Dominance and Surprises in the WNBA Tip-Off
WNBA power rankings have begun, and while some positions are predictable, others have taken fans by surprise. Expected and unexpected teams are at the top, while some stars face challenges at the start of the season.
The finalist teams from last season, New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, have had a good start. Indiana Fever, a team that promises to be exciting in 2025, has also started strong.
However, the surprise was delivered by the Washington Mystics, who, despite previous expectations, achieved two victories in the opening weekend, capturing everyone’s attention.
On the other hand, Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings have had a complicated start. Bueckers, the first draft pick, is experiencing the common challenges faced by new additions, joining a team that struggled the previous season. The Wings are at the bottom of the table with a 0-2 record.
A continuación, un análisis detallado de los equipos:
1. Minnesota Lynx (2-0)
Preseason ranking: 2
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Wednesday), vs. CON (Friday)
Minnesota Lynx leads the standings after victories against Dallas and Washington. Napheesa Collier stood out in scoring with a combined 57 points, Jessica Shepard led in rebounds (18), and Courtney Williams in assists (19). Shepard’s return after missing last season due to prioritization rules strengthens the team. Minnesota had a 50.4% shooting efficiency and 27 assists in each game.
2. New York Liberty (1-0)
Preseason ranking: 1
Next seven days: @ CHI (Thursday), @ IND (Saturday)
New York Liberty, after obtaining their 2024 championship ring, continued their dominance against Las Vegas, winning the first game 92-78 in Brooklyn. Despite a low three-point percentage (4 of 21), the team prevailed thanks to Breanna Stewart’s 25 points, Natasha Cloud’s 22 in her debut, and Jonquel Jones’ 17.
3. Indiana Fever (1-0)
Preseason ranking: 4
Next seven days: vs. ATL (Tuesday), @ ATL (Thursday), vs. NY (Saturday)
Indiana Fever dominated Chicago with a 93-58 victory, showcasing a strong performance in both offense and defense, with Caitlin Clark achieving a triple-double. They will face Atlanta twice this week.
Chiney Ogwumike: Caitlin Clark, the Fever ‘impressed’ me in the inaugural victory. Chinney Ogwumike analyzes what most caught her attention from the Fever’s victory over Angel Reese and the Sky.
4. Washington Mystics (2-0)
Preseason ranking: 12
Next seven days: @ GS (Wednesday), @ LV (Friday), @ PHO (Sunday)
The Mystics surprised with two initial victories against Atlanta and Connecticut, fueled by Brittney Sykes’ combined 49 points and 12 assists.
5. Phoenix Mercury (1-0)
Preseason ranking: 7
Next seven days: vs. LA (Wednesday), @ SEA (Friday), vs. WAS (Sunday)
Despite the news that Kahleah Copper will be out due to injury, the Mercury won their first game against Seattle with outstanding performances by Satou Sabally (27 points) and Alyssa Thomas (20).
6. Los Angeles Sparks (1-1)
Preseason ranking: 10
Next seven days: @ PHO (Wednesday), vs. GS (Friday), vs. CHI (Sunday)
The Sparks secured an initial victory against Golden State, highlighting Kelsey Plum’s 37 points in her debut. Plum has also been the team’s primary distributor, with 11 combined assists.
7. Las Vegas Aces (0-1)
Preseason ranking: 3
Next seven days: @ CON (Tuesday), vs. WAS (Friday), @ SEA (Sunday)
The Aces, WNBA champions in 2023, have lost seven of their last eight games against New York, including the season opener. A’ja Wilson led with 31 points and 16 rebounds, while Jewell Loyd had a difficult debut.
8. Seattle Storm (1-1)
Preseason ranking: 6
Next seven days: vs. PHO (Friday), vs. LV (Sunday)
Seattle Storm bounced back from an initial loss with a victory against Dallas, with Nneka Ogwumike leading with 23 points and 18 rebounds, and Skylar Diggins with 21 points and nine assists.
9. Atlanta Dream (0-1)
Preseason ranking: 5
Next seven days: @ IND (Tuesday), vs. IND (Thursday), vs. DAL (Saturday), vs. CON (Sunday)
The Dream scored 90 points in their first game, a figure they only reached three times last season. However, they lost against Washington and now face Indiana in two consecutive games.
10. Dallas Wings (0-2)
Preseason ranking: 8
Next seven days: @ MIN (Wednesday), @ ATL (Saturday)
The Wings have had a difficult start, with losses to Minnesota and Seattle. Paige Bueckers scored 10 points and 7 rebounds in her first game and 19 points and 8 assists in her second professional game. Arike Ogunbowale is struggling with her shots.
11. Connecticut Sun (0-1)
Preseason Ranking: 11
Next seven days: vs. LV (Tuesday), @ MIN (Friday), @ ATL (Sunday)
The Sun, with a renewed team, lost their first game against Washington despite having five players with double digits in scoring. The Sun’s defense allowed Washington a 51.6% field goal percentage.
12. Chicago Sky (0-1)
Preseason ranking: 9
Next seven days: vs. NY (Thursday), @ LA (Sunday)
The Sky struggled offensively in their loss against Indiana, with a 29.1% shooting efficiency. The team has a new coach and a new backcourt, and they will now look to improve in their next game.
13. Golden State Valkyries (0-1)
Preseason Ranking: 13
Next seven days: vs. WAS (Wednesday), @ LA (Friday)
The Valkyries, in their first game, had a good start, but ran out of energy in the final quarter, losing against Los Angeles. Tiffany Hayes stood out with 19 points and 9 rebounds.
