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Coach Benches Diggins; 6-14 Sky Risk Phoenix Upset

7/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Coach Tyler Marsh announced on July 6, 2026 that Skylar Diggins will be benched.
Diggins had started all 19 games, averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 39.2%.
The 6-14 Sky, second-to-last after losses to the Las Vegas Aces, face criticism from analysts Alicia Jay and Erica L. Ayala who say the benching may hurt a young team before the July 7 game against the Phoenix Mercury.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA began in 1997 as an NBA subsidiary with eight teams—including the New York Liberty—and a 28-game schedule, culminating in the Houston Comets winning the league’s first championship. As the league grew to 15 teams and a 44-game season by 2025, Coach Tyler Marsh’s 2026 decision to sit Skylar Diggins mirrors benching controversies like Becky Hammon’s three-game suspension, underscoring how roster moves can shape playoff outcomes.

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Story summary

Coach Tyler Marsh announced on July 6, 2026 that Skylar Diggins will be benched.
Diggins had started all 19 games, averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 39.2%.
The 6-14 Sky, second-to-last after losses to the Las Vegas Aces, face criticism from analysts Alicia Jay and Erica L. Ayala who say the benching may hurt a young team before the July 7 game against the Phoenix Mercury.

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