2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far)

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2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far)

2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far)

Sonia Citron and Kaitlyn Chen are early standouts from the first 24 hours of WNBA Opening Weekend.

2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far)

Sonia Citron and Kaitlyn Chen are early standouts from the first 24 hours of WNBA Opening Weekend.

The WNBA season is officially underway, and while only six of the league's 15 teams have tipped off so far, we already have plenty to talk about. From breakout performances to quiet starts, here are two winners and two losers from opening weekend.

Winner: Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

Sonia Citron didn't miss a beat from her stellar rookie campaign. In the Mystics' gritty 68-65 victory over the Toronto Tempo, the sophomore guard was simply unstoppable. She poured in a game-high 26 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. But it wasn't just her scoring—Citron also added two steals and two blocks, proving once again why she's emerging as one of the league's premier two-way guards. Head coach Sydney Johnson summed it up best: "Her normal is a lot of other people's great."

Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State Valkyries

Kaitlyn Chen's journey is the stuff of sports dreams. A third-round pick in 2025 who was cut mid-season by the Valkyries, she spent the offseason grinding and earned her spot back on the opening night roster. It paid off in a big way. Chen came off the bench to score 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, dished out two assists, and committed zero turnovers in a commanding 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm. Head coach Natalie Nakase praised her dedication: "She's been working. That's credit to her in the offseason. Her ability to score on all three levels—you saw it carry over from her time overseas and in AU."

Loser: The 2026 Rookie Class (So Far)

It's early, but the first wave of 2026 draftees has struggled to make an immediate impact. Only one rookie scored in double digits through the opening games: Seattle Storm guard Flau'jae Johnson, who managed 12 points but on a tough 25% shooting night in a loss to Golden State. While there's plenty of time for adjustments, the debut weekend suggests these newcomers may need a few more games to find their rhythm.

Loser: Slow Starters Across the Board

With only a handful of teams in action, some players and squads have yet to find their footing. Whether it's cold shooting or defensive lapses, the opening weekend has reminded fans that even the best need time to shake off the offseason rust. As the season heats up, expect these early stumbles to become fuel for stronger performances ahead.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable WNBA season. Whether you're cheering for a breakout star or a comeback story, every game brings new drama and excitement.

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