Noticably rare in her ability to blend a forward's size with a guard-like speed and athleticism, Natasha Howard balanced those traits into a front-and-center performance on July 3, 2024. Personifying the term, “Never let them know your next move,” Howard, atop the 3-point arc in a triple threat position, begins with a feigned dribble handoff in an attempt to shake free of Natasha Cloud. Crafty in her counter with the Phoenix Mercury guard still attached to her back, Howard conquers the Natasha-based battle with a deceptive half-spin, clearing her path clear for a baby-hook that softly banks in off the window. Plays of that caliber were constant across Howard’s performance, as she connected on a career-best 36 points — on 11-of-15 shooting — alongside 11 rebounds, one steal, and one 3-pointer. Though Howard’s efforts would ultimately go in defeat, the 32-year-old Dallas Wings star embarked upon WNBA history along the way, becoming the second-oldest player to record a 35-point, 10-rebound game. · Jul 4, 2024