What happened: Cotie McMahon knocked down a 23-foot three-point jumper with 7:59 left in the first quarter, pushing the score to 7-6. Kiki Iriafen picked up the assist on the early bucket.

Why it matters: Long-range shooting from the wing changes how opposing defenses scheme their close-outs, and an Iriafen-to-McMahon connection hints at a young-core chemistry that could matter as the WNBA regular season takes shape. Early-quarter threes also tend to set the offensive tempo for both sides.

What to watch: Watch whether McMahon keeps taking — and making — perimeter looks, and whether Iriafen continues to generate easy offense for teammates as the half develops.