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Deadspin | Heavily favored England expect DR Congo’s best in their knockout debut June 30, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; England’s Harry Kane and Ivan Toney during training. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images The end result of England finishing atop their World Cup group was not a surprise. The process, though, left something to be desired. England look to carry over how they finished the group stage when their pursuit of their first World Cup title in 60 years ramps up in the knockout stage. Their journey starts Wednesday in Atlanta against a team at the opposite end of the experience spectrum in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Three Lions finished atop Group L after going unbeaten in group play for the fifth time in their last seven World Cup appearances. But after England scored four times in their opener vs. Croatia, they were held scoreless for more than 150 minutes across their final two matches before scoring twice in the final 30 minutes versus Panama to win the group at seven points. “We know what we need to get better and we will get better,” England manager Thomas Tuchel said after the Panama win. “There’s no problem in putting the work in and growing into a tournament like this with difficult opponents to overcome. It is important now we keep believing, keep focusing on what we can influence.” The saving grace for England has been veteran forward Harry Kane, who scored three of their six group-stage goals and became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer when he delivered the 11th of his career versus Panama to pass Gary Lineker. The Three Lions, though, will be depleted in the back for their knockout opener. Right back Reece James, who sustained a hamstring injury versus Ghana, and his replacement, Jarell Quansah, who twisted his ankle in the Panama match, did not practice on Tuesday and were ruled out for the round of 32. While England have qualified for 11 of the last 12 World Cups and reached the knockouts seven of the last eight times, DR Congo are playing in their first knockout match as part of their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. That 1974 team, playing for a country known as Zaire at the time, went 0-3-0 and were outscored 14-0. This team opened with a stunning draw of Portugal and then rallied past Uzbekistan for a 3-1 victory in their group-stage finale to advance. While he’s certainly not of Kane’s prominence, DR Congo have their own prolific scorer in Yoane Wissa. He scored the country’s first World Cup goal versus Portugal and added two of their three second-half goals against Uzbekistan to amass three of their four scores during group play. “We need to enjoy this kind of game,” Wissa told reporters this week. “We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.” It’s unlikely England needed a reminder about the dangers of facing a seemingly overmatched team. But if they did, that’s just what Germany’s loss to Paraguay provided Monday. That motivates Tuchel not to look ahead — even if some outside the team are — to a potential round of 16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City. “If we get carried away and start talking and thinking about possible round of 16, we will just get punished,” Tuchel said when asked about the subject. “… We have a difficult, difficult match coming up in four days. I understand your question and would love to talk about it, but no, we need to stay focused. There is only one match in four days. It’s not Mexico, it’s not in Mexico, it’s in Atlanta and we need to be ready for that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heavily #favored #England #expect #Congos #knockout #debut

Deadspin | Heavily favored England expect DR Congo’s best in their knockout debut
Deadspin | Heavily favored England expect DR Congo’s best in their knockout debut June 30, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; England’s Harry Kane and Ivan Toney during training. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images The end result of England finishing atop their World Cup group was not a surprise. The process, though, left something to be desired. England look to carry over how they finished the group stage when their pursuit of their first World Cup title in 60 years ramps up in the knockout stage. Their journey starts Wednesday in Atlanta against a team at the opposite end of the experience spectrum in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Three Lions finished atop Group L after going unbeaten in group play for the fifth time in their last seven World Cup appearances. But after England scored four times in their opener vs. Croatia, they were held scoreless for more than 150 minutes across their final two matches before scoring twice in the final 30 minutes versus Panama to win the group at seven points. “We know what we need to get better and we will get better,” England manager Thomas Tuchel said after the Panama win. “There’s no problem in putting the work in and growing into a tournament like this with difficult opponents to overcome. It is important now we keep believing, keep focusing on what we can influence.” The saving grace for England has been veteran forward Harry Kane, who scored three of their six group-stage goals and became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer when he delivered the 11th of his career versus Panama to pass Gary Lineker. The Three Lions, though, will be depleted in the back for their knockout opener. Right back Reece James, who sustained a hamstring injury versus Ghana, and his replacement, Jarell Quansah, who twisted his ankle in the Panama match, did not practice on Tuesday and were ruled out for the round of 32. While England have qualified for 11 of the last 12 World Cups and reached the knockouts seven of the last eight times, DR Congo are playing in their first knockout match as part of their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. That 1974 team, playing for a country known as Zaire at the time, went 0-3-0 and were outscored 14-0. This team opened with a stunning draw of Portugal and then rallied past Uzbekistan for a 3-1 victory in their group-stage finale to advance. While he’s certainly not of Kane’s prominence, DR Congo have their own prolific scorer in Yoane Wissa. He scored the country’s first World Cup goal versus Portugal and added two of their three second-half goals against Uzbekistan to amass three of their four scores during group play. “We need to enjoy this kind of game,” Wissa told reporters this week. “We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.” It’s unlikely England needed a reminder about the dangers of facing a seemingly overmatched team. But if they did, that’s just what Germany’s loss to Paraguay provided Monday. That motivates Tuchel not to look ahead — even if some outside the team are — to a potential round of 16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City. “If we get carried away and start talking and thinking about possible round of 16, we will just get punished,” Tuchel said when asked about the subject. “… We have a difficult, difficult match coming up in four days. I understand your question and would love to talk about it, but no, we need to stay focused. There is only one match in four days. It’s not Mexico, it’s not in Mexico, it’s in Atlanta and we need to be ready for that.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heavily #favored #England #expect #Congos #knockout #debut June 30, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; England’s Harry Kane and Ivan Toney during training. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The end result of England finishing atop their World Cup group was not a surprise.

The process, though, left something to be desired.

England look to carry over how they finished the group stage when their pursuit of their first World Cup title in 60 years ramps up in the knockout stage. Their journey starts Wednesday in Atlanta against a team at the opposite end of the experience spectrum in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Three Lions finished atop Group L after going unbeaten in group play for the fifth time in their last seven World Cup appearances.

But after England scored four times in their opener vs. Croatia, they were held scoreless for more than 150 minutes across their final two matches before scoring twice in the final 30 minutes versus Panama to win the group at seven points.

“We know what we need to get better and we will get better,” England manager Thomas Tuchel said after the Panama win. “There’s no problem in putting the work in and growing into a tournament like this with difficult opponents to overcome. It is important now we keep believing, keep focusing on what we can influence.”

The saving grace for England has been veteran forward Harry Kane, who scored three of their six group-stage goals and became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer when he delivered the 11th of his career versus Panama to pass Gary Lineker.

The Three Lions, though, will be depleted in the back for their knockout opener. Right back Reece James, who sustained a hamstring injury versus Ghana, and his replacement, Jarell Quansah, who twisted his ankle in the Panama match, did not practice on Tuesday and were ruled out for the round of 32.


While England have qualified for 11 of the last 12 World Cups and reached the knockouts seven of the last eight times, DR Congo are playing in their first knockout match as part of their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

That 1974 team, playing for a country known as Zaire at the time, went 0-3-0 and were outscored 14-0.

This team opened with a stunning draw of Portugal and then rallied past Uzbekistan for a 3-1 victory in their group-stage finale to advance.

While he’s certainly not of Kane’s prominence, DR Congo have their own prolific scorer in Yoane Wissa. He scored the country’s first World Cup goal versus Portugal and added two of their three second-half goals against Uzbekistan to amass three of their four scores during group play.

“We need to enjoy this kind of game,” Wissa told reporters this week. “We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.”

It’s unlikely England needed a reminder about the dangers of facing a seemingly overmatched team. But if they did, that’s just what Germany’s loss to Paraguay provided Monday.

That motivates Tuchel not to look ahead — even if some outside the team are — to a potential round of 16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City.

“If we get carried away and start talking and thinking about possible round of 16, we will just get punished,” Tuchel said when asked about the subject. “… We have a difficult, difficult match coming up in four days. I understand your question and would love to talk about it, but no, we need to stay focused. There is only one match in four days. It’s not Mexico, it’s not in Mexico, it’s in Atlanta and we need to be ready for that.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Heavily #favored #England #expect #Congos #knockout #debut

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June 30, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; England’s Harry Kane and Ivan Toney during training. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The end result of England finishing atop their World Cup group was not a surprise.

The process, though, left something to be desired.

England look to carry over how they finished the group stage when their pursuit of their first World Cup title in 60 years ramps up in the knockout stage. Their journey starts Wednesday in Atlanta against a team at the opposite end of the experience spectrum in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Three Lions finished atop Group L after going unbeaten in group play for the fifth time in their last seven World Cup appearances.

But after England scored four times in their opener vs. Croatia, they were held scoreless for more than 150 minutes across their final two matches before scoring twice in the final 30 minutes versus Panama to win the group at seven points.

“We know what we need to get better and we will get better,” England manager Thomas Tuchel said after the Panama win. “There’s no problem in putting the work in and growing into a tournament like this with difficult opponents to overcome. It is important now we keep believing, keep focusing on what we can influence.”

The saving grace for England has been veteran forward Harry Kane, who scored three of their six group-stage goals and became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer when he delivered the 11th of his career versus Panama to pass Gary Lineker.

The Three Lions, though, will be depleted in the back for their knockout opener. Right back Reece James, who sustained a hamstring injury versus Ghana, and his replacement, Jarell Quansah, who twisted his ankle in the Panama match, did not practice on Tuesday and were ruled out for the round of 32.

While England have qualified for 11 of the last 12 World Cups and reached the knockouts seven of the last eight times, DR Congo are playing in their first knockout match as part of their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

That 1974 team, playing for a country known as Zaire at the time, went 0-3-0 and were outscored 14-0.

This team opened with a stunning draw of Portugal and then rallied past Uzbekistan for a 3-1 victory in their group-stage finale to advance.

While he’s certainly not of Kane’s prominence, DR Congo have their own prolific scorer in Yoane Wissa. He scored the country’s first World Cup goal versus Portugal and added two of their three second-half goals against Uzbekistan to amass three of their four scores during group play.

“We need to enjoy this kind of game,” Wissa told reporters this week. “We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.”

It’s unlikely England needed a reminder about the dangers of facing a seemingly overmatched team. But if they did, that’s just what Germany’s loss to Paraguay provided Monday.

That motivates Tuchel not to look ahead — even if some outside the team are — to a potential round of 16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City.

“If we get carried away and start talking and thinking about possible round of 16, we will just get punished,” Tuchel said when asked about the subject. “… We have a difficult, difficult match coming up in four days. I understand your question and would love to talk about it, but no, we need to stay focused. There is only one match in four days. It’s not Mexico, it’s not in Mexico, it’s in Atlanta and we need to be ready for that.”

–Field Level Media

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The Commonwealth Games (CWG) have traditionally been one of India’s most productive multi-sport events, with the country consistently returning home with a healthy medal haul. But at Glasgow 2026, India’s prospects have taken a hit after several sports, including badminton, were dropped from the programme, with organisers holding cost management responsible for the trim.

The decision, understandably, has not gone down well within India’s badminton community, with chief national coach P. Gopichand among those disappointed.

“Commonwealth was an important event and badminton not being there in Glasgow was quite shocking. It’s done and dusted for this edition, but we are hoping that in our edition in Ahmedabad, we would have badminton featuring back again. Indian players are stronger than ever, so we do expect some medals from the event as well,” he said in an interaction organised by Sports Authority of India.

“From an athlete’s perspective, Asian Games are tough for some events, but also there are some where the participation of countries like Australia, England and Jamaica makes the Commonwealth Games make its standards higher than Asian Games.”

The Commonwealth Games is not the only area where badminton has seen change. The sport has also introduced proposals that have split opinion, including a new scoring system and trials involving synthetic shuttlecocks.

“What’s the point of complaining when it’s done? That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t spoken against it,” he quipped. “For me, the sport has been very, very exciting in the last few years. We have tournaments filled with crowds. The calendar is packed with tournaments, and there was no need for us to mess with the system,” Gopichand said, talking about the new 3×15 scoring system replacing the traditional 21-point format.

The 52-year-old was, however, more receptive to the prospect of synthetic shuttlecocks, citing the need to make the sport more sustainable.

Gopichand also weighed in on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s remarks about the lack of recognition for badminton players after India’s bronze medal-winning team returned home to a subdued reception. Satwik’s comments sparked debate, prompting him to later clarify that he was not asking for “money or grand parades” but simply urging people “to celebrate every win, big or small” across all sports.

“In a lot of ways, I endorse what Satwik said. It’s unfortunate that one of the best players the country has ever produced feels that way, especially in doubles. We’ve never had anybody reach anywhere close to where they have reached. What he said is genuine. To have them win something big and then not get the recognition which they feel they should is unfortunate,” he said.

“That said, I genuinely would love to see badminton and other sports being recognized more. But unfortunately, ground realities are that it doesn’t happen. Everybody should lend a hand to ensure that these players’ performances are portrayed better and the visibility is more, so that it is not just fans watching them but also the younger kids taking them as role models and we produce better players for the future.”

(Watch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games live only Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.)

Published on Jul 19, 2026

#Gopichand #badmintons #Commonwealth #Games #Snub #SatwikChirags #call #recognition #format #facing #sport">Gopichand on badminton’s Commonwealth Games 2026 Snub, Satwik-Chirag’s call for recognition and format changes facing sport The Commonwealth Games (CWG) have traditionally been one of India’s most productive multi-sport events, with the country consistently returning home with a healthy medal haul. But at Glasgow 2026, India’s prospects have taken a hit after several sports, including badminton, were dropped from the programme, with organisers holding cost management responsible for the trim.The decision, understandably, has not gone down well within India’s badminton community, with chief national coach P. Gopichand among those disappointed.“Commonwealth was an important event and badminton not being there in Glasgow was quite shocking. It’s done and dusted for this edition, but we are hoping that in our edition in Ahmedabad, we would have badminton featuring back again. Indian players are stronger than ever, so we do expect some medals from the event as well,” he said in an interaction organised by Sports Authority of India.“From an athlete’s perspective, Asian Games are tough for some events, but also there are some where the participation of countries like Australia, England and Jamaica makes the Commonwealth Games make its standards higher than Asian Games.”The Commonwealth Games is not the only area where badminton has seen change. The sport has also introduced proposals that have split opinion, including a new scoring system and trials involving synthetic shuttlecocks.“What’s the point of complaining when it’s done? That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t spoken against it,” he quipped. “For me, the sport has been very, very exciting in the last few years. We have tournaments filled with crowds. The calendar is packed with tournaments, and there was no need for us to mess with the system,” Gopichand said, talking about the new 3×15 scoring system replacing the traditional 21-point format.The 52-year-old was, however, more receptive to the prospect of synthetic shuttlecocks, citing the need to make the sport more sustainable.Gopichand also weighed in on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s remarks about the lack of recognition for badminton players after India’s bronze medal-winning team returned home to a subdued reception. Satwik’s comments sparked debate, prompting him to later clarify that he was not asking for “money or grand parades” but simply urging people “to celebrate every win, big or small” across all sports.“In a lot of ways, I endorse what Satwik said. It’s unfortunate that one of the best players the country has ever produced feels that way, especially in doubles. We’ve never had anybody reach anywhere close to where they have reached. What he said is genuine. To have them win something big and then not get the recognition which they feel they should is unfortunate,” he said.“That said, I genuinely would love to see badminton and other sports being recognized more. But unfortunately, ground realities are that it doesn’t happen. Everybody should lend a hand to ensure that these players’ performances are portrayed better and the visibility is more, so that it is not just fans watching them but also the younger kids taking them as role models and we produce better players for the future.”(Watch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games live only Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.)Published on Jul 19, 2026 #Gopichand #badmintons #Commonwealth #Games #Snub #SatwikChirags #call #recognition #format #facing #sport

Deadspin | Banged-up Liberty hope to stop the bleeding vs. Sky Jul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs. New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night. The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol. In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury. In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career. Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season. Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look. “It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.” While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference. The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played. Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state. However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury. One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team. Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds. Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score. “I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #SkyJul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs.

New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night.

The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol.

In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury.

In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career.

Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season.

Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look.

“It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.”


While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference.

The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played.

Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state.

However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury.

One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team.

Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds.

Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score.

“I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #Sky">Deadspin | Banged-up Liberty hope to stop the bleeding vs. Sky Jul 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) dribbles the ball up court against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images It’s almost unthinkable, but it’s true. The New York Liberty — WNBA champions in 2024 and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup champs — are in danger of missing the league’s eight-team playoffs. New York is 14-12 and a half-game above eighth place. The Liberty have lost eight of their past 11 games as they prepare to host the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night. The Liberty have two former league MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Stewart, Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are multiple-time All-Stars. However, Ionescu has missed 12 games due to injuries, and Sabally has been out since June 23 due to concussion protocol. In addition, key starter Leonie Fiebich has not played since July 3 due to a foot injury, and guard Marine Johannes is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an ankle injury. In New York’s most recent game, a 99-98 overtime win at Dallas on Monday, the Liberty turned to seldom-used rookie guard Marine Fauthoux, who scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was easily the best performance of her five-game WNBA career. Fauthoux, New York’s third-round pick in 2021, is a 25-year-old from France who signed a developmental contract for this season. Now, due to the injuries, she’s getting a look. “It was hard to watch other people play,” Fauthoux told the New York Post. “But I was sure my time would come.” While New York is seventh in the standings, Chicago (9-17) sits in 12th place. The Sky are just 4-10 on the road and 1-8 in the Eastern Conference. The Sky have faced the Liberty just once this season, losing 96-95 in Chicago on June 17. With just 10 seconds left in that game, Ionescu hit the winning layup with her left hand. That was New York’s eighth straight win at that time, and Sabally, Fiebich and Johannes all played. Perhaps the Sky will be able to take advantage of New York’s weakened state. However, Chicago’s Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star who scored 19 points in that previous Liberty game, hasn’t played since July 3 due to a knee injury. One of the Sky players to watch is former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, who averages 9.8 points and 4.5 assists and should have added motivation against her old team. Kamilla Cardoso could give the Liberty trouble due to her 6-foot-7 frame. She’s averaging 14.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds. Rookies Sydney Taylor (13.5 ppg) and Gabriela Jaquez (8.5 ppg) can both get hot and score. “I’m always confident in my shooting,” Taylor said in a recent press conference, “and that’s regardless if I go 8-for-8 or 0-for-8.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bangedup #Liberty #hope #stop #bleeding #Sky

The draft class’s top picks — Azzi Fudd (No. 2), Olivia Miles (No. 2) and Awa Fam (No. 3) have all excelled, but there have been a few surprise players in the mix for top performers, too.

Here’s where things stand entering the midpoint of the season.

1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Olivia Miles has been a revelation. The No. 2 overall pick is a legitimate MVP candidate, and she’s the biggest reason why the Lynx have been as good as they’ve been this season. Miles is averaging 19.6 points on 50.1% shooting, including 36.2% from three. She’s also tallying 6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, while powering the Lynx to the league’s best record. She’s the only player in WNBA history to hit all three marks (19.6 points, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds) in a single season.

2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings

Because Azzi Fudd was drafted before Olivia Miles, her own success has been a bit overshadowed by the Lynx’s point guard. But make no mistake about it: Fudd is having a terrific rookie season in Dallas, and she’s fit perfectly alongside former UConn backcourtmate Paige Bueckers. Fudd is averaging 13.5 points on 45.2% from the field and 38.8% from outside the arc, while establishing herself as one of Dallas’s top defenders.

3. Awa Fam, Seattle Storm

Awa Fam has been exceptional in her age-20 season. Fam shares the frontcourt with Dominique Malonga, and the two have formed a formidable pairing. Fam is averaging 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game (most among rookies). She’s also shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc on 4 attempts.

4. Sydney Taylor, Chicago Sky

Sydney Taylor has been a bright spot in what’s been an otherwise difficult Chicago Sky season. Taylor went undrafted, and somehow, she’s established herself as one of the best rookies in the class.

Taylor is the third-leading scorer among rookies — averaging 13.5 points per game on 45.2% shooting, while hitting 33.1% from beyond the arc. The most impressive part? She’s doing it in just 19.8 minutes per game.

5. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm

Flau’jae Johnson was selected 7th overall by the Golden State Valkyries, only to be traded on draft night for Marta Suarez, who was later cut. The Valkyries have had a great second season, but the Johnson trade could end up living in infamy. The former LSU star took a few weeks to find her rhythm, but she’s now the second-leading scorer among rookies and an integral part of the Storm’s young core. Johnson is averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. She erupted for 26 points on 7-for-11 field goals in a 105-102 loss to the Lynx on Monday.

#Olivia #Miles #top #WNBA #rookies #AllStar #break #ranked">Olivia Miles and the 5 top WNBA rookies at the All-Star break, ranked It’s just about time for the WNBA All-Star Weekend, and that also means it’s time to rank the best-performing WNBA rookies so far.The draft class’s top picks — Azzi Fudd (No. 2), Olivia Miles (No. 2) and Awa Fam (No. 3) have all excelled, but there have been a few surprise players in the mix for top performers, too.Here’s where things stand entering the midpoint of the season.1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota LynxOlivia Miles has been a revelation. The No. 2 overall pick is a legitimate MVP candidate, and she’s the biggest reason why the Lynx have been as good as they’ve been this season. Miles is averaging 19.6 points on 50.1% shooting, including 36.2% from three. She’s also tallying 6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, while powering the Lynx to the league’s best record. She’s the only player in WNBA history to hit all three marks (19.6 points, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds) in a single season.2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas WingsBecause Azzi Fudd was drafted before Olivia Miles, her own success has been a bit overshadowed by the Lynx’s point guard. But make no mistake about it: Fudd is having a terrific rookie season in Dallas, and she’s fit perfectly alongside former UConn backcourtmate Paige Bueckers. Fudd is averaging 13.5 points on 45.2% from the field and 38.8% from outside the arc, while establishing herself as one of Dallas’s top defenders.3. Awa Fam, Seattle StormAwa Fam has been exceptional in her age-20 season. Fam shares the frontcourt with Dominique Malonga, and the two have formed a formidable pairing. Fam is averaging 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game (most among rookies). She’s also shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc on 4 attempts.4. Sydney Taylor, Chicago SkySydney Taylor has been a bright spot in what’s been an otherwise difficult Chicago Sky season. Taylor went undrafted, and somehow, she’s established herself as one of the best rookies in the class.Taylor is the third-leading scorer among rookies — averaging 13.5 points per game on 45.2% shooting, while hitting 33.1% from beyond the arc. The most impressive part? She’s doing it in just 19.8 minutes per game.5. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle StormFlau’jae Johnson was selected 7th overall by the Golden State Valkyries, only to be traded on draft night for Marta Suarez, who was later cut. The Valkyries have had a great second season, but the Johnson trade could end up living in infamy. The former LSU star took a few weeks to find her rhythm, but she’s now the second-leading scorer among rookies and an integral part of the Storm’s young core. Johnson is averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. She erupted for 26 points on 7-for-11 field goals in a 105-102 loss to the Lynx on Monday. #Olivia #Miles #top #WNBA #rookies #AllStar #break #ranked

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