WNBA Fast Break Classic | Run 6 | Day 9
Today’s Objective(s): 4 Steals & 4 Blocks
Overview:
After four days of high volume of wins followed by three days of high volume of losses, we flipped back to a day with a higher than 50% win rate. Although it wasn’t as high as the first four days, it far exceeded what we’ve experienced recently. There are also still nine collectors who remain perfect during this run and have two more games to go to take perfection to the brink.
WNBA Score(s):
Valkyries Grind Out Road Win Over Dream (GSV 77, ATL 75)
Golden State leaned into grit and got rewarded. The Valkyries pulled off a narrow 77–75 win in College Park, outlasting Atlanta in a game defined by defensive stops and late-game poise. Tiffany Hayes led the way with minutes played (32:21) and Veronica Burton led the charge, but Golden State received a big contribution from Cecilia Zandalasini (18 points & 8 rebounds) who played for 29 minutes. The Dream had chances down the stretch but couldn’t convert, and Golden State’s perimeter defense held firm. For the Valkyries, it’s a road win that stabilizes their playoff push—and a reminder that toughness travels.
Mystics Light Up Sky in Offensive Showcase (103–86)
Washington came out firing and never let up. The Mystics dropped 103 points on Chicago, riding a balanced attack and transition tempo to a win that felt like a reset. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen sparked the offense early, while Brittney Sykes anchored the two-way effort. Angel Reese returned for the Sky after missing the past few games and contributed another double-double, but it wasn’t enough to put a dent in the Mystics lead that grew after each quarter. For Washington, it’s a win that keeps their postseason pulse alive—and showcases the depth that’s quietly emerging.
Aces Dominate Early, Hold Off Sparks in Brink’s Return (89–74)
Las Vegas wasted no time. The Aces blitzed L.A. with a 31-point first quarter and never trailed, riding A’ja Wilson’s 23-point first half to a wire-to-wire win at Crypto.com Arena. Cameron Brink made her long-awaited return for the Sparks, hitting a three and grabbing boards off the bench (13:55 minutes played), but L.A. couldn’t recover from the early hole. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray orchestrated the offense with precision with the former achieving a triple-double. For Vegas, it’s a win that reasserts their rhythm—and a reminder that when Wilson’s rolling, they’re nearly untouchable.
Fast Break Recap: Day 8
Day 8 required assists & three pointers made. Although she was only utilized in 42% of lineups, Jackie Young was the 3rd highest overall. For those collectors, she delivered 11 assists (55% of the day’s objective) along with 2 three pointers made (40%). With her top tier performance, she earned the Fast Break Star of the Day.
On the other hand, you can take your pick between Julie Allemand or Veronica Burton for your Fast Break Dud of the Day, depending on who harmed you directly. Julie was utilized in 57% of lineups, but only had 3 assists and went 0-5 from outside the arc. Veronica was found in 36% of lineups and delivered 1 assist and two three pointers. Both brutal and likely contributed to some losses on the day.
Today’s Matchups:
Phoenix Mercury (16-9) vs Indiana Fever (14-12)
Tonight’s matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse carries emotional weight as DeWanna Bonner returns to Indiana after a brief stint with the Fever earlier this season. The heavily favored Mercury leans on its veteran core—Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper—to control tempo and exploit Indiana’s interior defense. Kelsey Mitchell, fresh off a 35-point explosion, remains the Fever’s offensive catalyst, but with Caitlin Clark still sidelined, Indiana’s upside is capped. Expect Phoenix to assert its playoff pedigree and edge out a surging Fever squad.
Atlanta Dream (15-11) vs Dallas Wings (8-19)
Dallas hosts Atlanta in a game that’s more about identity than standings. The Dream, slightly favored, bring cohesion and defensive grit, led by Allisha Gray and Brittney Griner. Dallas counters with Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington, who combined for 30 points in their last outing but continue to struggle against top-tier teams. With Rhyne Howard still out, Atlanta’s depth will be tested, but their ability to close tight games gives them a slight edge in what could be the night’s most unpredictable contest.
New York Liberty (17-8) vs Minnesota Lyn (22-5)
The Liberty and Lynx meet for the first time since their epic 2024 Finals series, and the stakes feel just as high. Minnesota, the clear favorite rides the momentum of Napheesa Collier’s dominant two-way play and a league-best 22–5 record. New York counters with Breanna Stewart (questionable) and Sabrina Ionescu, but recent road struggles and injury concerns make this a tough climb. With Minnesota’s defense ranked top in efficiency and the Target Center crowd behind them, the Lynx are projected to hold serve in a physical, playoff-style battle.
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Today’s Objective(s): Day 9
You’ll need five (5) players who will accumulate 4.0 or more steals and 4.0 or more blocks, which means each player will need to average 0.8 STL & 0.8 BLK.
Between these two objectives, blocks will be the one that determines whether you earn a win today or not. So long as you have four players who get you at least one steal and/or block, you’ll be in good shape…but that’s easier said than done. There are a handful of players who are projected to deliver in both categories, but your collection will determine whether today will be relatively easy or truly difficult. Luck also plays a factor…so good luck.
Top Player Options:
Little of Both: Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith, Natasha Mack, Breanna Stewart
Thieves: Jordin Canada, Sabrina Ionescu, Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Paige Bueckers, Alyssa Thomas, Natasha Cloud, Sophie Cunningham, Natasha Mack, Arike Ogunbowale
Shot Blockers: Alanna Smith, Napheesa Collier, Brittney Griner, Natasha Mack, Jonquel Jones, Aliyah Boston, Breanna Stewart
Top Five (5) Players in Pro Lineups: C. Gray (80%) | J. Allemand (51%) | K. Plum (43%) | J. Young (43%) | V. Burton (39%)
Upcoming Fast Break Objectives:
Objectives Remaining (after today): PTS
Next Objective (tomorrow): 60 Points Scored (12.0 PTS)
Considerations:
Eight (8) teams have one game (1) remaining
Chicago, Connecticut, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, & Seattle have no more games this series
Day 10 (tomorrow) only has two (2) teams in action
Statistical Approach:
Top players in projected steals & blocks 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, & 10 Wins
Run Reward: Top 250
Additional Links & Resources:
nbatopshot.com/fastbreak - set your lineup
Flowty.io - find/rent moments for your Fast Break roster
Top Player Options for Fast Break:
The top players for today’s Fast Break objective(s). Source: Rotowire & WNBA.com, 2025.
Projected Steals
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Projected Blocks
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Projected STL & BLK
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:
September 11: Regular Season Ends
September 14-October 17: WNBA Playoffs
Power Rankings (Week 9):
There are 44 games in a WNBA Season, so teams have anywhere between 17-20 games remaining. This means there are plenty of opportunities to make a run and rise in the rankings. Over the past week, the Sparks have gone 3-0 and 7-3 in their last 10 as they are making a push for one of the coveted playoff spots. Between 4th & 10th, there are only 4 games separating the bunch so every game will matter, but especially the head-to-heads. Chicago, Dallas, & Connecticut are the most likely to not make the cut, but they could have a stretch similar to what we’re seeing in L.A. They’re running out of time though.
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