WNBA Week Twelve Power Rankings

By: Nathan Snell

Well…this has been an interesting season so far. Where to start? A multitude of injuries, the MVP race called too soon by other media publications, and other teams finally finding their footing.

Napheesa Collier, after missing seven games, made her return Sunday evening.

Breanna Stewart, who had been out for 13 games, made her return Monday evening.

The Las Vegas Aces, led by A’ja Wilson, have been on a stellar run, winning eleven straight games.

Lastly, the Atlanta Dream have not gotten the respect they deserve for the season they are having.

Let’s get to ranking!

1. Minnesota Lynx (30-7)

The Lynx suffered their first consecutive losses against New York and Atlanta. However, they bounced back with a road win over Indiana and a home victory on Sunday, which marked Naphessa Collier’s return after a seven-game absence. The MVP race since the end of Unrivaled has been misleading. Collier has missed many games during this stretch of the season. Phee has had an outstanding season, but the race was never decided after May.

2. Las Vegas Aces (25-14)

The Aces have won eleven straight games, which was the team’s record before the All-Star break. Fun fact: Since moving to Las Vegas from San Antonio, eleven consecutive wins are the longest in the league since 2021. A’ja Wilson, who exemplifies what it means to be the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, has been making history. She is the only player to score 30 points or more in 10 games. When this team entered August, many people counted them out. To go from the Seventh seed to now the third seed in the standings, you can’t disregard that. The Aces are 14-3 since the All-Star break. With five games remaining, the Aces have clinched a playoff spot. Can they secure the number two seed?

3. Atlanta Dream (24-13)

This team deserves its flowers. Karl Smesko should win Coach of the Year. This past week, in three of their five games, the offense struggled—a fourth-quarter double-digit blown lead against Vegas. The two-point losses to the Lynx and Liberty stung, but they have since won nine out of eleven games. Currently, the 2^nd seed is in the standings. On both sides of the ball, it has clicked. Here are some stats: Their Offensive rating is 106.6, and their defensive rating is 99.0. That would rank them second in the league.

4. Phoenix Mercury (22-14)

*Disclaimer* Alyssa Thomas could surpass her own record triple-doubles this week. Thomas has also defined what a MOST VALUABLE PLAYER is. She is third in rebounding with 8.8 rebounds and 16 points a game. However, since Dewanna Bonner arrived in Phoenix, Coach Tibbetts has been having a hard time figuring out how to utilize everyone truly. While the Mercury won six games, they lost four so far this month. Thomas, at times, has to do more than she should.

5. New York Liberty (23-15)

It was good to see Breanna Stewart back on the court this past Monday. Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison were both out due to injury. Before Stewie’s return, Super Team 2.0 went 5-9 and dealt with injuries. But as reigning champions, they still had significant pieces on the court while she was out. At this point, the Liberty is focused on getting the key pieces healthy. But the losses to Chicago and Atlanta were not pretty. This week they have two games, let’s see how they look.

6. Seattle Storm (20-18)

There is truth in criticism. The Seattle Storm is a perfect example of this. While they have won three games this past week. Four wins out of their last five. But you should still prepare for them playing down to the competition at times. Let’s keep it real, losing six straight to start the month of August? The schedule is relatively easy for them this week, but there could be a trap game.

7. Golden State Valkyries (19-18)

Can Veronica Burton receive the Most Improved Player award today? Burton scored 60 points over three games and has 35 assists. Also, in the three games, she had 20 points and 10 assists. Many believed that Kayla Thornton’s injury slowed the team’s momentum. The Valkyries are rallying to find ways to secure wins, and it’s essential to recognize that this team is built on a strong defensive foundation. However, it is worth noting that they play in a similar style to the Lynx.

8. Los Angeles Sparks (17-18)

Last Wednesday, Kelsey Plum outperformed Paige, who scored 44 points. The Sparks remain an interesting team to watch. Plum aims to join Diana Taurasi as the only players to average 20 points and five assists over multiple seasons; however, inconsistency persists across the team despite a standout game last week. The Sparks now have three home games to solidify their playoff position.

9. Washington Mystics (16-22)

At the beginning of the season. What was your season prediction for the Mystics? 16 wins? In the rebuilding season, they have defined expectations. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iraifen have been breaking records. Sydney Johnson should get some Coach of the Year votes. Unfortunately, the team did lose four straight games. This week does not help them either, as they face New York, Golden State, and Los Angeles. The postseason run might be over.

10. Indiana Fever (19-18)

    This has been a tough season to forget, but there should still be a sense of pride. Indiana has faced a lot, including the loss of Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, and Sophie Cunningham for the season. Caitlin Clark is likely being rested for the playoffs at this point. Kelsey Mitchell and Aaliyah Boston have been carrying the team. Mitchell has been the go-to player since Clark’s injury. Averaging 20.7 points

11. Connecticut Sun (9-28)

Tina Charles became the first WNBA player to reach 200 career double-doubles. The Sun has won three straight games. Saniya Rivers and Aneesah Morrow will make an all-WNBA rookie team. Two of those wins were back-to-back victories against the Mystics. The last time the Sun won games consistently was during last year’s playoffs. Connecticut has been eliminated from the playoffs.

12. Chicago Sky (9-28)

Angel Reese was out for three weeks due to a back injury. In the sample size of her return, she is averaging nearly a double-double (17.7 ppg, 9.3 rebounds) while shooting over 60%. Kamilla Cardoso, in two of the last three games, posted a double-double. Despite the injuries and roster inconsistencies, the Sky are also eliminated from the playoffs. To make matters worse, the Minnesota Lynx would have their 2026 first-round pick.

13. Dallas Wings (9-29)

Did you enjoy your DoorDash order last week? Well, Paige Bueckers tied Cythia Cooper-Dyke for the most points scored in a game by a rookie against the Sparks. It wasn’t enough, though, as the Wings lost on a Kelsey Plum game-winning floater this past Wednesday. Dallas has now lost five straight games and has only one win and nine losses this month. They are also officially eliminated from playoff contention.