{
  "id": 14972761,
  "title": "The X-factor in the WNBA Finals might just be a rookie",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/the-x-factor-in-the-wnba-finals-might-just-be-a-rookie",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T13:51:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1132447/the-x-factor-in-the-wnba-finals-might-just-be-a-rookie"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Isobel Borlase, a 22-year-old rookie for the Atlanta Dream, has emerged as a critical player in the WNBA playoffs. During the regular season, she averaged 4.8 points in 13 minutes per game. However, in the semi-finals, she stepped up with double-digit points in back-to-back games. In Game 2, she scored 11 points in overtime against the New York Liberty, while two nights later, she contributed 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist in 20 minutes off the bench.\n\nBorlase's performance was crucial as the Dream faced injuries to two starters, Allisha Gray and Brionna Jones. Her consecutive double-figure outings were vital for the team's success. The Australian WNBL MVP has received support from her teammates, including Angel Reese, who encouraged her to be confident and play to her strengths.\n\nThe Golden State Valkyries' depth has been their strength throughout the playoffs, with 10 players contributing at least 10 minutes per game. However, their bench depth has allowed them to perform well in their series against the Las Vegas Aces. The Dream, on the other hand, have relied on only two bench players, Borlase and Te-Hina Paopao, due to injuries to Gray and Jones. Paopao has limited minutes, playing just 4.8 minutes per game. Therefore, Borlase's contributions become even more essential if Gray is still limited by her hand injury.",
  "summary": "Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase wasn’t one of the team’s most significant contributors during the regular season; the 22-year-old rookie appeared in all 44 games, averaging 4.8 points in 13 minutes a night. But in the last two games of the WNBA semi-finals, Borlase was instrumental. With Allisha Gray, the team’s leading scorer, sidelined with […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Allisha Gray injury update: Dream All-Star remains 'day-to-day' ahead of WNBA Finals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/allisha-gray-injury-update-dream-all-star-remains-day-to-day-ahead-of",
        "published": "2026-10-16T00:17:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}