WNBA Week Twelve Rankings

By: Nathan Snell

We are in the home stretch before the playoffs. At this point, the remaining games are showing lock-ins and fighting tooth and nail to make the playoffs, and then those are the teams essentially fighting for the #1 overall pick in 2025.

New York Liberty—Have you noticed how the officials play a role when the Liberty are at home as opposed to playing on the road? The Liberty came back to reality with a loss to the Sun. The only weakness that the Libs show is their 3-point shooting. They have shot under 25% in seven games so far. If the Liberty are to get to the finals, they must be consistent in scoring the ball.
Connecticut Sun—Connecticut argued to be number one in this ranking and made some history playing at the TD Garden, which sold out. The Sun have clinched a playoff spot and will more than likely finish as the number two seed in the postseason. The chips have been officially pushed to the middle of the table. Connecticut sent a message to New York by defeating them. This team is a legit title contender.
Minnesota Lynx—Myshia Hines-Allen is now a Lynx, and she will fit in that system easily. Napheesa Collier is an MVP candidate, shooting the lights in the last four games, scoring over 70%, and the Lynx have greatly improved from last season. To say Napheesa is getting disrespected or people do not have their eye on the Lynx is a bunch of bull. They are on a three-game win streak, and they are doing the little things that is making their season successful.
Las Vegas Aces– A’ja Wilson should still win MVP this season, but at what cost? This Aces team isn’t where it should be after last season. Vegas has questions from the front office about not sacrificing chemistry to a head coach, not taking accountability in challenging players, and questioning players and whether they fit the system in Vegas. A’ja can not do it alone, and Vegas has to hold out until the playoffs.
Indiana Fever—Indiana was one of a couple of teams that played one game last week. As a unit, they are coming together, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Caitlin Clark has had a great rookie season with the most assists as a rookie. Kelsey Mitchell & Aliyah Boston need the credit they deserve. Also, don’t leave Coach Sides. This Indy team could most definitely win a playoff series.
Atlanta Dream- Don’t sleep on Atlanta…they are starting to gel together. They sniff that 8th seed, and congrats Tina Charles for moving into second place on the WNBA career scoring list. Now, if they can stay healthy, that is something to do as we head into the final stretch.
Seattle Storm- The Storm needs to do some self-reflection. Yes, they had a tough four-road game stretch. Gabby Williams is back, but how much of an impact on the team’s defense? This team still has to figure it out. At this point, they can do enough to win a series but not a championship.
Phoenix Mercury—Phoenix is one of those teams in the middle of the pack. They do have a schedule down the stretch that will determine playoff seeding. New York, Minnesota, and Las Vegas? Buckle up, Phoenix.
Washington Mystics- Two-Game Winning Streak Y’all! The injuries have been something to forget for the Mystics. Shakira Austin has been gaining ground as she recovered from offseason hip surgery and suffered another injury in the win against the Seattle Storm. However, regardless of injuries, the Mystics team should not be taken lightly. The Mystics also welcomed Sug Sutton and Sika Kone at the trade deadline, with Myshia Hines-Allen traded to Minnesota.
Chicago Sky- This might bother Sky fans, but the Chicago Sky lacks leadership on the court, and it would have been nice to have a veteran with a championship pedigree. The Sky has a lot to build off. In the last two games, they were right there, and that might hurt as they try to fight to stay in the playoff picture. Angel Reese, the work she has put in this season should not be ignored as the first player to have three consecutive games of 20 or more rebounds IN HER ROOKIE season. NO OTHER PLAYER HAS DONE THAT. But the Sky, as of late, needs to figure it out. Since the Marina Mabrey trade, trying to replace her scoring has not been easy, and Dana Evans needs to be freed.
Dallas Wings—Satou Sabally is back, and Dallas got their first win on the Olympic break. The Wings, with the injuries, honestly give this team a what-if, as they were in the semifinals last season. The Wings this season are what the Washington Mystics’ went through last season. The Wings did defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 113-110.
Los Angeles Sparks- Oh, Curt Miller….this season has been something and something to forget. Outside of Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson….the sparks are dead in the water. They are still trying to find the answer amidst their seven-game losing streak, and that is where Curt Miller has taken accountability for what is on the floor for the team. They made history as a losing team and scored 110 points in regulation, blowing a 19-point lead… Yay?