Robocoko's Revenge Game* Tracker
If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die?
And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?
William Shakespeare
Season-Long Narratives
Washington Mystics @ League
Everything is a rivalry
The Mystics took it upon themselves to list their own rivalry games this year, declaring that more than half the league were their rivals. Honestly, I would be more offended not to be listed at this point. Below is the Mystics' list, which appears to just be their recent playoff record:
Mercury: Lost to them in the First Round in 2020
Aces: Beat them in a testy 2019 Semi-Finals
Sun: Beat them to win the 2019 Championship (seems rude, but okay)
Storm: Lost to them in the 2018 Finals
Lynx: Lost to them in the 2017 Semi-Finals
Sparks: Unclear, but I'm guessing it has to do with Liz Cambage and milk
May Games
Los Angeles Sparks @ Chicago Sky | May 6
Candace's Revenge
It's finally happening. After leaving the Sparks in free agency ahead of the 2021 season, Candace will see her former team for the first time. And of course, get to rub her new title in Derek Fisher's face.
Los Angeles Sparks @ Atlanta Dream | May 11
Chennedy's Revenge
[There was] nothing was more disappointing for Dream fans than the sudden suspension of Chennedy [Carter]. She was already not getting the playing time she deserved, getting “forgotten” about on the bench in key moments in games the Dream lost. I’m sure all her actions weren’t right, but her punishment and alienation for sure wasn’t the right path either.
I’m a diehard Atlanta Dream fan, but I want Chennedy Carter to have her revenge on 5/11. She is a superstar and what she went through last season was unprecedented and unfair. I’m glad Hollywood is getting a fresh start in Hollywood; the plot of this film will be revenge, her career-high of 35 Points will be surpassed at a minimum.
Los Angeles Sparks @ Connecticut Sun | May 14
Courtney Williams - Chennedy Carter Showdown
The Sun's home opener on 5/14 is against LA. We only have speculation that some drama went down between Courtney Williams and Chennedy Carter while they were in ATL. Most fans, including myself, are pretty convinced it's true. They'll both be trying to show out against each other so it's going to be fun. Also, we know how Liz likes to rile up opposing crowds. When she was in CT last season, she talked some trash to the crowd which led to constant boos every time she touched the ball. I think that'll continue.
- kaylados, WNBALead contributor
I love the drama. It is my favorite team, the Connecticut Sun with Courtney Williams back in the fold. One of my favorite non-Sun players, Chennedy Carter, is now with the LA Sparks. They have a storied past, to say the least. I will be torn rooting for both sides and cannot wait for the fireworks.
- Corey Rausch, Co-Editor and Founder of Outlet Pass
Minnesota Lynx @ Los Angeles Sparks | May 17
The Rivalry Lives On
Sparks-Lynx has been one of the most heated rivalries in the WNBA having faced each other in back-to-back Finals in 2016 and 2017 (each winning a title in 5 games). With Fowles set to retire after this season, you might think this rivalry could be over, but it was reignited last season when things got chippy between the Lynx's Napheesa Collier and the Spark's Amanda Zahui B., prompting Phee to assert "Don't f*cking push me." There's a T-Shirt.
Washington Mystics @ Atlanta Dream | May 20
Tianna's Revenge
Tianna Hawkins had some things to say about the Dream waiving her in the off-season. Jokes on them, though: their decision motivated her to improve her game, winning Athletes Unlimited MVP in its inaugural season. She's also recently announced her intention to win Most Improved Player this year.
Las Vegas Aces @ Chicago Sky | May 28
A Modern Rivalry
Sky-Aces has been declared the best active WNBA rivalry, made only worse when the Aces ending the Sky's 2020 playoff run with the "foolishly heroic" Hamby Heave. Will the Aces once again have that extra juice against the reigning champs?
Phoenix Mercury @ Chicago Sky | May 31
A Finals Rematch
"Honestly, I just want to see Kahleah Copper and Sophie Cunningham play each other again. I'm not a fan of Sophie as a person - she retweeted transphobic and anti-mask BS. I would love to see her get stomped on the court again. I need another moment like this on a T-shirt immediately."
- Anonymous [edited to remove some profanities]
"The Revenge game I’m most excited for is seeing Diamond DeShields take on the Chicago Sky. [After initially saying she would stay in Chicago,] Diamond was clear that she was *not* considering staying in Chicago during free agency. It doesn’t seem like she is on good terms with her former team. The last few times the Sky faced the Mercury it got pretty chippy, so there are multiple narratives at play that make this matchup one I don’t want to miss!"
June Games
New York Liberty @ Indiana Fever | June 10
Betnijah's Ongoing Revenge
I'm not sure if this even counts as a revenge game anymore because it is so comical that any WNBA team would cut 2020's Most Improved Player, 2021 All-Star, and certified bucket Betnijah Laney. But yes, the Indiana Fever did that ahead of the 2020 season
Atlanta Dream @ Connecticut Sun | June 15
Courtney's Revenge
"After the drama that went down with Courtney [Williams] and the Dream following the video, I'm sure Courtney is going to want to remind her former team what they lost, even if it was a good business decision for the Dream to make that decision. I'd expect a BIG game from her that night."
July Games
Seattle Storm vs Indiana Fever | July 1, 5, 17
Jantel's Revenge
Does Jantel have any ill-will towards the franchise that waived her mid-contract? Of course not. All she has to say is how refreshing it is to be on a team where "people really know their basketball." She's excited to be treated as a professional a go out playing with people who know the game.
Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty | July 7, 31
Tina's Revenge
As Tina described after dropping 34 points on her former team last year: "I got fired on my day off, so yeah, there was juice.” Expect her to try to replicate that performance.
Dallas Wings vs Chicago Sky | July 16 & 22
Back to Back Chances for Revenge
"Dallas won the regular-season matchup against the eventual champs 2-1, but were blown out in Round One of the playoffs in 2021. They’ll be looking to write that wrong in mid-July"
- Drew Ivery, WNBALead General Content Manager
Seattle Storm @ Chicago Sky | July 20
Gabby's Villain Origin Story
Gabby Williams iconically tweeted "wait... is this my villain origin story...?" after being suspended by the Sky ahead of the 2021 season. She was then traded to the Sparks, who later traded her to Seattle. After sitting out the 2021 season (and winning a Euroleague Championship) it's finally time for this hero-turned-villain to return to Chicago to take her revenge.
Dallas Wings @ Indiana Fever | July 24
Teaira's Revenge
"On this day, the Indiana Fever will fully regret letting go of Teaira McCowan. Of course the two teams will have met on June 23 but this will be on Indiana’s home court and McCowan is going to go off. Finally, Teaira has a compliment of players around her that will bring out her strengths. Finally, she is on a team that values her talent and will utilize it to its fullest potential. Underused, undervalued, unsupported in Indiana, Teaira will be unstoppable in this game. Dallas in a blowout and Teaira with a double-double."
August Games
Los Angeles Sparks @ Washington Mystics | August 7
Milk or champagne?
The 2019 playoffs between the Aces and Mystics got heated, particularly due to Liz Cambage's epic trash-talking. Cambage commented that LaToya Sanders (then the Mystics' Center, now an Assistant Coach) "needed milk," the team responded: "Who needs milk when you got champagne?" There is a T-shirt. Even with Liz on the Sparks now, it may be raucous when she returns to DC.
