defense

Harvard players and coaches kneel on the court and pose for a photo with the Ivy League championship trophy. Guard Harmoni Turner shouts something while wearing a net around her neck. Head coach Carrie Moore puts one hand on the side of her mouth and shouts something while looking up to her left.

2025-26 Ivy League preview

By Jenn Hatfield / October 31, 2025

Mike McLaughlin: ‘Ivy basketball on the women’s side is sitting in a really good place’

Two photos from separate Washington Mystics games are displayed side-by-side. On the left, forward Alysha Clark holds the ball with both hands and looks for a pass as Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride defends her tightly. On the right, guard Jacy Sheldon attempts a layup as Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers tries to contest the shot from behind.

‘Their energy just lifted all of us up’: How new additions Alysha Clark and Jacy Sheldon have fit the Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / August 19, 2025

The two arrived just before the trade deadline, but the Mystics feel like they’ve been around longer

Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson is smiling and has his right hand up to receive a high-five from guard Jade Melbourne.

What’s made the Washington Mystics successful in the first half of the season?

By Jenn Hatfield / July 20, 2025

The Mystics are the youngest team in the WNBA, but they’ve hung with much older, more experienced teams

Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen shouts as she picks up guard Sonia Citron. Citron is beaming and has both arms around Iriafen's shoulders. Guard Brittney Sykes also has one arm tangled around them.

How rookie Sonia Citron has burst onto the scene as a Mystics cornerstone and WNBA All-Star

By Jenn Hatfield / July 16, 2025

Jade Melbourne: ‘I feel like we’re just continuing to peel back layers of her game’

Connecticut Sun wing Saniya Rivers blocks a jump shot by Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale using her outstretched fingertips. A packed arena is out of focus in the background.

WNBA Notes: Good and bad defensive play from Saniya Rivers and NaLyssa Smith

By Emily Adler / June 22, 2025

Plus, what’s both different and familiar about Lexie Hull’s shooting form

Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard has her head up as she dribbles the ball with her right hand.

Rhyne Howard’s game has grown — and so has her impact for the Atlanta Dream

By Wilton Jackson / June 22, 2025

Howard: ‘I want to be on an All-WNBA team and WNBA All-Defensive team’

Sights and sounds: DiJonai Carrington’s defensive masterclass against Connecticut

By Deyscha Smith / June 21, 2025

Koclanes: ‘Nai was fantastic in the second half, just with her effort on the glass’

Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton dribbles up the court with her left hand.

Seven things we’ve learned about the Golden State Valkyries through three games

By Michelle Smith / May 26, 2025

Early in their debut season, there are some promising patterns, but reality checks await

Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron gets past Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard on a drive into the lane. Citron holds the ball in her left hand and has her right arm out to the side to keep Howard behind her.

‘Rookie moves’ are a good thing for Washington Mystics in season-opening win

By Jenn Hatfield / May 17, 2025

Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen combined for 33 points in their WNBA debuts

Indiana Fever guards Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark extend their right arms for a handshake. Both are wearing white practice jerseys over dark blue T-shirts.

2025 WNBA season preview: Indiana Fever

By Tony East / May 3, 2025

The Fever start a season with expectations of playoff success for the first time in nearly a decade