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Your Day in Women’s Basketball, August 6: Chennedy Carter has arrived

By Spencer Nusbaum

PALMETTO, FLORIDA - JULY 29: Chennedy Carter #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles across the court during the first half of a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Feld Entertainment Center on July 29, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
PALMETTO, FLORIDA - JULY 29: Chennedy Carter #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles across the court during the first half of a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Feld Entertainment Center on July 29, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Chennedy Carter is showing out on and off the court

Atlanta guard Chennedy Carter is putting the Dream on her back.

Carter’s 26-point outburst wasn’t enough to carry Atlanta to victory against Phoenix, thanks in large part to the Dream’s perpetual turnover issues. But Carter proved once again that she has what it takes to be a star in this league.

On the court, Carter is exceeding everyone’s expectations (except maybe her own). The rookie has already gone tit-for-tat with Diana “rookie-killer” Taurasi, and is blossoming into a human highlight reel on the hardwood.

We would be remiss not to mention the work Carter has done off the court, too. Carter and the other Dream players wore “Vote Warnock” shirts Tuesday in support of Georgia Democratic senate candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock, who is running against Dream owner and incumbent senator Kelly Loeffler.

More from Atlanta Dream

Just a quick peek into Loeffler’s life, from her Twitter account to her political platform, to her position on Black Lives Matter, shows that she stands in opposition to nearly everything her players stand for. Warnock stands with the women.

“We definitely decided to wear [the shirts] because he supports Black Lives Matter,” Carter said. “He supports the league and the movement, and we support him.”

Chicago Sky players joined the Dream with “Vote Warnock” shirts.

The New York Liberty also advocated for social justice, with players and staff all donning “BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER” shirts.

“Seeing the staff wearing them especially united, especially the Black trans shirts, meant a lot to me,” Layshia Clarendon said. “It means a lot to me. So that was really nice to see. I wish we could have also gotten a win.”

Sky forward Cheyenne Parker is hot on Candace Parker’s heels in the race to be the best C. Parker in the league. Parker made a key stop down the stretch against the Wings on Tuesday, stripping the ball away from Satou Sabally to prevent a last-second shot opportunity.

It was a tough break for Dallas, who has developed a bit of a penchant for slow starts and comeback victories. When you have Arike Ogunbowale and Sabally you’re never really out of the game. If Cheyenne Parker is on the other side of the court, though, you may not be able to close the deal.

But Parker’s skill has manifested in more ways than just that one steal.

Cheyenne Parker is one of six(!) players averaging double-digit scoring figures for the Sky and is averaging career-high counting stats on career-high shooting splits… all with an increased workload. Her ascension is a big reason that 4-1 Chicago has moved onto the shortlist of serious title contenders.

It’s a make-or-miss league, but no team lives and dies by the three quite like the Seattle Storm. The Storm are 4-1 this season, with their lone loss coming in a 5-25 performance from deep against the Washington Mystics.

Seattle’s high-volume shooting philosophy forces players to push the pace and seek the extra pass, generating the types of open looks you would usually only see in a pre-game shootaround.

Moving forward, Seattle will rely on guard Sami Whitcomb to provide the scoring-playmaking role at the 1-spot that the Seattle offense necessitates.

The Next launched its debut podcast hosted by nine-year-old Pepper Persley, which is probably the best thing you’ll listen to all year. Listen to her hot takes on the WNBA and her top-tier interview with the Sky’s Diamond DeShields.

Wednesday’s Games

The Minnesota Lynx demolished the New York Liberty 92-66 on a breakout 25-point performance from Bridget Carleton.

The Las Vegas Aces beat the upstart Washington Mystics 83-77 as their defensive-minded frontcourt held Washington to a season-low point total.

The Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Indiana Fever 86-75 in the annual “Candace Parker is back” game.

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