The second full week of the WNBA season concluded on Sunday night time with the opening spherical of video games within the Commissioner’s Cup.
At this level, there are nonetheless two unbeaten groups within the WNBA, the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, and each appeared formidable this week, however particularly on Sunday.
Wanting again in any respect the WNBA motion over the previous seven days, listed here are the 5 largest takeaways.
The Indiana Fever wants Caitlin Clark
Everybody knew the Fever would not be fairly pretty much as good with out Caitlin Clark, however the drop-off was startling. A loss to the Washington Mystics wasn’t that alarming.
Nevertheless, a house loss to the Connecticut Solar, simply one of many worst groups within the league as a double-digit favourite, definitely was worrisome. The Solar adopted up their highway win over the Fever with a 48-point loss to the Liberty.
Fortunately, Clark is barely anticipated to overlook two extra video games as a result of Indiana would not be a playoff crew with out her.
Liberty, Lynx are on a collision course
It is tough to think about a greater effort than New York’s on Sunday. The Liberty notched the second-largest victory in WNBA historical past (48 factors). Additionally they tied their file for 19 three-pointers in a recreation, from a number of weeks in the past.
New York has gained 5 of its seven video games by double digits and has a degree differential of +20.6. Minnesota’s level differential is +8.6.
Napheesa Collier has been unimaginable. The Lynx even have a top-four scoring offense and protection, similar to the Liberty, who lead the WNBA in factors scored and scoring protection.
Each groups are 7-0 and tied for the most effective file. A WNBA finals rematch appears probably at this level, though loads can change between now and September.
A’ja Wilson continues to be A’ja Wilson
The 2024 WNBA MVP opened the season with 4 double-doubles in 5 video games, but she’s nonetheless been held underneath 20 factors thrice this season, together with on Sunday.
In a 15-point trouncing of the Los Angeles Sparks earlier this week, Wilson shot over 50% from the sector (66.7%) for the primary time this season, making 12-of-18 pictures for 35 factors.
Wilson additionally tore down 13 rebounds, dished out six assists, grabbed three steals and had three blocks. It was a historic efficiency, in addition to a reminder that she’s nonetheless a reliable MVP risk.
Phoenix is a pleasing shock
One WNBA crew that wasn’t talked about sufficient this offseason is the Phoenix Mercury.
Satou Sabally is averaging 21.2 factors per recreation. She’s additionally been a power on the boards and stellar defensively.
Sabally scored 24 factors and had 9 rebounds, along with two blocks and 4 steals in a win over the Sparks on Sunday. It was the second win of the week.
If it wasn’t for a 74-71 loss to the unbeaten Lynx, the Mercury could be tied for the second-best file within the league.
Napheesa Collier is the runaway MVP
Clark’s worth grew to become obvious this week, however Collier has been the most effective participant within the WNBA.
The Lynx famous person is averaging 26.4 factors and taking pictures 51% general, plus 45% from three-point vary. She’s been dominant on protection too, notching no less than two steals and blocks in three separate video games on high of three double-doubles.
If Collier retains this up, she’s a shoo-in for WNBA MVP.
