The WNBA’s second full week concluded with an exciting round of games in the Commissioner’s Cup, showcasing the strength of the league’s top teams. Among the compelling matchups, the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx remain the only unbeaten teams, both proving their mettle over the past week.
Key insights from the week include:
1. **Indiana Fever’s Dependency on Caitlin Clark**: The Fever are clearly struggling without star player Caitlin Clark, which became painfully evident following a disappointing loss to the Connecticut Sun. While the Fever had a loss against the Washington Mystics that wasn’t shocking, their home defeat to the Sun, a team coming off a significant loss themselves, raised alarms about their playoff prospects. Fortunately, Clark is expected back soon, and her return will be vital for the Fever’s chances.
2. **Liberty and Lynx on a Collision Path**: The Liberty continued their dominant performance with a massive 48-point victory over their opponent, marking one of the largest wins in WNBA history. They have consistently outperformed their competition, winning five of their seven games by double digits. The Lynx are also standing strong, possessing a formidable offense and defense. With both teams tied at 7-0 and showing no signs of slowing down, a potential finals rematch looms on the horizon.
3. **A’ja Wilson’s Resilience**: The reigning MVP, A’ja Wilson, reaffirmed her exceptional skills with a standout game against the Los Angeles Sparks where she posted 35 points, showcasing her scoring ability and rebounding prowess. Despite having lower scoring games earlier this season, Wilson’s performance underscores her continued impact in the league and her candidacy for the MVP title once again.
4. **Phoenix Mercury’s Emerging Potential**: The Mercury, often overlooked, are making waves this season thanks to Satou Sabally’s impressive play. Averaging over 21 points per game, Sabally put together a notable performance with 24 points and nine rebounds against the Sparks. While they faced a narrow loss to the Lynx, the Mercury’s potential is becoming evident as they look to climb the standings.
5. **Napheesa Collier’s MVP Campaign**: Collier has emerged as the standout player of the week, boasting impressive averages and consistently high performances. With her scoring efficiency and defensive contributions, she solidifies her position as the front-runner for the MVP award if her exceptional play continues.
As the season progresses, teams are refining their strategies and showcasing individual talents, promising an exciting WNBA season ahead. The return of key players like Caitlin Clark will undoubtedly influence the competitive landscape, and fans can look forward to continued thrilling performances from their favorite teams.