{"id":205518,"date":"2026-07-27T12:12:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T16:12:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=205518"},"modified":"2026-07-27T12:19:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T16:19:42","slug":"wnba-title-contenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/27\/wnba-title-contenders\/","title":{"rendered":"Analyzing The 2026 WNBA Title Contenders and What They Need To Do As Trade Deadline Approaches"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The WNBA is heading into the stretch run of its 2026 season. While there are technically about two months remaining\u2014due to the FIBA World Cup\u2014every team has fewer than 18 games remaining.<\/p>\n<h2>Ranking The 2026 WNBA Title Contenders<\/h2>\n<p>The 2026 WNBA season has gotten off to a fantastic start. Several of the W&#8217;s stars have shown out, and the season has been super competitive with eight of the 15 teams posting a winning record. But who are the real contenders in the W this year, and what do they need to do with the trade deadline coming up this weekend (Aug. 28)?<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udea8 WNBA STANDINGS UPDATE \ud83d\udea8<\/p>\n<p>\u25aa\ufe0f The <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/minnesotalynx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@minnesotalynx<\/a> are holding strong to the No. 1 spot improving to 22-6 and maintaining a seven game win streak.<\/p>\n<p>\u25aa\ufe0f The <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/IndianaFever?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@IndianaFever<\/a> moved up to No. 5 after a dominant win against the Sun.<\/p>\n<p>\u25aa\ufe0f The <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PhoenixMercury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@PhoenixMercury<\/a> now sit at No. 12 after a nail\u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/83BboAMRwX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/83BboAMRwX<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 WNBA (@WNBA) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/WNBA\/status\/2081735592761561532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 27, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBd1RsUKkg\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3984px; aspect-ratio: 3984\/2656;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<h3>1. Minnesota Lynx<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Lynx won their last seven games to head into the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/17\/2026-wnba-all-star\/\" target=\"_self\">All-Star break<\/a> at a WNBA-best 22-6.\u00a0 The Lynx are certainly the best team in the W and have dominated the Western Conference, with their only conference setback coming against Las Vegas by three points.\u00a0 They are one of two teams ranked in the top five in offensive (third) and defensive rating (second). Plus, their +8.7 scoring margin is almost three points better than everyone else. Five of their six losses are against teams with a .500 record.<\/p>\n<p>Minnesota has accomplished all this without star <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/c\/collina01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Napheesa Collier<\/a>.\u00a0 Collier made<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/22\/2024-wnba-dpoy-debut\/\" target=\"_self\"> her debut on Wednesday,<\/a> producing a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double in the Lynx&#8217;s win over the Seattle Storm. Collier now anchors the Lynx defense and frontcourt along with all-star <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/h\/howarna01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Natasha Howard<\/a>. The Lynx have held their opponents to 75 points or less 11 times and are holding opponents to a league-low 42.1% from the field.<\/p>\n<p>Without Collier, the Lynx three-headed backcourt has led the way. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/mcbrika01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kayla McBride<\/a> has been balling out recently, averaging 25.2 points and four three-pointers while shooting 53.2% from the field and 49.3% from the 3-point line in July.\u00a0 Rookie <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/milesol01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Olivia Miles<\/a> has been outstanding, leading the Lynx for the season with 19.3 points and 5.9 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/w\/willico01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Courtney Williams<\/a> is having her best season since 2022, averaging 15.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists with shooting splits of 46.1\/38.0\/85.7.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Minnesota Miles popped off in Chicago \ud83e\uddbe<\/p>\n<p>Olivia Miles logged 11 PTS, 12 REB &amp; 8 AST to become the third rookie in WNBA History to record a double-double in an All-Star game! She joined Angel Reese (2024) and Kiki Iriafen (2025).<a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/WNBAAllStar2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#WNBAAllStar2026<\/a> | <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ATT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ATT<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/crmIoTgyUm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/crmIoTgyUm<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 WNBA (@WNBA) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/WNBA\/status\/2081753923392540750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 27, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Collier&#8217;s return remedies many of the Lynx&#8217;s potential issues, specifically related to depth. The Lynx now can go 9 or 10 deep. But one concern is that Miles may hit a wall, as she has been playing basketball almost straight through since last November.\u00a0 So, their biggest need at the trade deadline is to acquire a veteran guard who can defend on the perimeter and either bring shooting or secondary playmaking gravity.<\/p>\n<p>While the Lynx are second in 3-point shooting percentage at 37.9%, they are seventh in three-pointers made (8.5) and 13th in 3-point attempts (22.5).\u00a0 Defensively, the Lynx are allowing the most three-point attempts (27.8) and the fifth-most 3-pointers (8.9).<\/p>\n<h3>2. Las Vegas Aces<\/h3>\n<p>Las Vegas is looking for its eighth straight top-3 regular season finish. The Aces are elite offensively, led by perennial MVP candidate and 4-time regular season MVP <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/w\/wilsoa01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A&#8217;ja Wilson<\/a>, though they are vulnerable defensively against the league&#8217;s top offenses. The Aces, who have reached the 100-point mark nine times (9-0), are third in the W in scoring and efficiency. However, they are 0-3 when their opponents top the 100 mark and 8-7 against teams with a .500 record.<\/p>\n<p>Vegas is well-balanced and very deep with eight players averaging at least five points a game, including four in double-figures. The Aces are an excellent shooting team, leading the league in field goal percentage at 49% and fourth in 3-point percentage (35.5%). The Aces don&#8217;t get to the free throw line much and are only an average rebounding squad.<\/p>\n<p>Defensively, the Aces are average at best, though they are fantastic at protecting the rim. However, the Aces don&#8217;t force many turnovers and struggled guarding the 3-point line, allowing nine triples at 35.1%.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is that Vegas is getting healthy at the right time.\u00a0<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/e\/evansda02w\/gamelog\/2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Dana Evans<\/a>, who was a valuable member of the Aces bench last season, made her season debut on July 12. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/b\/bellki01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kierstan Bell<\/a> has been sidelined with a leg injury the past two weeks, though she is expected to return this week.<\/p>\n<p>The Aces &#8216; biggest need is a bench stabilizer.\u00a0 They need someone who can score points in bunches, like <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/20\/3-wnba-teams-carter\/\" target=\"_self\">Chennady Carter<\/a>, in limited minutes.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBna8H4Eve\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 8192px; aspect-ratio: 8192\/5464;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<h3>3. Golden State Valkyries<\/h3>\n<p>After being the biggest surprise in the W last season,\u00a0 becoming the first expansion team to make the playoffs, the Valkyries have once again surpassed expectations. Golden State owns the second-best record at 19-8, which puts them just five victories short of their total last year. The Valkyries saw their nine-game winning streak snapped in their last game before the All-Star break, falling 90-82 to the Washington Mystics.<\/p>\n<p>Golden State owns the WNBA&#8217;s top defense, allowing just 76.4 points a game \u2014 six fewer than the Lynx. The Valkyries are holding opponents to 42.3% from the field, the second-best mark in the league. They have done a solid job defending the three-point line, though opponents are making 34.5% of their attempts from the 3-point line, which is sixth best.\u00a0 Fouls are an issue for the Valkyries as well.<\/p>\n<p>Offensively, Golden State ranks in the bottom half of the league, including 12th in scoring at 81.2 points a contest. The Valkyries have been the lowest-scoring team in the league over the last 10 games (78.7), though they have stepped up their defense during this stretch, outscoring their opponents by 7.4 points a contest.<\/p>\n<p>Golden State ranks dead last in field goal percentage (41.9%), and part of the issue is shot selection, as 45.2% of their attempts come from beyond the arc. The Valkyries lead the league in 3-pointers (10.6) and 3-point attempts (30.5), though they are only shooting 34.5% from deep. They don&#8217;t get to the free-throw line and are only an average rebounding team.<\/p>\n<p>The Valkyries are a deep team. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/w\/williga01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gabby Williams<\/a>, known as an elite defender, is having a career season with 14.8 points and 1.8 triples. Meanwhile, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/s\/salauja01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Janelle Salaun<\/a> has developed into a legitmite 3-point threat with 2.5 treys on 6.3 attempts at a 39.4% clip.<\/p>\n<p>Defense will only carry the Valkyries so far. The Valkyries have the second-most 10-point wins, but they are just 14-8 against teams with a winning record.\u00a0 So, they need to upgrade their roster. They specifically need another two-way wing, backup center, and a late-shot clock creator.<\/p>\n<h3>4. New York Liberty<\/h3>\n<p>Injuries have played havoc on the Liberty in the first half as <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/i\/ionessa01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sabrina Ionescu<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/s\/sabalsa01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Satou Sabally<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/l\/laneybe01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Betnijah Laney-Hamilton<\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/f\/fiebile01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leonie Fiebich<\/a> have missed significant time. Sabally concussion) and Fiebich (foot) don&#8217;t have a specific timeline to return. Meanwhile, Marine Johannes has missed the last two games with an ankle injury.<\/p>\n<p>Despite all the injuries, New York is 15-12 on the season after winning two straight before the All-Star break and is led by 2026 All-Star selections <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/s\/stewabr01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Breanna Stewart<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/j\/jonesjo01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonquel Jones,<\/a> 2026 All-Star Game MVP. The Liberty, who have a +2.3 scoring margin, are 9-7 against teams with a .500+ record but only 3-4 in games decided by three or fewer points.\u00a0 Still, if healthy, the 22026 Commissioner&#8217;s Cup champion will be a problem in the postseason. The Liberty have used 13 different starting lineups already.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Built for the moment \ud83e\udd79<\/p>\n<p>Jonquel Jones talks on her love for the game after becoming the All-Star MVP, and she&#8217;s appreciative of it ALL!<a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/WNBAAllStar2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#WNBAAllStar2026<\/a> | <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ATT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ATT<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/fmUN9CbX0y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/fmUN9CbX0y<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 WNBA (@WNBA) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/WNBA\/status\/2081225848091213991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 26, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"a61405551f80e72f675225f083759bb9\" image-id=\"fwuQvgc0fng7\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 5034px; aspect-ratio: 5034\/3358;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<h3>5. Dallas Wings<\/h3>\n<p>Dallas is finally seeing the fruits of its rebuild. The Wings sit fourth in the W with a 18-9 record, which is one victory less than the previous two seasons combined, where they ended up picking first in both drafts.\u00a0 Led by <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/b\/bueckpa01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paige Bueckers<\/a> and sidekick <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/f\/fuddaz01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Azzi Fudd<\/a>, along with<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/s\/shepaje01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Jess Sheppard<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/o\/ogunbar01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Arike Ogunbowale,<\/a> the Wings entered the break winning seven of their last eight.<\/p>\n<p>The Wings shoot the ball well and are the WNBA&#8217;s top passing team, leading the league in both assists and fewest turnovers.\u00a0 They are also the W&#8217;s top defensive rebounding team, though are only average on the offensive glass.<\/p>\n<p>While the Wings rank fourth in offensive efficiency and sixth defensively &#8212; one of four teams along with the Lynx, Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty in the league ranked in the top six in both categories &#8212; they truly have issues on that end of the floor. Their opponents are shooting 46.6% from the field and 34.9% from the 3-point line.<\/p>\n<p>Dallas has shown that they can win games a variety of ways. But the Wings have struggled against the top echelon of the league, with eight of their setbacks coming against teams with a .500-plus record. For the Wings to be a true contender this year, and they are likely at least a year away from the moniker, they need to fix their defensive structure and add shooters to their frontcourt.<\/p>\n<p>The Wings&#8217; biggest need is a point-of-attack defender, as opposing guards get downhill at will. The Wings also could use a true floor general; while Bueckers can handle the duties and is a low-mistake decision-maker, she is much better off the ball. Plus, if they can acquire a lead guard, Fudd could come off the bench and stabilize the second unit.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Atlanta Dream<\/h3>\n<p>The Dream, coming off its best season in franchise history, has been shaky this year despite having one of the best starting lineups in the league with <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/r\/reesean01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Angel Reese<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/h\/howarrh01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rhyne Howard<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/c\/canadjo01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordin Canada<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/g\/grayal01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Allisha Gray<\/a>. The Dream, 9-8 against teams with a .500+ record, won three straight to close the first half but were still only 4-6 over their last 10.<\/p>\n<p>Atlanta ranks fourth in offensive rating but shoots poorly, and sixth defensively, though they rank last in defensive field goal percentage. The Dream do outstanding work on the glass, particularly on the offensive end, and get to the free throw line. However, they often get stagnant on the offensive end, relying on Howard or Gray to create. While the Dream struggle to protect the rim, they do create turnovers.<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/j\/jonesbr01w\/gamelog\/2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brionna Jones<\/a>, who dealt with a right knee injury for most of the first half, made her debut on July 17. Still, the Dream need to add floor spacers as teams pack the paint, making it difficult for Canada, Howard, and Gray to do what they do best. They also need to add a backup point guard.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"a61405551f80e72f675225f083759bb9\" image-id=\"fwuQeVx4duGu\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 5000px; aspect-ratio: 5000\/4532;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<h3>7. Indiana Fever<\/h3>\n<p>Indiana has come on strong of late. The Fever have won 10 of their last 15 to move into fifth place in the standings.<br \/>\n(17-10) and become a real title threat. The Fever are the league&#8217;s top offensive team, averaging 95.5 points a game &#8212; four more than any other squad. They are also one of the top teams shooting it from deep and guarding the three-point line.<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/mitchke01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kelsey Mitchell,<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/c\/clarkca02w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Caitlin Clark<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/b\/bostoal01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Aliyah Boston<\/a> lead the way and form a dynamic inside-outside trio. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/c\/cunniso01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sophie Cunningham<\/a> is one of the top sixth men in the W and is very efficient. The Fever are also the top rebounding team and get to the free throw line a lot.<\/p>\n<p>Like Dallas, the Fever have issues on the defensive end. The Fever are allowing nearly 90 points a game, with their opponents shooting 46.2% from the field and 33.8% from the 3-point line. They struggle protecting the rim and with fouling.<\/p>\n<p>The Fever could use a mobile 5 or defensive-oriented 4, as Boston is carrying too much of the defensive load, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/b\/billimo01w.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Monique Billings<\/a> has struggled on that end. The Fever also needs a point-of-attack defender.<\/p>\n<p><span>Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The WNBA is heading into the stretch run of its 2026 season. While there are technically about two months remaining\u2014due to the FIBA World Cup\u2014every team has fewer than 18 games remaining. Ranking The 2026 WNBA Title Contenders The 2026 WNBA season has gotten off to a fantastic start. Several of the W&#8217;s stars have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":206398,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,2,3,49709],"tags":[1631,2919,49936,3153,49063,49232,49787,3642,49629,50026,3859,3640,49658,2958,4153,3152],"class_list":["post-205518","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-featured","category-news","category-wnba","tag-aja-wilson","tag-aliyah-boston","tag-azzi-fudd","tag-breanna-stewart","tag-caitlin-clark","tag-dallas-wings","tag-golden-state-valkyries","tag-indiana-fever","tag-jonquel-jones","tag-kayla-mcbride","tag-las-vegas-aces","tag-minnesota-lynx","tag-napheesa-collier","tag-new-york-liberty","tag-paige-bueckers","tag-sabrina-ionescu"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=205518"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205518\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":206399,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205518\/revisions\/206399"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/206398"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=205518"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=205518"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=205518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}