An update on the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup

The GIST: Every game matters when it comes to the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup with only the top team in each conference advancing to the June 30th final. And now that we’re officially halfway through group play, the true Cup contenders are beginning to emerge.

🏆 The top teams: Powered by Breanna Stewart’s 25.6 points per tourney game on average, the NY Liberty boast three Cup victories. Yes, the one-loss Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever both authored wins in the last two days, but the Eastern Conference feels like the Big Apple’s to lose.

• On the flip side, the Western Conference is shaping up to be a two-horse race between the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces. The Dallas Wings were knocking on the door too…until last night’s 100–76 shellacking at the hands of the juggernaut Lynx.

🍿 Tournament games continue all week, but two are must-watch:

• 🗽 NY Liberty vs. 💤 Atlanta Dream — Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET: Having already handled the Fever in Cup play, a Liberty win would further boost NY’s title game odds — but they’ll have to limit double-double queen Angel Reese on the glass. Easier said than done.

• 🃏 Las Vegas Aces vs. 🔥 Portland Fire — Tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET: At first glance, this one should be an, ahem, ace in the hole for Vegas. However, this Fire contingent has proven to be a tough out, especially when breakout star Carla Leite is cooking.