At the post-game press conference following the Phoenix Mercury\u2019s 86\u201381 win over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA semi-finals \u2014 advancing the Mercury to the sixth Finals in team history (winning in 2007, \u201909 and \u201914) \u2014 Lynx guard Kayla McBride was in tears. The Lynx headed into Sunday\u2019s game at a decided disadvantage. Star player Napheesa Collier was sidelined with a foot injury sustained in game three, and head coach Cheryl Reeve was serving a one-game suspension after being ejected from game three and criticizing the officiating.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou just want it for the people around you,\u201d said McBride. \u201cYou want it for the people that grind with you every single day \u2014 good days, bad days, bus rides, locker room. \u2026It\u2019s never about anything else but each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
One can only hope the powers-that-be pay careful attention to McBride\u2019s words when deciding what to offer the WNBA players in the collective bargaining. Talented athletes have sacrificed, shown up, and given their hearts and souls for the league for 29 seasons. Yes, the NBA and the investors are looking for a return, but at this moment of popularity for women\u2019s basketball, it is time to pay the players what they\u2019re worth.<\/p>\n
The extensive talent in this league was clear in the incredible play between the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever. Playing without its star, Caitlin Clark, and a whole bunch of other injured players, the Fever stepped up like it was 2015, when the franchise reached the finals, losing to the Lynx. On Tuesday evening, in one of the league\u2019s best-ever semifinal games, the Las Vegas Aces denied the Fever another trip to the finals. <\/p>\n
The Aces\u2019 A\u2019ja Wilson, putting herself with the best who have ever played the game, scored 35 points to carry the Aces to a 107-98 win. The Aces will be making their fourth finals appearance in the last six years. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series will begin tomorrow (8 p.m., ESPN) in Las Vegas. <\/p>\n
A\u2019ja Wilson of the Aces was named MVP for a record fourth time. Naz Hillmon of the Atlanta Dream received Sixth Player of the Year. Wilson and the Lynx\u2019s Alanna Smith are Co-Defensive Players of the Year. Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase was named Coach of the Year, a first for the coach of an expansion team. Dream general manager Dan Padover is the WNBA Basketball Executive of the Year. The Seattle Storm\u2019s Nneka Ogwumike has been named the recipient of the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, the first player in league history to win the award four times. Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is the Rookie of the Year.<\/p>\n
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