Kennedy Burke Shines in Victory Over Sparks
Kennedy Burke lit it up with four three-pointers in Thursday’s win against the Sparks. This marks the second time this season she’s hit four long shots in a game, contributing a total of 12 points during her fourth start.
This season, Burke’s shooting percentage from beyond the arc is an impressive 50.7%, the highest in the league for players who have attempted at least 50 three-point shots.
Burke’s performance has drawn attention, with Natasha Cloud even starting a campaign for her to participate in this year’s three-point shooting contest at the WNBA All-Star Weekend later this month.
Burke, when asked about the potential opportunity, appeared a bit bashful and remarked that she hadn’t really thought about it. “I don’t know,” she said. “To be honest, I just want to play. My focus is on being the best for my teammates and staying present in the moment.”
New Public Art Installation Celebrates WNBA Champions
A new public art installation honoring the 2024 WNBA champions was unveiled at the Barclays Center Plaza on Thursday. Titled “Portrait of Liberty: Monument to the 2024 Champion,” it was created by renowned artist Latoya Ruby Frazier and highlights the stories of ten players from last season’s championship team.
Each 3D frame features a 9-foot portrait of a player in a Liberty uniform on one side and an image with a family member on the other. Alongside these images, personal testimonies from loved ones add a touching perspective.
Frazier expressed a hope that the installation serves as a symbol of women’s leadership and sisterhood. “It’s about recognizing their full humanity and the challenges they’ve faced outside the arena,” she shared. “I want to deepen the connection between fans and the team.”
This endeavor is just the start of Liberty owner Clara U Tsai’s plans for more public art at the Barclays Center over the years.
All-Star Game Coaches Announced
Sandy Brondello and Cheryl Reeves have been appointed as head coaches for this month’s All-Star Game. Brondello will coach Team Nafisa Collier, while Reeves will lead Team Caitlyn Clark.
Notably, the Lynx are currently leading the league with a record of 15-2, while Freedom holds the second spot with a 12-5 win rate. Meanwhile, Mercury coach Nate Tibbets had been in line to join Reeves until the Wings defeated Phoenix on Thursday.
Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart will also be selecting starters this week, alongside Brondello.
The announcement for the All-Star Reserves is set for Sunday.
Expansion News for WNBA
On a different note, Cloud recently learned that Philadelphia will join Detroit and Cleveland in the WNBA’s future expansion plans. “I’ve always dreamt of having my hometown team genuinely invest in a WNBA team,” she said, emphasizing the importance of this development.
If Philadelphia begins play in 2030, Cloud will be 38. She acknowledges she might not still be playing, but is open to considering a role in the team’s front office if it arises.
