WNBA Fast Break Classic | Run 8 | Day 9
Today’s Objective(s): 5 Steals & 3 Blocks
Overview:
We are down to the final two days of this run and the dust is settling on the run-based standings. After yesterday, where only 27% of participants earned a win, the number of perfect records shrank from 45 to 32 collectors. Given the low success rate yesterday, the number of survivors is higher than you would expect. For everyone else, having at least five wins still gives you a window to earn the 7-win pack (if you haven’t crossed that threshold already).
If you have historical players in your collection, be sure to set your lineups before the 15 games begin. Don’t know who to start? Be sure to check today’s article for Day 3 of the historic Fast Break run.
WNBA Score(s): August 22nd
Lynx Outlast Fever in Physical Road Win (MIN 95, IND 90)
Minnesota held off a late Indiana rally to secure a win, improving to 29–7 and reinforcing their grip on the league’s top seed. The Lynx leaned on their depth and defensive rebounding to weather a strong push from the Fever, who dropped to 19–17. Despite missing key contributors, Indiana kept it close behind efficient scoring and transition play, but Minnesota’s late-game execution proved decisive. Minnesota had found success without Napheesa Collier, who is close to returning, but they’ve needed to grit out close wins during this stretch.
Storm Blow Past Wings in 35-Point Arlington Rout (SEA 95, DAL 60)
Seattle dominated Dallas, delivering one of their most complete performances of the season. The Storm shot efficiently and locked down defensively, holding the Wings to just 60 points and improving to 19–18. Dallas, now 9–28, struggled to find rhythm without key starters and couldn’t contain Seattle’s perimeter attack. The win keeps the Storm in the playoff hunt with momentum building.
Mercury Dominate Valkyries behind Alyssa Thomas’s 6th Triple-Double (PHO 81, GSV 72)
Phoenix edged Golden State in a game that featured Alyssa Thomas who had her 6th triple-double, which ties the single season record. Big contributions from Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and DeWanna Bonner had the Mercury rolling in Phoenix. Golden State put up a fight, but they were clearly outmatched throughout the game. The Mercury improved to 22–14, while Golden State fell to 18–18.
Recap: Day 8
Day 8 turned out to be a challenging one where we saw the second lowest win % of this run thus far. Satou Sabally, though, had a big contribution as she accumulated five free throws made & five rebounds, but Jessica Shepard had the most rebounds (11) to go along with her two free throws out of the top five most utilized players. Considering how free throws were the determining factor between a win or loss for the majority, Sabally is your Fast Break Star of the Day.
DeWanna Bonner was the only top five player without a single free throw made, but Aliyah Boston fell short in both categories. Depending on whom you had in your lineup, you could argue both deserved the Fast Break Dud of the Day award.
Today’s Matchups:
New York Liberty (22-14) @ Atlanta Dream (23-13) | 2:00PM ET | 6:00PM UTC
At Gateway Center Arena, the Atlanta Dream host the New York Liberty in a nationally televised Rivals Week clash on CBS. Atlanta enters as the favorite with a 63% win probability, riding a strong home record and the steady play of Allisha Gray and Brionna Jones. New York, still navigating Breanna Stewart’s absence, will lean on Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones to keep pace. With both teams battling for top-four seeding, expect a high-tempo matchup—but Atlanta’s defensive pressure and transition game give them the projected edge.
Las Vegas Aces (23-14) @ Washington Mystics (16-20) | 3:00PM ET | 7:00PM UTC
The Las Vegas Aces visit the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena, looking to stretch their four-game road win streak. Vegas is heavily favored with a 76.4% win probability, led by A’ja Wilson’s 24.4 points per game and Chelsea Gray’s steady distribution. Washington, coming off a loss to Connecticut, will rely on Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to spark an upset. The Mystics won the last meeting by two points, but with Vegas surging and Washington short-handed, the Aces are projected to take control early.
Connecticut Sun (8-27) @ Chicago Sky (9-26) | 4:00PM ET | 8:00PM UTC
At Wintrust Arena, the Chicago Sky host the Connecticut Sun in a battle of rebuilding squads. Chicago holds a slight edge with a 57.4% win probability, thanks to Kamilla Cardoso’s interior presence and Angel Reese’s rebounding. Connecticut, led by Tina Charles, continues to fight through offensive inconsistency. With both teams outside the playoff picture, expect a competitive but low-scoring affair—Chicago’s rebounding and home-court energy make them the projected winner.
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Today’s Objective(s): Day 9
You’ll need five (5) players who will accumulate 5.0 or more steals and block 3.0 or more attempts, which means each player will need to average 1.0 STL & 0.6 BLK. Between the two objectives, steals will be the more challenging but both have the ability to derail your day. There are some defensive-minded players who rack up both stats and there are specialists who thrive in one category or the other.
Whether you take the moneyball approach or utilize players who have the capability in both will be dependent upon your available players considering we’re on the second to last day of this run.
Top Player Options:
Little of Both: A'ja Wilson, Saniya Rivers, Emma Meesseman
Thieves: Ariel Atkins, Rhyne Howard, A'ja Wilson, Saniya Rivers, Emma Meesseman, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, Natasha Cloud
Shot Blockers: A'ja Wilson, Jonquel Jones, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Saniya Rivers, Emma Meesseman, Kamilla Cardoso, Brittney Griner, Shakira Austin, Emily Engstler, Elizabeth Williams
Top Five (5) Players in Pro Lineups: A. Atkins (72%) | C. Gray (59%) | O. Nelson-Ododa (37%) | R. Howard (30%) | A. Wilson (28%)
Upcoming Fast Break Objectives:
Objectives Remaining (tomorrow): 60 Points Scored & 20 Field Goals Made (12.0 PTS & 4.0 FGM)
Considerations:
Washington has two (2) games remaining
Nine (9) teams have one (1) game remaining
Los Angeles & Phoenix have no more games remaining for this run
Statistical Approach:
Top players in 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 12):
There is less than a month remaining in the WNBA regular season and things are getting spicy outside of the top spot where Minnesota has a stranglehold on the top seed.
Top Seed Locked: Minnesota is cruising toward the No. 1 seed and have six-game cushion ahead of the 2nd rank team
Home Court Jockeying: Atlanta, Phoenix, & New York continue battling for home court advantage in the playoffs, but Las Vegas is now in the picture due to a lengthy win streak
Middle Mayhem: Indiana, Golden State, Los Angeles, Washington, & Seattle are fighting for the three (3) remaining playoff spots
There’s Always Next Season: Dallas, Connecticut, & Chicago are parked in the lower end of the standings and aren’t escaping this season unless a miracle happens
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