The Phoenix Mercury welcomed the Dallas Wings to Mortgage Matchup Center on Monday for the second game in a back-to-back series, with NBA icon Chris Paul attending to show his support for the WNBA. The series began with Dallas claiming an 87-82 victory over Phoenix at College Park Center on Saturday, marking the Wings’ sixth consecutive win.
Chris Paul, who played for the Phoenix Suns from 2020 to 2023 and led them to the 2021 NBA Finals, was seen courtside engaging in a lively conversation, likely basketball-related, with former WNBA forward Tamera Young. Paul, 41, maintains strong connections both to Phoenix and the WNBA, including ties with Wings guard Paige Bueckers, who recently became an equity partner in his plant-based snack company.
Having retired in February, Paul remains a vocal supporter of women’s basketball. In 2022, he received the Kobe & Gigi Bryant Advocacy Award, recognizing his major contributions to promoting girls’ and women’s basketball. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Paul’s dedication, highlighting how his advocacy honors the legacy of Kobe and Gigi Bryant and sets an example for athletes to help grow the game for young girls and all fans.
At the time of reporting, the Wings were leading in the fourth quarter, with Bueckers delivering 25 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, while Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.
Fan Take: Chris Paul’s visible support for the WNBA underscores the growing respect and recognition the league is gaining from the broader basketball community. His involvement not only brings increased visibility but also inspires future generations, signaling a promising future for women’s basketball.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
