If you’re dribbling your way through today’s NYT Strands puzzle and need a quick assist, you’re in the right place. Today’s theme celebrates the fierce and dynamic world of women’s basketball, with clues that highlight some of the most iconic WNBA teams. It’s a fast-paced game of words that blends sports enthusiasm with clever wordplay. Whether you’re a hoops fan or just love a good puzzle challenge, we’ve got the hints and answers you need to make a slam dunk. Let’s jump in!
Today’s Strands Theme:
The theme for today’s Strands on May 17, 2025, is — She’s got game
NYT Strands Hint for Today:
The Spangram clue: A game played between two teams of five players, in which you throw a ball through a metal ring at the opposite end of the court.
Need more help? Here are two theme word hints:
- Hint #1: A heavy silvery-white metal that is liquid at room temperature.
- Hint #2: An extreme weather condition with strong winds, thunder, and rain.
Strands Spangram Position: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?
Today’s Spangram is mostly VERTICAL, just like a slam dunk from the free-throw line.
- First letter: Column 4, Row 1
- Last letter: Column 4, Row 9
Today’s Strands Spangram Answer:
The Spangram for Strands #310 on May 17, 2025, is: Basketball
Today’s Strands Answers:
Here are the theme words in today’s puzzle — all named after WNBA teams:
- LYNX
- DREAM
- WINGS
- FEVER
- STORM
- LIBERTY
- MERCURY

Reflections on Today’s Puzzle:
Today’s Strands puzzle took us courtside with a lively tribute to the world of women’s basketball. Each theme word was a nod to powerhouse WNBA teams, from LYNX to MERCURY, weaving a narrative of resilience, talent, and teamwork. It was fun spotting names that have defined women’s sports history while also seeing how cleverly they were hidden within the grid. The Spangram BASKETBALL connected all the dots, offering a satisfying “aha!” moment that tied the theme together. It was both a brain workout and a celebration of athletic greatness.
Conclusion:
So, how did today’s puzzle play out for you? Whether you slam dunked every answer or needed a few timeouts, today’s Strands was a fun match filled with sports energy and brainy challenge. BASKETBALL was a fitting Spangram, uniting a team of dynamic WNBA names. If you stumbled, don’t worry—every game is a chance to improve your strategy. Share your score or favorite find in the comments below, and get ready for another exciting puzzle tomorrow.