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Kiki Rice news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Kiki Rice, WNBA rookie, scored 11.2 PPG and held Paige Bueckers scoreless in first half. Her defensive impact boosts Toronto Tempo's offense by five points per 100 possessions.
Background
Kiki Rice, drafted No. 6 overall by the Toronto Tempo, has emerged as a bright spot in a challenging season. Her defensive prowess and efficient scoring have drawn praise from coaches and analysts, making her a key player to watch.
How it unfolded
- Aug 12, 2026Rice held Paige Bueckers to zero points in the first half during the Wings' 94-88 win over Toronto, showcasing her defensive skills.
- Aug 13, 2026Rice exited a game against the Dallas Wings with an apparent ankle injury, but later was not listed on the injury report for the next game.
- Aug 18, 2026Rice is off the injury report and available to play against the Fever, according to the final injury report.
Who’s saying what
- Coach
- Head coach Sandy Brondello praised Rice's defense and high IQ, saying 'We think the world of Kiki, and we are going to keep developing her.'
- Analysts
- Analysts note Rice's offensive rebounding and paint scoring (73.6% in restricted area) as key contributions.
Still unverified
The extent of Rice's ankle injury and its long-term impact are not fully detailed; she was available for the next game but the severity remains unclear.