Check out the latest highlights from Catchings, Nolan, Smith, Pondexter and more.
TAMIKA CATCHINGS MAKES HISTORY
Indiana forward and potential MVP candidate Tamika Catchings receives her player of the week honors for the 11th time in her career and second time this season. Averaging 16.5 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, Catchings led her team in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals as Indiana posted a 2-0 record last week, maintaining the league’s best overall record.
On July 8, Catchings became the first player in league history to tally at least seven rebounds, assists and steals in an 86-70 victory over Chicago. Catchings posted 16 points, a career high of 11 assists and seven rebounds, seven steals and a block, one of her best games in her six year career.
Catchings is the only player in the league to be ranked in the top 10 in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots and leads the league in steals.
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NEW YORK TAKES DOWN DETROIT IN OT
New York forward Catherine Kraayeveld added 14 points and 5 assists in their 82-81 overtime win against Detroit on Friday. Despite trailing by six in the third quarter, New York stepped up their game to win their second road game.
Detroit guard Deanna Nolan had an incredible performance overall, with 21 points, six rebounds, eight assists and a 3 point shot that took Detroit into overtime. Cheryl Ford put up 22 points and 18 rebounds and Katie Smith had 19 points for Detroit as well but was unable to take the win from New York.
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DEANNA AND DETROIT BOUNCE BACK
Not only did Detroit score a league-record of 40 points in the third period of their 111-92 victory over Phoenix, but six players scored in double figures, including super stars Deanna Nolan, Katie Smith, Ivory Latta and Shannon Johnson. Three players also had at least 10 rebounds, as Detroit, out rebounded, out hustled and out scored the Phoenix squad.
Coming back from a two point deficit in the first half, Detroit pushed their game to the limit, breaking a league record with 72 points in the second half to take the win.
Make sure to catch Detroit power players Deanna Nolan and Cheryl Ford this Sunday at 3:30PM ET as they start for the East in this year’s midseason classic.
Listen to the Deanna Nolan live Q&A on HOOPSTALK
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PONDEXTER CLINCHES VICTORY IN DOUBLE OT
To top off Cappie Pondexter’s 22 points, she hit a 14-foot shot with 2.1 seconds left in the second overtime to take Phoenix to a 111-109 victory over Connecticut. Diana Taurasi also added 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for Phoenix, who won their fourth game in a row.
Asjha Jones and Nykesha Sales each scored 22 points to lead Connecticut, who led by 14 in the first half. Katie Douglas put up 17 points and Lindsay Whalen had 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists for Connecticut.
