WNBA Dimes
Hosted by Cookie
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: Daily WNBA news. Scores, highlights, and general news. Call it WNBA Dimes
Transcript
Welcome to Big Dill Sports! I’m Dillon, your host, and this is "WNBA Dimes," where we dive into all the thrilling action around the league. Let's jump into the heart-stopping games from July 8, 2025.
First up, the New York Liberty snapped back to form with an impressive victory over the Las Vegas Aces, 87-78. Sabrina Ionescu was on fire with 28 points, nearly snagging a triple double. Despite missing key starters, the Liberty's defense forced 18 Aces' turnovers and maintained their winning streak against Las Vegas. Coach Sandy Brondello highlighted the team’s defensive focus and their best rebound margin of the season, a testament to their resilience.
Meanwhile, in Phoenix, the Mercury blazed past the Dallas Wings, 102-72. Sami Whitcomb had a career night with 36 points, including a whopping seven 3-pointers. Her explosive performance fueled a massive third-quarter run. Alyssa Thomas orchestrated the offense beautifully, notching her 12th career triple-double. Despite JJ Quinerly's efforts for Dallas, the Wings couldn’t overcome their shooting woes.
In a nail-biter, the Washington Mystics edged the Chicago Sky, 81-79. Shakira Austin was clutch, sealing the win with crucial free throws in the dying seconds. Angel Reese continued her stellar form with 22 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Mystics nudge closer to a .500 record. Despite Elizabeth Williams' 20 points for Chicago, it wasn’t quite enough.
Now, onto our Player Spotlight. Sabrina Ionescu takes the spotlight today. Her commanding presence on the court in Brooklyn was a masterclass in leadership and skill. She was aggressive, drove hard, and controlled the game pace, living up to her role as a pivotal floor general.
And you know what time it is — it’s time to crown our big dill of the day! That honor goes to Sami Whitcomb. Undrafted back in 2010, her sensational night is a reminder of the depth and talent in the league. Her 36-point explosion is what makes her today’s big dill — a truly big deal.
Let's touch on some injury updates. A'ja Wilson’s right wrist injury is a concern for the Aces as they try to stop their slide. Phoenix, though missing All-Stars Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper, anticipates a boost with DeWanna Bonner joining soon.
Looking at the playoff picture, New York's victory solidifies their second-place hold in the East. The Mystics are inching closer to playoff contention, while Phoenix in the West shares the top spot with Minnesota. Dallas, still searching for consistency, struggles near the bottom.
As for what’s next, the Liberty take a breather until their Sunday face-off with Atlanta. Phoenix aims to sustain their scoring surge against Seattle, while Washington hosts the Aces in a bid for consecutive wins. Chicago hopes to adjust their game against Minnesota later this week. And remember, Indiana Fever fans, there's optimism in the air with Caitlin Clark soon returning to action.
That wraps up this episode of Big Dill Sports. Thanks for tuning in and catching all the vibes of the WNBA action. Until next time, keep the game alive!
## WNBA Dimes: July 8, 2025
### Overview
Tuesday’s slate of WNBA games showcased three tightly contested matchups alongside a dominant offensive outburst, underscoring the league’s balance of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Defending champion New York Liberty snapped their skid with a key win over the Las Vegas Aces, the Phoenix Mercury harnessed a historic scoring night to rout the Dallas Wings, and the Washington Mystics edged the Chicago Sky in a two-point standoff. These results carry significant implications for playoff positioning as the All-Star break approaches. ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/07/08/sports/sabrina-ionescus-big-night-carries-liberty-to-win-over-aces/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.ph](https://www.espn.ph/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401736232?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
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### Game Results
#### New York Liberty 87, Las Vegas Aces 78
Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty to victory in Brooklyn, posting 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in an all-around performance that ended New York’s recent lull and extended their winning streak over the Aces to six games ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/07/08/sports/sabrina-ionescus-big-night-carries-liberty-to-win-over-aces/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-aces-drop-back-and-forth-battle-to-new-york-87-78?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Missing starters Jonquel Jones, Natasha Cloud, and Isabelle Harrison, the Liberty leaned on precise perimeter shooting (9-for-19 from deep) and lockdown defense, forcing the Aces into 18 turnovers and recording five third-quarter steals that fueled a 22-18 frame ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/game?gameId=401736233&utm_source=chatgpt.com), [aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-aces-drop-back-and-forth-battle-to-new-york-87-78?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Despite 19 points from Jackie Young and 11 apiece from Chelsea Gray and NaLyssa Smith, Las Vegas couldn’t contain New York’s balanced attack or overcome A’ja Wilson’s early exit with a right wrist injury in the second quarter ([aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-aces-drop-back-and-forth-battle-to-new-york-87-78?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Head coach Sandy Brondello praised her team’s defensive focus, noting their best rebound margin of the season (+9) and the collective effort despite significant absences ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/07/08/sports/sabrina-ionescus-big-night-carries-liberty-to-win-over-aces/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-aces-drop-back-and-forth-battle-to-new-york-87-78?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
#### Phoenix Mercury 102, Dallas Wings 72
In Phoenix, veteran guard Sami Whitcomb exploded for a career-high 36 points—including seven made 3-pointers—and set the season’s half-scoring mark with 29 points before intermission ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/2025-wnba-power-rankings-week-8-storm-surge-lynx-rebound-from-commissioners-cup-loss?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/wnba/events/2446193/RECAP?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Her hot hand ignited a 16-0 third-quarter run that put the game out of reach, as the Mercury capitalized on 13 Wings turnovers and shot 50% from downtown ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/2025-wnba-power-rankings-week-8-storm-surge-lynx-rebound-from-commissioners-cup-loss?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.in](https://www.espn.in/wnba/game/_/gameId/401736231/wings-mercury?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Alyssa Thomas orchestrated Phoenix’s offense with her 12th career triple-double (15 pts, 10 reb, 15 ast), marking her third 15+ points and 15+ assists game in league history ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/2025-wnba-power-rankings-week-8-storm-surge-lynx-rebound-from-commissioners-cup-loss?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/wnba/events/2446193/RECAP?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Dallas was paced by rookie JJ Quinerly’s 18 points and five assists, but the Wings’ 36% shooting and defensive lapses proved too much to overcome ([wings.wnba.com](https://wings.wnba.com/news/game-recap-phoenix-mercury-102-dallas-wings-72?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/wnba/events/2446193/RECAP?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). The loss drops Dallas to 6-14, while Phoenix improves to a tie for second in the West at 13-6. ([espn.in](https://www.espn.in/wnba/game/_/gameId/401736231/wings-mercury?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/wnba/events/2446193/RECAP?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
#### Washington Mystics 81, Chicago Sky 79
In Fairfax, Shakira Austin delivered the game’s defining moments, converting a layup with 31.8 seconds left after missing two free throws and then sinking two more with 2.8 seconds remaining to seal the 81-79 win over the Sky ([espn.ph](https://www.espn.ph/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401736232?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/08/mystics-sky-angel-reese/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Angel Reese continued her historic sophomore campaign, posting 22 points and 15 rebounds—the sixth straight game with at least 15 boards—yet fouling late led to Washington’s clincher ([sky.wnba.com](https://sky.wnba.com/news/recap-sky-lose-79-81-to-mystics-to-close-out-four-game-road-stretch?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/08/mystics-sky-angel-reese/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Rookies Sonia Citron (13 pts) and Kiki Iriafen (11 pts, 10 reb) provided key support, combining for 24 points and 17 rebounds, while the Mystics bench outscored Chicago’s 22-11 ([bulletsforever.com](https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025/7/8/24463929/mystics-vs-sky-final-score-washington-comes-up-big-in-81-79-win?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [sky.wnba.com](https://sky.wnba.com/news/recap-sky-lose-79-81-to-mystics-to-close-out-four-game-road-stretch?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). For the Sky, Elizabeth Williams added 20 points and seven rebounds, and Rachel Banham drilled three late 3-pointers to keep Chicago within striking distance ([sky.wnba.com](https://sky.wnba.com/news/recap-sky-lose-79-81-to-mystics-to-close-out-four-game-road-stretch?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [talksport.com](https://talksport.com/basketball/3360187/angel-reese-chicago-sky-washington-mystics-caitlin-clark-fever/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Washington improves to 9-10, nudging closer to .500, as Chicago falls to 5-13. ([sky.wnba.com](https://sky.wnba.com/news/recap-sky-lose-79-81-to-mystics-to-close-out-four-game-road-stretch?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/08/mystics-sky-angel-reese/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
---
### Player Spotlights
- **Sabrina Ionescu**: Her near triple-double on a night without three starters showcased her growth as a floor general. Ionescu’s 28-point effort included a season-high nine free-throw attempts, emphasizing her aggressive drives and control of pace ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/07/08/sports/sabrina-ionescus-big-night-carries-liberty-to-win-over-aces/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-aces-drop-back-and-forth-battle-to-new-york-87-78?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Sami Whitcomb**: Undrafted in 2010, Whitcomb’s 36-point outburst (12-19 FG, 7-11 3PT) represented her career apex, with 29 points in a single half—a WNBA season high—illustrating Phoenix’s depth and her fitting return to title-contender form ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/2025-wnba-power-rankings-week-8-storm-surge-lynx-rebound-from-commissioners-cup-loss?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/wnba/events/2446193/RECAP?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Shakira Austin**: The 6'7" center’s clutch free throws underscored her maturing confidence, but her 15-point, eight-rebound, four-assist stat line also highlighted her two-way impact. Austin’s late-game resilience cements her as a cornerstone of Washington’s rebuild ([espn.ph](https://www.espn.ph/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401736232?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/07/08/mystics-sky-angel-reese/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
---
### Injury & Roster Notes
- **A’ja Wilson (Aces)** exited with a right wrist injury in the second quarter and did not return, a concern as Las Vegas seeks to arrest its five-game slide ([aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-aces-drop-back-and-forth-battle-to-new-york-87-78?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Phoenix Mercury** missed All-Star Satou Sabally (ankle) and Kahleah Copper (hamstring), yet benefited from veteran contributions and the anticipated arrival of free agent DeWanna Bonner in the coming days ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/2025-wnba-power-rankings-week-8-storm-surge-lynx-rebound-from-commissioners-cup-loss?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/wnba/events/2446193/RECAP?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Indiana Fever Preview**: Although off yesterday, Indiana practices optimism ahead of hosting the Golden State Valkyries on July 9. Veteran coach Stephanie White expects Caitlin Clark (groin) to return to form after missing five games, joining fellow All-Stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell to fortify the Fever’s home-court edge ([valkyries.wnba.com](https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/gameday-preview-20250709?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Indiana_Fever_season?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
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### Standings Impact
- **Eastern Conference**: New York’s win cements its hold on second place at 13-6, while Washington climbs to 9-10, inching closer to a .500 record and playoff consideration. Chicago remains mired in ninth at 5-13 ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/game?gameId=401736233&utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.ph](https://www.espn.ph/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401736232?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Western Conference**: Phoenix joins Minnesota atop the West at 13-6 after rebounding from a two-game skid, while Las Vegas drops to 9-10. Dallas lingers near the bottom at 6-14, still searching for consistency ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/2025-wnba-power-rankings-week-8-storm-surge-lynx-rebound-from-commissioners-cup-loss?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.in](https://www.espn.in/wnba/game/_/gameId/401736231/wings-mercury?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
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### What’s Next?
- **New York Liberty** rest until Sunday’s home tilt vs. Atlanta Dream, aiming to build momentum before All-Star weekend.
- **Phoenix Mercury** stay home to host the Seattle Storm on Thursday, seeking to sustain their offensive outburst.
- **Washington Mystics** welcome the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night, an opportunity for a confidence-boosting back-to-back victory.
- **Chicago Sky** return to action Friday against the Minnesota Lynx, hoping to rediscover a winning formula.
- **Indiana Fever** face the Golden State Valkyries Wednesday morning in a game that could reassert their rising status in the East. ([valkyries.wnba.com](https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/gameday-preview-20250709?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/sportscal-20652686.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
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