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The 20 Best WNBA Moments of May

Isabelle McCarthy 271 May 31, 2026Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli Be First

The 2026 WNBA season has wasted no time in delivering memorable moments. From rookie breakouts to buzzer beaters and statement wins, the league has opened this new season with nonstop entertainment.

Portland Fire, WNBA. Carla Leite, Sarah Ashlee Barker.
{Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

The expansion teams have already started causing chaos, while four-time MVP A'ja Wilson has reminded everybody why she is the best player in the league, and unexpected rising stars like Sarah Ashlee Barker, who has had not one, but two, defining moments against the New York Liberty. 

Then there's the coaching side, where Becky Hammon became the second-fastest coach to reach 150 wins, while also seeing her own player records broken!

With all that being said, here are the top 20 moments from the first month of the 2026 WNBA season.

20. A'ja Wilson & Breanna Stewart Pass Becky Hammon in Record Books

In the span of five days, Becky Hammon has been passed by two legendary players, A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, for two separate records. First, Wilson passed Hammon on the WNBA all-time scoring list, moving into 19th place with 5,842 points.

After Wilson passed Hammon's milestone, Breanna Stewart also passed Hammon's franchise record of 2,367 points, for the fifth most in Liberty history.

Needless to say, Coach Hammon did 'retaliate' by suiting up during a Las Vegas Aces practice and joked, "Somebody took my record, so I'm here to get it back."

19. Brittney Sykes Scores 38 in Toronto Tempo Statement Win

Toronto’s expansion franchise earned a huge early win behind a massive performance from Brittney Sykes. Sykes delivered one of the biggest scoring performances of the month with a dominant 38-point outing to help Toronto secure an early statement victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. In a career game, Sykes shot 10-of-21 from the field, 3-of-8 from three, and finished a perfect 15-of-15 from the charity stripe.

In front of an energized crowd, Sykes completely controlled the pace offensively, attacking downhill all night and proving the Tempo could compete much sooner than expected.

18. Four Straight No. 1 Picks Share the Floor Together in Wings-Fever Matchup

The future of the WNBA was on full display when four consecutive No. 1 overall picks shared the court in the Indiana Fever versus Dallas Wings matchup. Seeing Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, and Azzi Fudd all playing in the same game felt like a glimpse into the next era of women’s basketball. The Wings edged the Fever on the road 107-104 in what was the first 100-point opener in WNBA history.

17. Olivia Miles Razzle Dazzle Against Toronto Tempo

Minnesota Lynx's Olivia Miles showed exactly why she entered the league with so much hype during a dazzling performance against Toronto. Miles flashed elite court vision, confidence, and creativity throughout the night, making highlight-reel passes while attacking the defense with ease in another impressive rookie showing.

One of the most impressive passes was a no-look pass leading to a bucket. Even Brittney Sykes couldn't believe that pass went through her hands. In the 100-72 victory over the Tempo, Miles finished with 14 points, four rebounds, five assists, and a steal. She shot an efficient 6-for-10 from the field and went 2-for-2 from the free throw line. 

16. Phoenix Mercury Ruin Las Vegas Aces Ring Night

The Phoenix Mercury spoiled the celebration for the defending champion Las Vegas Aces by delivering one of the biggest opening-night upsets of the season. Phoenix dominated from the start behind strong performances from their veteran core, immediately proving they could be a serious contender in 2026.

The Mercury won by 33 points, with all five starters finishing in double figures. Phoenix would lead in nearly every team stat, showing off their dominance on what should have been a celebration night for the Aces.

Pure domination was shown by Alyssa Thomas and rookie Jovana Nogic. Thomas ended the night with 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and three steals. She shot 9-for-17 from the field, while Nogic ended the night with 19 points, four assists, and two steals. Nogic also showed her shooting efficiency, going 5-for-8 from the field, 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, and 5-for-5 from the charity stripe.

15. Caitlin Clark Drops Double-Double in Overtime Thriller

Caitlin Clark once again delivered must-watch basketball in a thrilling overtime battle against Washington. Clark finished with a huge double-double while taking over late in regulation, knocking down clutch shots and nearly carrying Indiana to a comeback win in one of the most entertaining games of May. Her biggest shot came with 3.1 seconds left on the clock, draining a three to send the game to overtime. The Mystics had no answer for Clark, but were able to defeat Indiana 104-102. 

Clark's passing ability is her greatest strength, as she has proven time and again. She would end the game with 32 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and two steals. 

14. Maddy Siegrist Breaks Out Against Minnesota Lynx

Maddy Siegrist provided a major spark for the Dallas Wings with one of the most efficient scoring performances of the month. Siegrist poured in 17 points in just 16 minutes against Minnesota, showing off her ability to instantly change a game offensively and continuing her rise as an important piece of the Wings’ rotation. She shot 7-of-11 from the field and provided four rebounds. 

Coming off the bench, Siegrist had an efficient shooting night, something Dallas would need very much despite the narrow 90-86 loss.

13. Los Angeles Sparks Ruin Banner Night for Aces

The Los Angeles Sparks shocked Las Vegas in one of the biggest wins of May, spoiling the Aces’ championship celebration behind an explosive offensive performance. Kelsey Plum torched her former team for 38 points, while Erica Wheeler hit a massive late 3-pointer to seal the upset.

Although the Sparks were outrebounded and had more turnovers, they were efficient, shooting at least 10 percent better (49 percent from the field) than the Aces from the field and beyond the arc (46 percent from three). Plum was unstoppable, only missing one 3-point shot while having nine assists.

Meanwhile, Dearica Hamby and Cameron Brink would put up 16 points each, combining for 13 boards, in a good battle against NaLyssa Smith and A'ja Wilson.

12. Cameron Brink's Block City is Back

After battling injuries, Cameron Brink reminded everyone why she is one of the league’s best defensive talents. Brink completely altered games at the rim throughout May, piling up highlight-reel blocks and anchoring the Sparks defensively with her elite timing and shot-blocking instincts.

Many might remember that Brink led the league as a rookie in blocks per game, even after her season-ending injury. Brink currently has 12 blocks to start the season, averaging 1.5. As the season continues, she will continue to record highlight-reel blocks against the league's best players.

11. Portland Fire Obliterate Indiana Fever in 100-84 Victory

In an absolute shocker, the Portland Fire were able to withstand the Indiana Fever in dominating fashion at home. In a 100-84 victory, the Fire were led by a 22-point game by Megan Gustafson, alongside Carla Leite (18 points), Emily Engstler (16 points), and Sarah Ashlee Barker (15 points). Gustafson had a perfect game, shooting 8-of-8 from the field, draining one three, and only missing one free throw. 

The Fire were able to shut down Caitlin Clark, limiting her to six points, and forcing the Fever into 18 turnovers. The battle was won as Portland had 52 points in the paint compared to Indiana's 34.

For Portland, this was a momentous win after losing to the Atlanta Dream 86-66. Right now, Portland does not look like an expansion team, as they are currently 6-4. This Fire team is going to be dangerous. However, for the Fever, this marks their second straight loss, and next up is a tough matchup against Atlanta. 

10. Chelsea Gray's Game Winner Against Atlanta Dream

In true “Point Gawd” fashion, Chelsea Gray delivered another iconic clutch moment with a game-winning bucket in the final seconds. Under pressure, on the biggest stage, Gray showed why she’s one of the most feared closers in WNBA history. The Las Vegas Aces walk away with a statement win over the Atlanta Dream, who started off 2-0.

Gray would end the game with an efficient 21 points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block. She shot 8-of-13 from the field and 5-of-8 beyond the arc.

9. Atlanta Dream Stunning Comeback Against Phoenix Mercury

The Atlanta Dream pulled off one of the most exciting comebacks of the month against Phoenix, and in dramatic fashion. Trailing late, Atlanta completely shifted momentum with defensive pressure and clutch shot-making before storming back to steal a dramatic victory from the Mercury.

In the span of 85 seconds, the Dream went on a 9-0 run thanks to Allisha Gray, Angel Reese, and Rhyne Howard. Four of the five starters for the Dream would record in double digits for points, with Howard having an impressive 21-point game and Angel Reese having her third double-double of the season. 

Through 69 career games, Reese is the fastest player to record 950+ points and 850+ rebounds.

8. Jessica Shepard Records First Triple-Double of the Season

Jessica Shepard became the first player this season to record a triple-double, stuffing the stat sheet in a dominant all-around performance. Shepard controlled every aspect of the game, showing off her rebounding, passing, and scoring ability in one of May’s best individual efforts.

Shepard's triple-double propelled the Dallas Wings to an 11-point comeback against the Chicago Sky. She would go on to record 22 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists.

This would be her second career triple-double. Last season, Alyssa Thomas came out of the gate on night one to drop a triple-double. It took a few games, but Shepard is the first to do it to start the 2026 season.

7. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Welcomes Gianna Kneepkens To the League

One of the most viral moments of this month came with priceless reactions. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton welcomed Gianna Kneepkens, the rookie out of UCLA, with an insane crossover that had social media buzzing.

The buzz came from the New York Liberty's bench reaction, and even Breanna Stewart, who was on the floor when the moment happened.

It has been known that rookies will have their "welcome to the league" moment, usually in the form of a screen that knocks the wind out of them (See Sonia Citron's welcome to the league moment). However, Kneepkens got something way worse than a hard screen.

6. Toronto Tempo Plays First Game in Front of Sold-Out Crowd

The WNBA officially entered a new era as the Toronto Tempo played their first home game in franchise history in front of a sold-out crowd (8,210). The atmosphere was electric from start to finish, showcasing the growing global reach of women’s basketball and immediately making Toronto one of the league’s most exciting environments.

The moment itself was huge for the league, and even in a 68-65 loss, the battle against the Washington Mystics made this game even better. Marina Mabrey shined in this home opener, recording 27 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. 

This close game would foreshadow that neither expansion team is playing around and will give any team a run for their money. 

5. Olivia Miles Rookie Debut

Olivia Miles wasted no time making an impact in her WNBA debut, filling up the stat sheet with scoring, playmaking, and highlight passes. Even in a loss, Miles looked poised and confident, instantly proving she belongs among the league’s next generation of stars.

In her debut, Miles recorded 21 points, eight assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Miles became the fifth player in league history to record 20 or more points with five or more assists in a debut. She joins Cynthia Cooper, Tonya Edwards, Candace Parker, and Dawn Staley to record that stat line.

4. Azzi Fudd Has Arrived

The first overall pick made a statement against the New York Liberty. After weeks of anticipation, Azzi Fudd officially put herself in the franchise record books. Fudd erupted for 24 points while knocking down six 3-pointers (the most in Dallas Wings history), completely taking over offensively and reminding fans why she entered the league as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. The Liberty had no answer for her, as she would pair her 24 points with two rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. She shot 9-for-15 from the field and 6-for-12 from beyond the arc. 

Fudd would also join Caitlin Clark as the only two players in the WNBA this season so far to record 10+ 3 pointers, 5+ steals, and 5+ blocks.

3. A'ja Wilson Starts MVP Campaign Off Strong

If there were any questions about who still runs the WNBA, A'ja Wilson answered them quickly. Wilson opened the season with a dominant 45-point performance against the Connecticut Sun, overpowering defenders all night and immediately reestablishing herself as the league’s gold standard.

After what was a "too little" gesture from Aneesah Morrow once she scored a layup on Wilson, she quickly responded by dropping 45 points. Wilson would go perfect from the 3-point and free-throw line, and shot 83.3 percent from the field.

2. Game of the Month: Washington Mystics Battle Indiana Fever in Overtime Thriller

Although it's too early to call this game of the year, what a thrilling shootout between the Fever and Mystics. From a Caitlin Clark three to send the game into overtime to Sonia Citron dropping 30 points, six assists, and four rebounds, this game brought everything.

The game nearly ended with a crazy Citron half-court shot. However, time had already expired by the time the shot was up. Instead, the game went into overtime, where the momentum was swinging both ways. When the Fever made a basket, the Mystics would respond immediately with another.


This game was electric, where Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen, and Kelsey Mitchell all scored more than 20 points.

While the Mystics dominated the stat sheet, the Fever kept the game close by committing fewer turnovers. Defense was a prominent factor down the stretch, which showed at the final second of regulation and overtime. 

1. Sarah Ashlee Barker Becomes Portland Fire's Hero

Expansion franchises are supposed to struggle early. Sarah Ashlee Barker clearly didn’t get the memo.

Barker delivered not one, but two unforgettable moments against the 2024 WNBA champion New York Liberty during the opening month of the season. First came a buzzer-beating putback that secured the first win in Portland Fire history. Then once again, Barker stunned New York again, drilling a late clutch 3-pointer to hand Portland another shocking victory.

In the first matchup, Barker only recorded five points, but the most important shot came as the clock was winding down for a huge putback. Barker was able to grab the rebound in front of Jonquel Jones to seal the Fire's victory. 

For the third matchup between the Liberty and Fire, Barker ended the night with seven points, five rebounds, and three assists. All seven of her points came in the fourth quarter; she also had a big steal to seal the deal with 2.9 seconds left. 

Coming off the bench, Barker has shown her skills can be vital down the stretch for Portland, and it's only the beginning of the season!

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