Fever Fight Back After Double Injury Blow

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Fever Reload After Heartbreaking Injuries ❤️‍🩹

Two major backcourt injuries could’ve derailed the Fever’s playoff push—so they made a move. Indiana signed veteran guard Odyssey Sims to a hardship contract Sunday after Sydney Colson (torn left ACL) and Aari McDonald (broken bone in right foot) both suffered season-ending injuries last Thursday. (Yahoo Sports)

🎥 Watch Sims’ best highlights here

WHY IT MATTERS: The Fever were finding their rhythm, sitting 5th in the standings, before losing two key guards. Colson brought much-needed levity and championship experience, while McDonald delivered speed and toughness.

Sims, an 11-year vet and former All-Star, averaged 9.8 points and 3.5 assists over 11 games with the Sparks earlier this season—bringing much-needed experience and stability to Indiana’s backcourt.

2. Stewie Aiming for Birthday Return 🗽

Breanna Stewart could be back before the postseason. The Liberty star says she’s feeling better, is back working out on the court, and hopes to return by her August 27 birthday after being sidelined since July 26 with a bone bruise in her right knee. (ESPN)

🎧 Hear Stewie’s update in her own words

WHY IT MATTERS: The Liberty have championship ambitions, but getting Stewie back could be the difference between making a deep run and going back-to-back. They’ve lost both matchups to top-ranked Minnesota with Stewart out, including Sunday’s 83-71 defeat. They may need the two-time MVP to truly have a chance at taking down the Lynx.

3. Rookie Malonga’s Breakout at Just 19 👀

Rookie Dominique Malonga is showing why the Seattle Storm selected her as the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft. On Sunday, the teenager became the first rookie in franchise history—and only the 10th in WNBA history—to post back-to-back games with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. (Seattle Storm)

Off the bench in her last two games:

• Vs. Sparks: 20 points, 12 rebounds, 8/11 FG

• Vs. Aces: 22 points, 11 rebounds, 9/12 FG

🎥 Watch Malonga’s Sunday highlights

WHY IT MATTERS: Malonga is going to be a star in the WNBA. At just 19 years old—the youngest player in the league—the 6’6” rookie has come a long way since the start of the season. She’s looking more comfortable, playing above her age and experience, and has shot over 70% from the floor in back-to-back double-doubles.

So far, her incredible development has been overshadowed by the recent struggles of the Storm. They’ve lost five straight games and are in danger of falling out of playoff contention.