Just a couple of weeks after the WNBA draft, the athletes were on the court. The WNBA opened their 25th season this weekend and it did not disappoint. The weekend started with the news that one of the game’s best was walking away and taking on a new role. There were crazy game-winners and some new bling was given out.
Seimone Augustus Retires from the Court
In a shocking announcement, four-time WNBA champion Seimone Augustus announced that she was retiring from basketball, well not entirely. While she won’t be playing anymore, Augustus will be coaching. The fifteen-year veteran will join the Los Angeles Sparks coaching staff for the remainder of the season. Sparks general manager and head coach Derek Fisher told ESPN this about the newest addition to his coaching staff,
“Seimone Augustus is one of the greatest basketball players to ever step foot on a court. Her impact as a pioneer in our sport can be seen through all the players and people she’s impacted in this game. It’s been an amazing honor to work with her over the past year and we’re excited to add all of her wisdom to our coaching staff.”
Augustus spent her first fourteen seasons in Minnesota after being drafted first overall by the Lynx. In her only season with the Sparks, she averaged just under six points per game.
Sabrina’s Game Winner
Rocking the Hall of Fame Kobe 5’s, Sabrina Ionescu stepped back on the court after missing all but three games last season. After the game, Ionescu said that she dreamed about hitting a game-winning shot the night before the season opened. She said she was ready for the moment.
The Liberty have won their first three games of the season with Ionescu averaging over 18 points per game. Ionescu wasn’t the only player to hit an impressive game-winning shot. The legendary Diana Taurasi did what she does best, sink big shots. It wasn’t a great shooting performance from Taurasi, who went 3 for 13, but she did hit the shot that mattered most. The Mercury start the season 1-2.
Seattle’s Big Three Cruises to Win over Las Vegas
The reigning champions showed they didn’t lose a step in a dominating win over the Aces. After sweeping Las Vegas in the Finals, Seattle showed out in their first game of the season. Despite losing Natasha Howard and Alysha Clark, Seattle looked as elite as last season. After receiving their championship rings, Breanna Stewart, Jewell Lloyd, and Sue Bird went to work. Stewart is still the best player in the league, contributing 28 points and 13 rebounds. Seattle handed Las Vegas a 97-83 defeat. The team was up by 19 points at one point in the game. It’s an incredible way to start the season for Seattle, but that’s all it is. There are a lot of really good teams looking at Seattle.
There is good news for Las Vegas, Liz Cambage is back with the team after choosing to sit out last season. The Aces two stars, Cambage and reigning MVP A’ja Wilson finished with 16 and 24 points respectfully.
