The Seattle Storm suffered a tough 85-82 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on a day when they honored all-time great Sue Bird with a statue outside the arena.

Noelle Quinn needs to address the Storm's waning defense and season-long rebounding struggles ahead of 2025 WNBA playoffs

Now, ESPN’s latest awards tracker lists Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm as the favorite for DPOY, overtaking Collier and Cloud. Williams, 28, has been a defensive constant for Seattle despite the team’s recent six-game losing streak. Highlights this season include: Steals Leader: 2.5 per game — the highest in the WNBA since 2013.

The Tempo are one of two new teams entering the WNBA next season, coming in alongside the Portland Fire. Toronto will play home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum, and previously said they also plan to stage some games in Montreal. The league will further grow with the additions of Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030).

The Storm have a rough road ahead to make the 2025 WNBA playoffs, and their off-court issues are threatening to derail that goal.

Howard’s scoring surge late in the third quarter helped Atlanta pull away. With 30 seconds left in the period, she hit three consecutive 3-pointers — the last coming with 3.9 seconds left — and then stole the inbounds pass to drain another 3 from the same spot, pushing the Dream’s lead to 68-54.

Fisticuffs took place on the court. A tense Wednesday night in the WNBA turned chaotic when a dust-up in the first half of the Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun game left three players walking to the locker room early. What began as a routine foul suddenly became the night’s biggest storyline.

WNBA Makes Post About Controversial Player Amid Calls for Suspension originally appeared on Athlon Sports.