NFL
By: Stephen PridGeon-Garner
Teams I’ve deemed as mid-tier are hinting at upward mobility potential, like the Liberty, while others give the “feel” that they’re turning a corner, like the Mercury. We’ve passed the “third” of the season mark as the trial-by-error portion of the schedule has passed, and we can accurately gauge what’s occurred on-court with a critical eye.
(Last week’s rankings are in parentheses).
1.) Las Vegas Aces: 11-2 (1)
Amidst injuries to both Jackie Young (ankle) and Riquna Williams (foot) the Aces saw a timely stretch of days with no games, having just one last week which was a win vs the Sparks. They’ve fared well through their injury spells, and (still) presently lead the W in points per game (90.8), rebounds per game (37.1) even amidst “downsizing” to evolve towards versatility, and margin of victory per 100 possessions (11.6). They’re here, with Jackie Young slated to return vs Dallas tonight.
2.) Chicago Sky: 9-4 (3)
The veteran and versatile Sky are giving the feel of a team that is meshing together their talents and beginning to take another step in their chemistry.
Emma Meesseman offensive assertiveness is the cog that’s helped give this team more juice recently.
The 3-game roady saw the Sky with a collective concerted effort to get Money Meesse touches in her spots
She responded with:
💰 her most PTS, FGM, & FGA over any 3-game stretch this season
💰 T-2 for PITP with 12 per in this windowShe's found her blend of playmaking & scoring pic.twitter.com/078kE5Ti9V
— Stephen PridGeon ☯️🏁 (@StayTrueSDot3) June 13, 2022
A three-game road trip saw them trailing heading into each fourth quarter, and they came away 2-1. That alone spotlights just how good of a team this is in closing, where they’re best in execution and versatility in doing so both with scheme and attack. They’re the only team top-4 in both points per game (82.3) and opponents points per 100 possessions (94.6).
3.) Connecticut Sun: 10-4 (2)
Two four-game win streaks under their belts, including their most recent coming via three road wins, this team is gelling. The upped pace has them tapped into a new dynamic to this team, having four players on the floor at all times that can “board and go.” They are operating at a very high level because of it, sustaining signature stops with stingy defense but parlaying those efforts into changing ends of the floor with intent. That has them at second in points per game, at 87.1. They’re also still menacing on the offensive glass with their fearsome foursome frontcourt pieces of Bonner-Thomas-B. Jones-J. Jones. They grab those at the best rate (33.2), and third in average with 10.4. These subtleties have them better-equipped for postseason play.
4.) Seattle Storm: 9-5 (4)
Head coach Noelle Quinn has finally had her full assemblage of talent at her disposal, and abruptly a four-game win streak has ensued. The (re) additions of Sue Bird and Ezi Magbegor, as well as Mercedes Russell, have been a revelation. They’re now balanced with an uptick in activity and viability on the defensive end. They’re here.
Ezi Magbegor is so much fun to watch operate on both ends of the floor. Crazy levels of activity
— Stephen PridGeon ☯️🏁 (@StayTrueSDot3) June 8, 2022
Also, please just watch Ezi Magbegor defend. Her activity is unbelievable and the level of versatility she exudes is all-impressive.
5.) Washington Mystics: 10-6 (5)
The activity of their defense is unbelievable. They’re extremely sound in their rotations, have multiple bodies to execute in their switching scheme, and, when healthy, pack enough of a punch to apply pressure with their offense as well.
“Im just like that..” ~ Shakira Austin pic.twitter.com/IKa90S6i0W
— Stephen PridGeon ☯️🏁 (@StayTrueSDot3) June 15, 2022
Speaking to their defense, they defend without fouling at a consistent rate. Add to that their elite assist to turnover ratio and great care in general taken of the ball, directly aligned with Natasha Cloud’s vice grip on possessions, and you see why this team is so good. They’re also getting great contributions from Shakira Austin, who’s locked in on the boards and defensively, as well as Myisha Hines-Allen at the aptest of times.
