impact games in multiple ways as Las Vegas extends its 14-game win streak. She will have a chance to land another strong performance in Tuesday’s rematch with the Sky.

On the heels of an outstanding 31/8/2/1/2 stat line against the first-seeded Lynx, Wilson put forth another stellar performance against the Sky on Sunday. She landed seven stocks, while surpassing 30 points and leading the Aces in rebounding en route to her 20th double-double of the season. The three-time MVP’s performance on Sunday is just the latest of what’s been another MVP-caliber season. She’ll look to close the regular season strong against the Sky again on Tuesday and the Sparks on Thursday.

Cardoso landed her 12th double-double of the season on Sunday in 31 minutes of game action. While she shot the ball inefficiently, she made enough to finish as one of five Chicago starters to score in double figures. Her greatest impact, however, came on the glass, where she collected seven offensive boards and grabbed eight on the defensive end en route to tying a season-high in total rebounds. The sophomore center will look to add to her double-double count on Tuesday when the Sky face the Aces again.

Banham tied a team-high in points on Sunday and was one of three players to make a three-pointer. The veteran guard also contributed as a passer and, additionally, utilized active hands on the defensive end to collect a couple of steals. Sunday’s performance against the Aces was far from one of Banham’s best of the season, but it stood out on a night in which the Sky struggled on the offensive end as a team.

Uzun made her third start of the season on Sunday and set a couple of season-highs against the Aces. On 44.4 percent shooting, she reached double figures in points for the first time all season and concluded as one of five Chicago players to score at least 10 points. She also utilized a strong third quarter, when she tallied three dimes, to set a new season-high in assists. The status of injured Ariel Atkins (back) for Tuesday’s rematch against Las Vegas could impact Uzun’s role and playing time going forward.

Reese had been suspended by the Sky for the first half of Sunday’s game against the Aces for what the team phrased as detrimental comments. Before the second half of the matchup with the Aces, she was ruled out with a back injury, leaving her sidelined for two straight games. The Sky will face the Aces again on Tuesday before their season finale on Thursday against the Liberty. Reese’s status for the two upcoming games is yet to be determined.

Uzun will make her third start of the season on Sunday as the Sky look to avoid back-to-back losses. The second-year guard is averaging 2.9 points and 2.3 assists across 22 games this season, and will likely assume lead ball-handling duties in a Chicago frontcourt that’s flooded with injuries. She’ll replace Ariel Atkins (back) in the starting lineup, who is averaging 13.1 points, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game thus far.

Gustafson will make her first start of the season, replacing NaLyssa Smith (concussion) in the Aces’ opening lineup. Gustafson began the season sidelined with a leg injury, but returned in early July and has posted averages of 2.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks in the 17 games she’s appeared in. With her promotion to the starting unit on Sunday, Kiah Stokes figures to be a reserve player who could see more action as the Aces look to win their 14th straight game and reclaim the second spot in the WNBA standings.

Hamby only needs 25 minutes of game action to stuff the stat sheet and provide a great impact on Sunday. The veteran forward shot inefficiently but tallied a three-pointer to finish as one of the Sparks’ top two scorers on the afternoon. She also finished only a couple of rebounds shy of a double-double, while tying a team-high in assists. With the insignificant amount of minutes played against Dallas, Hamby should be rested enough and ready to produce against the Mercury on Tuesday as the Sparks continue to battle for the eighth and final playoff spot.