What happened: Penny Toler scored the first basket in WNBA history on June 21, 1997. Thirty years later, Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty opened Court Origins night on ESPN.
Why it matters: The moment ties the league's inaugural game history to its 2026 regular-season stage. For the New York Liberty, it adds historical weight to a June matchup as the franchise sits in the playoff picture.
By the numbers: New York Liberty: 12-6 this season, averaging 88.2 points and allowing 83.2. Last five games: LWWWW, with a current one-game skid.
What to watch: Watch how Jones' role shapes the Liberty's next stretch after Court Origins night. The next marker is whether New York steadies after its recent loss.