380 WINS. FOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS. AND SHE'S NOT DONE.

Cheryl Reeve was recently inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. And now, she’s become the all time wins leader in the WNBA.

On July 8, the Minnesota Lynx were in Uncasville to take on the Connecticut Sun. The Lynx were shorthanded as they remain without Napheesa Collier and now rookie sensation Olivia Miles. In a close game, the Lynx withstood a late Sun rally to hold on and win, 86-80.

With the win, Reeve picked up her 380th regular season victory, surpassing Mike Thibault for the all time record in the WNBA. After joking on the broadcast that she was glad that this quest for the wins record is over, Reeve reflected on her journey as Lynx head coach.

"It feels like yesterday it was 2010 and we were trying to be a successful team," Reeve said. "It really starts to hit you when you really start to go through each year. I don't know -- you never dream it's going to happen. I set out to just try to take it day by day and win games.

"What I feel is an overwhelming sense of feeling blessed for all the people that let me be me, believed in what we were doing and found a way to be successful, no matter what."

Cheryl Reeve is one of the most important coaches in WNBA history. She helped lead its defining dynasty in the 2010s. In the 2020s, she rebuilt the team and got them back to championship contention. As she continues her legendary career, her presence will ensure the Minnesota Lynx remain one of the best organizations in the league.

Here’s what you need to know today:

🎧The Extra Possession:
The Wrong Target: International Players, Black Women, and the WNBA's Real Problem

🌟 Meet the All-Stars!
Some of the WNBA’s best will be heading to the Windy City.

🏀 Game of the Weekend
Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson return.

💰 Money Moves
A new documentary takes us behind the scenes of the WNBA.

🗓 Upcoming games
What’s on deck to begin the week.

📰 What we’re reading
Some great writing that’s come across our desks.

JOINING LIZ CAMBAGE AND LAUREN JACKSON IN RARE COMPANY

The WNBA All Star Game is fast approaching, and this year’s edition will feature some of the game’s greatest talent.

Prior to the Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty game on July 7, ESPN revealed the rosters for this year’s game. One player in particular is ready to take center stage for the first time.

Dominique Malonga is the third youngest All Star in WNBA history, joining Liz Cambage and Lauren Jackson as the only players to be All-Stars before turning 21.

On the latest edition of Tempestade Talk, Erica and Roberta F. Rodrigues discussed what Ezi and Jordan being back could spell for Seattle moving forward.

In just her second season in the league, Malonga is someone that is getting better by the day and fully connected to some of the best players in basketball history.

Even with her tremendous play, Malonga is still pushing herself to be even better.

“She holds herself accountable. She’s an extremely hard worker, and she just wants to be the best version of herself for the team,” Mackenzie Holmes said.

“I think she felt like if she didn’t play well, then she’s letting us down, but I think she’s just hard on herself, but I think that’s also like what makes her so great. So, I think it’s just a matter of keeping reminding her how special she is, how young she is, and, you know, the records she’s breaking are incredible, and just don’t let her forget that.”

The All-Star Game is a tremendous showcase opportunity for Dominique Malonga. With the eyes of the basketball world on Chicago, she will have a chance to showcase her talent against some of the game’s best players.

This will be the first of many All Star appearances for Malonga, and she promises to be one of the defining players in the WNBA going forward.

TWO OF THE WNBA'S BIGGEST STARS ARE RACING AGAINST THE INJURY CLOCK

Caitlin Clark is back, but she’s not at full strength quite yet.

Clark and the Indiana Fever have been managing a back injury all season, and she recently returned following a brief absence after the Alyssa Thomas flagrant foul controversy. In Clark’s return on July 8 against the Los Angeles Sparks, she only played 16 minutes and scored nine points on 4-12 shooting from the field with no free throw attempts.

Clark was on a minutes restriction and was trying to find her rhythm in Los Angeles. She didn’t succeed, but walked out of the game feeling healthy and she hopes she can use that as a building block going forward.

“It’s just really hard when you’re playing three minutes, (sub) out, three minutes, three minutes, then you’re on the bench,” Clark said.

“It’s really, really hard to get into a flow. For the most part, I got good looks, some of them went, some of them didn’t. I probably didn’t get to have a feel for the game as I usually do, like it’s just really, really hard for me to play in that scenario, but overall, my body feels great, so that’s the positive I can take from today.”

Clark didn’t play the second half of the Fever’s back-to-back against the Phoenix Mercury and will have some extra days of rest for this matchup against the Las Vegas Aces.

The Aces are welcoming back a 22 of their own in the form of A’ja Wilson. Wilson has been out since June 28 with an ankle injury. Wilson returned on July 9 against the Portland Fire and was dominant to the tune of 32/10/3/2/2 . There are questions as to if she’ll play back-to-back games, so we’ll see what her status is for this primetime matchup.

With A’ja Wilson back, some of the weaknesses in Vegas’ roster can be hidden. Wilson is the game’s greatest player and someone who has total control of the game. She can do everything on the court and as the Aces look to go back-to-back, her presence will help keep the dynasty going.

If the Fever want to win the WNBA championship, they need great play from Caitlin Clark. When she’s playing well, she’s one of basketball’s most electric players.

Her health has been a concern the past two seasons, and she will need an extended run of healthy play in order for the Fever to reach their championship aspirations.

A'JA WILSON, NAPHEESA COLLIER, AND DEWANNA BONNER GET AN ESPN DOCUMENTARY

Later this summer, ESPN will debut a new six-part documentary on the WNBA and three key players that define the league.

“Life In The W” will premiere on July 24 and follow A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and DeWanna Bonner throughout the 2025 season.

Over the course of the series, we expect to get extensive footage of their journeys and the highs and lows they went through in 2025.

“Basketball has been such a big part of my life, but it’s only one part of who I am,” DeWanna Bonner said. “This series shows the moments that matter most to me off the court too, especially the time I spend with my family. I’m grateful to share that side of my journey and give fans a look at what keeps me grounded throughout a long season.”

Being able to showcase your league in various mediums will go a long way in helping the WNBA grow. There are so many fascinating stories to tell in this league, and documentaries like this help people learn more about the players.

Hopefully more projects like this are coming down the line.

Here’s the schedule for the next few days

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in the women’s basketball community.

Here’s what we’re reading:

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