It's been a wild month in the world of women's basketball. Team WNBA edged out a win over Team USA in the All-Star Game. Arike Ogunbowale, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese all shined in breathtakingly productive efforts.
Team USA didn't have to wait long to receive their flowers, though. The American ladies brought home their eight consecutive gold medal, thanks in large part to monster bench performances from Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum in the team's final match versus France.
The break has served as a reset for the league's stars and fantasy managers alike. Time to dig back in and finish strong!
Welcome back to Risers and Fallers.
Risers
Shakira Austin, C, Washington Mystics (68.7% rostered, +10.8)
As expected, Austin (hip) returned to regular season action after the ASG and Olympic breaks. The 24-year-old has recorded 20 minutes in each of her starts, clearing 27 fantasy points in both outings. Austin shook off rust quickly, nearly logging a double-double in Washington's loss at Minnesota on Aug. 15. Two days later, she registered a season-high 16 points in the Mystics' win over the Lynx. Austin additionally managed three steals in each effort, demonstrating a return to health and consistent production.
Sophie Cunningham, G, Phoenix Mercury (56.7% rostered, +7.8)
Cunningham has been in and out of the starting lineup throughout the season. With Rebecca Allen (hamstring) sidelined, however, Cunningham drew her 11th start of 2024 on Sunday. Cunningham led the team in minutes (32), registering 13 points and a season-high 10 rebounds in the Mercury's 18-point win over the Sky.
The 28-year-old has now gone over 30 minutes while managing at least six boards and two dimes in three consecutive efforts. Logging at least 20 fantasy points per game since, Cunningham has been one of the top-35 most productive players in the league since the Olympic break. Her virtual stock figures to stay on the rise for the remainder of the month, until Allen returns.
Fallers
Tyasha Harris, G, Connecticut Sun (30.2% rostered, +3.4)
Entering the season as a starter, Harris had emerged as a solid utility play for managers, averaging a career-best 30 minutes per game. A deft 3-point shooter, the 26-year-old presented with an enviable ceiling and delivered a top-24 3PA (4.2). There was some concern, however, that with DiJonai Carrington active and Marina Mabrey recently acquired, Harris' playing time would be negatively affected.
While she wasn't slated to start at Atlanta on Aug. 18, she registered over 28 minutes and delivered 12 points. The Sun's backcourt is crowded, but Harris continues to produce. Her single assist and two steals on Sunday, contributed to an 18-point fantasy effort. Managers should monitor Harris' playing time and subsequent production, understanding that neither may be as consistent as they were during the first half of the season.
Jackie Young, G, Las Vegas Aces (100% rostered, 0+)
Fresh off of her second Olympic games, Young is obviously a star. Fantasy managers should, absolutely, continue to start her with confidence. That said, her shooting has been off since returning to the states. Over two games, Young has sunk just four of 20 field goals.
She recorded a total of four points (1-8 FG) against the Liberty on Aug. 17 and 10 points (3-12 FG) against the Sparks on Aug. 18. That's a far cry from the 18 points per game that she averaged over the first half of the season. A few days of rest should help, but she might continue to struggle against the Lynx -- a team that ranks first in defensive rating (94.7) -- this Wednesday.
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