Borlase's Dream starting to cook in Cup

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Atlanta Dream 82 def. Chicago Sky 75 (WNBA Commissioner's Cup)

Australian Opals guard Isobel Borlase made a brief contribution off the Atlanta Dream bench as Atlanta rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Chicago Sky 82-75 in a WNBA Commissioner's Cup clash.

Borlase scored four points in 10 minutes, shooting 1-from-3 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line while adding one rebound. The 20-year-old Australian was one of six Atlanta reserves to see court time as the Dream improved to 8-3 on the season.

Atlanta's starting group carried the load, with Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese all scoring 17 points. Reese added a dominant 17 rebounds and four assists, while Howard contributed five assists and three steals in the win.

Brionna Jones did not play for Atlanta because of a right knee injury.

Atlanta trailed 42-39 at halftime before taking control with a 25-17 fourth quarter. The Dream shot 44% from the field and dominated the glass 36-25, led by Reese's 17-board performance.

Chicago was paced by Natasha Cloud's 18 points and Skylar Diggins' 17 points, while Kamilla Cardoso added 13 points, five assists and four blocks. The Sky shot an efficient 53% from three-point range but were hurt by 15 turnovers and a significant rebounding deficit.

Atlanta's balanced offence featured five starters scoring 14 points or more, helping the Dream overcome a cold 5-from-26 shooting night from beyond the arc to secure an important Commissioner's Cup victory on the road.

🇦🇺 Australians

Isobel Borlase (Dream) – 4 points, 1 rebound, 10 minutes

Minnesota Lynx 100 def. Dallas Wings 76

Australian Opals  forward Alanna Smith was held scoreless as the Dallas Wings were overpowered by the Minnesota Lynx 100-76 in WNBA action on Wednesday (AEST).

Smith played nine minutes off the Dallas bench, finishing with two rebounds, one assist, two steals and one turnover while going 0-from-2 from the field. The Australian veteran provided defensive energy but struggled to make an offensive impact as the Lynx controlled the game.

Paige Bueckers led Dallas with 23 points and three made triples, while Arike Ogunbowale added 16 points and six assists. The Wings remained competitive through the opening half before Minnesota pulled away after the break.

Smith's two steals were tied for the second-most on the Wings despite her limited court time, highlighting her defensive influence even in a difficult night for Dallas.

Minnesota shot 54% from the field and placed five starters in double figures, led by Olivia Miles with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Kayla McBride added 22 points on 4-from-6 shooting from three-point range, while Natasha Howard contributed 21 points.

The Lynx dominated the paint and the glass, out-rebounding Dallas 41-31 and shooting 50% from beyond the arc. Minnesota's starters combined for 89 points as the league leaders improved to 10-2 on the season.

Dallas shot just 38% from the field and 29% from three, with only Bueckers and Ogunbowale reaching double figures among the starters. The Wings fell to 7-4 despite a perfect 10-of-10 performance from the free throw line.

🇦🇺 Australians

Alanna Smith (Wings) – 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 9 minutes (0-from-2 FG)

Golden State Valkyries 87 def. Phoenix Mercury 81

Veteran Sami Whitcomb remained sidelined with a left knee injury as the Phoenix Mercury fell 87-81 to the Golden State Valkyries on the road.

Whitcomb did not suit up for Phoenix, continuing her absence from the Mercury lineup. Australian development player Miela Sowah was also unavailable for Golden State and did not feature for the Valkyries.

Without Whitcomb's perimeter shooting and experience, Phoenix relied heavily on Alyssa Thomas and Monique Akoa Makani. Thomas finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, while Akoa Makani added 19 points on 7-from-11 shooting.

The loss dropped Phoenix to 4-9 on the season, while Golden State improved to 7-5 and strengthened its position in the playoff race.

Golden State used a dominant second quarter to build a 17-point halftime lead before holding off a Phoenix comeback. The Mercury exploded for 29 third-quarter points to cut the margin but could not complete the rally.

Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton led the Valkyries with 25 points apiece. Burton added eight assists, while Williams shot 9-from-19 from the field and knocked down three triples. Janelle Salaun contributed 11 points and five rebounds off the bench.

Phoenix shot a solid 46% from the field and received 10 points from Noemie Brochant, but the Mercury left valuable points at the free throw line, converting just 12-of-18 attempts. Golden State capitalised by going 23-of-28 from the stripe and forcing 12 Phoenix turnovers.

🇦🇺 Australians

Sami Whitcomb (Mercury) – Out injured (left knee)
Miela Sowah (Valkyries) – Did not suit up (development player)