WNBA Ranking Shaken by Surprises
Unexpected results in the WNBA have altered the classification landscape. The defeats of the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty, in their first games of the season, have not changed the leadership positions, but they have reconfigured the fight for the Commissioner’s Cup.
A week ago, it seemed that Lynx and Liberty would meet in the July 1st final, just as it happened last year. Now, Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever, with Caitlin Clark back after missing five games due to injury, have the opportunity to represent the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Seattle Storm faces Lynx for the rights in the Western Conference. Everything will be decided in the final Cup matches on Tuesday.
Eastern Conference: A Decisive Duel
In the East, if Dream defeats Liberty as a visitor, Atlanta will represent the conference, regardless of the result between Fever and Connecticut Sun, thanks to Atlanta’s victory over Indiana on June 10. If Dream loses and Fever wins, Indiana and New York would be left with a 4-1 record, with Indiana having the tiebreaker due to their victory in the Cup over Liberty on Saturday, when Clark returned to action.
Liberty, Cup champion in 2023 and runner-up last year, needs to beat Dream and for Fever to lose against Sun to reach their third consecutive final.
Western Conference: Fight for Supremacy
In the West, Lynx, Storm, and Golden State Valkyries could end up with a 4-2 record in the Cup, along with Phoenix Mercury, which has already completed its participation. However, due to the different tiebreaker scenarios, Phoenix and Golden State are already eliminated.
Minnesota still controls its destiny in the Cup. Lynx will advance to the final if they defeat the Las Vegas Aces at home or if Seattle loses against the Los Angeles Sparks. Seattle would need to win against Los Angeles and for Minnesota to lose to advance.
If Lynx and Liberty don’t face each other for the Commissioner’s Cup title, the two best teams in the league won’t meet until the end of July, in what would be the first of four encounters in three weeks.
Analysis of the Teams in the Ranking
Here’s a detailed analysis of each team in the ranking:
1. Minnesota Lynx (10-1)
The loss to Seattle did not affect their position. Napheesa Collier stood out with 32 points in the victory against Sparks.
2. New York Liberty (9-1)
Liberty feels the absence of Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich. Sabrina Ionescu has been key in scoring.
3. Atlanta Dream (8-3)
The new coach, Karl Smesko, has implemented an effective offense. They are seeking their first Cup final, but they must beat Liberty.
4. Phoenix Mercury (8-4)
Satou Sabally led the team in victories against Wings and Aces. The team recovers its injured players.
5. Indiana Fever (5-5)
Caitlin Clark had a significant impact on the victory against Liberty, with 32 points.
6. Seattle Storm (6-5)
Seattle has been inconsistent. The victory over Minnesota keeps them above Golden State.
7. Golden State Valkyries (5-5)
A promising start to the team’s first season. Kayla Thornton has performed well.
8. Las Vegas Aces (5-5)
A’ja Wilson entered concussion protocol. The team seeks to improve its performance.
9. Los Angeles Sparks (4-8)
Rickea Jackson had an outstanding game, with 30 points. Kelsey Plum is injured.
10. Washington Mystics (4-7)
They have lost four of their last five games. They suffered a heavy defeat against Dream.
11. Chicago Sky (3-7)
Angel Reese achieved her first triple-double. The team is underperforming.
12. Connecticut Sun (2-8)
The team has problems in attack and defense. They have the worst offensive rating in the league.
13. Dallas Wings (1-11)
Paige Bueckers returned from an injury. The team hasn’t achieved many victories.
