WNBA Fast Break Classic | Run 4 | Day 9
Today’s Objective(s): 5 Three Pointers Made & 5 Offensive Rebounds
Recap & Overview:
Dallas Heating Up Behind Bueckers (Wings 98, Mercury 89)
The Wings came out blazing—literally. A 32-point first quarter set the foundation for a statement win over the Mercury, and at the center of it all was Paige Bueckers, who is the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors. Her 14 first-half points weren’t just numbers—they were tempo-setters, reminders of what she brings between the margins. For Dallas, this wasn’t just a win—it was proof of concept for the vision they’ve been chasing all season. What looked like an unlikely playoff year now appears to be feasible if they continue to play like they have as of late.
Lynx Flex on Both Ends, Mystics Left Searching (Lynx 92, Mystics 75)
There’s a quiet brutality to how Minnesota wins games, and this one was more in line with how they’ve played compared to how they played in their Commissioner’s Cup Final to Indiana. The Lynx imposed their blueprint—physical defense, crisp ball movement, and a no-frills dominance that starts with Napheesa Collier and trickles through the roster. Washington never found the counter, stuck reacting instead of dictating. Minnesota improves to 15–2 with a team that doesn’t scream for headlines but instead whispers something scarier: we’re just getting started.
Seattle Survives in a Game Measured by Inches (Storm 80, Dream 79)
One stop. One rotation. One cleaner look. That’s all that separated Seattle and Atlanta in a razor’s-edge 80–79 finish. The Dream led by four points with 51 seconds to go, but they would fail to score another point down the remainder of the game. Behind a three pointer by Erica Wheeler and a layup by Skylar Diggins with three seconds on the clock, the Storm would steal a win from Atlanta on their home court.
For Seattle, it’s a gritty road win that might not make headlines but will matter come playoff time. For Atlanta, it’s another close game they could have won, which may come back to haunt them at the end of the season.
Stewart Anchors Liberty in Wire-to-Wire Control (Liberty 89, Sparks 79)
This was Breanna Stewart playing conductor. Her 17 points and 14 rebounds were the spine of a Liberty performance that never wavered. New York found comfort in half-court patience, dictating pace with Sabrina Ionescu stretching L.A.’s defense wide and deep. The Sparks hung around but never truly threatened. This is Liberty basketball at its most composed: assertive, tactical, and always one step ahead. This win also snaps their two-game losing streak.
Fever Go Full Fortress, Shut Down Vegas (Fever 81, Aces 54)
No Caitlin Clark? No problem—and no mercy. Indiana’s defensive blueprint locked up the Aces in what felt like a coming-of-age moment. Aliyah Boston owned the interior, walling off drives and swallowing up second-chance looks. Vegas looked stunned by the pressure, forced into hurried decisions and contested shots. This wasn’t just a win—it was a culture checkpoint. The Fever held a title contender to 54 points. That’s not noise. That’s signal for what’s to come if they can continue their defensive dominance.
Fast Break Recap: Tight Margins, Tough Outcomes
As only 37% of collectors earned a win on Day 8, it the 4th day this run where less than 50% earned a win. Jackie Young had the highest utilization as she was included in 44% of lineups, but she could only deliver two field goals and one free throw (thanks to a stifling Fever defense). With her poor outing, she earned the Fast Break Dud of the Day award. Kahleah Copper, on the other hand, was leaned upon by 22% of lineups (5th highest) and contributed 10 field goals and 9 free throws, which accounted for 33% of the field goals objective and 90% of the free throw objective. With her stellar performance, she earned the Fast Break Star of the Day honors.
Two Matchups Featuring Title Contenders
Today’s schedule includes two games with interesting storylines.
Indiana’s suddenly intimidating defense continues to shine without Caitlin Clark. Can the Sparks overcome the challenge and pick up another win on the year against Indiana or will they drop their 14th game of the year?
Golden State and Minnesota are coming off blowout wins against their most recent opponents. Will Golden State continue to punch above their weight class or will Minnesota get back to their dominating ways?
With only two games on today’s slate and this being the 9th of 11 days this run, your lineup options are likely strained unless you have rare or legendary moments from key players. Regardless, there may be player options you can deploy so let’s get into the projections.
Today’s Objective(s):
WNBA Fast Break Day 9 requires five (5) players who will sink 5.0 or more Three Pointers and corral 5.0 or more Offensive Rebounds, which means each player will need to average 1.0 3PM & 1.0 OREB. As these two stats are infrequently correlated, you’ll have a handful of players who can get you both objectives or you can moneyball it and utilize specialists with the hope that they’ll deliver more than the bare minimum. There are only two games on today’s slate, so your lineup options are also limited.
Little of Both: Napheesa Collier, Kayla Thornton, Lexie Hull, Alanna Smith
Outside Snipers: Kelsey Mitchell, Kayla McBride, Kelsey Plum, Lexie Hull, Courtney Williams, Napheesa Collier, Kayla Thornton, Alanna Smith, Tiffany Hayes
(Offensive) Glass Crashers: Dearica Hamby, Aliyah Boston, Napheesa Collier, Azura Stevens, Natasha Howard, Temi Fagbenle, Jessica Shepard, Kayla Thornton, Alanna Smith, Monique Billings
Top Five (5) Players in Pro Lineups: T. Hayes (45%), A. Smith (40%), B. Carleton (38%), L. Hull (36%), S. Cunningham (32%)
Upcoming Fast Break Objectives:
Tomorrow’s Objective(s): 15.0 Assists minus Turnovers (3.0 AST-TO)
Objective Frequency (after today): AST-TO, FGA, FGM
Considerations:
Golden State & Minnesota have the most number of games this run (2)
All other teams have only one game remaining (aside for Washington)
Indiana & Los Angeles’s last game is on Day 9 this series (today)
Minnesota will play the last true back-to-back this run (Day 9 & 10)
The dreaded AST-TO makes its first appearance on Day 10 (tomorrow)
Statistical Approach:
Top players in projected Three Pointers Made & Offensive Rebounds according to Rotowire & WNBA.com, which is available in the table(s) below. Overall rank is based on daily projections and season averages, which is stack ranked amongst peers for each objective. When there is a single objective, the three data points are still used to stack rank the players vs. ranking solely on projections. For tome+ members, all active player stats are available in the provided data file. Omission of certain players would be based on injuries at the time of data pull.
Classic Run Rewards:
Daily Reward: Top 200
Milestone Reward: 3, 7, & 11 Wins
Run Reward: Top 250
Additional Links & Resources:
nbatopshot.com/fastbreak - set your lineup
Flowty.io - find/rent moments for your Fast Break roster
Tome+ Exclusive: Witty’s Player Targets Guide - players organized by Fast Break utility & rare/legendary prices
Tome Collective’s WNBA Fast Break Line-Up (Commons Only Challenge):
Many Fast Break participants do not have an extensive collection of rare or legendary moments, so they are limited to single use commons. Even with a limited lineup, participants have found a way to reach the maximum rewards. Follow along as the Tome Collective account participates in Fast Break without using any player more than once - in both our success and failures.
We survived Day 8 and still have a chance at the 7-win reward, but we’ll need to win the remaining three days to get there and none will be particularly easy.
Top Player Options for Fast Break:
The top players for today’s Fast Break objective(s). Source: Rotowire & WNBA.com, 2025.
Projected Three Pointers Made
Interested in daily sortable and filterable data tables with all players included (beyond the top 10)? Join Tome+
Projected Offensive Rebounds
Projected 3PM & OREB
WNBA Fast Break Grid
It's essential to consider the opponents, recent performance, and any injury updates before finalizing your Fast Break lineup. Additionally, staying up to date on the latest news and adjusting your roster accordingly will enhance your chances of earning a win today.
WNBA Key Dates:
July 17-21: WNBA All-Star Break
September 11: Regular Season Ends
September 14-October 17: WNBA Playoffs
Power Rankings (Week 6) & Notable Fast Break Players:
Minnesota stays number one, New York and Los Angeles fell a couple spots after a rough week, Golden State jumps Seattle after beating them by 20+, Washington leaps ahead of Indiana & Las Vegas, and Connecticut remains in the cellar.
Minnesota Lynx (14-2) | Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams | Previous: 1st
Phoenix Mercury (12-5) | Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas | Previous: 3rd
Atlanta Dream (11-6) | Rhyne Howard, Brittney Griner | Previous: 4th
New York Liberty (11-5) | Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu | Previous: 2nd
Golden State Valkyrie (9-7) | Tiffany Hayes, Julie Vanloo | Previous: 6th
Seattle Storm (10-7) | Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike | Previous: 5th
Washington Mystics (8-9) | Brittney Sykes, Kiki Iriafen | Previous: 9th
Las Vegas Aces (8-8) | A’ja Wilson, Jewell Loyd | Previous: 8th
Indiana Fever (8-8) | Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell | Previous: 7th
Chicago Sky (5-11) | Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso | Previous: 11th
Dallas Wings (5-13) | Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers | Previous: 12th
Los Angeles Sparks (5-12) | Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby | Previous: 10th
Connecticut Sun (2-15) | Tina Charles, Marina Mabrey | Previous: 13th
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