Around the W - Week 3
A vast summary of what took place in the WNBA during the 3rd week.
Another week of the WNBA has come and gone and we’ve had some shuffling in the standings. Let’s take a look at how every team did this week.
Atlanta Dream
Weekly Record: 3-0
Overall Record: 4-2
No team did more to help their positioning than the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta went 3-0 this week and have now won four games in a row since starting the season 0-2. On Tuesday, the Dream beat the Chicago Sky 90-83. Tiffany Hayes was the star of the game leading the way with 26 points. Courtney Williams scored 18 points and Monique Billings added 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds.
On Thursday, Atlanta outlasted the Dallas Wings 101-95. The Dream had four players score in double figures with Tiffany Hayes once again leading the way with 26 points. Chennedy Carter had 21 points and Courtney Williams added 14 points, eight rebounds, and a game-high five assists. Monique Billings continued to provide a spark off the bench with a double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds.
In a fantastic game that went into OT, we saw the Atlanta Dream steal a victory in New York on Saturday. Down three with under a minute to play, Courtney Williams received a screen and knocked down a three on the left wing to tie the game. The Dream stopped New York on the next possession and then ran almost the exact same play, except this time on the right wing. Once again, the New York defenders didn’t switch the screen and Williams buried another three to win the game for Atlanta 90-87. This game was all about Courtney Williams who nearly had a triple-double with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in the game (and the game-winning three). The Dream had balanced scoring the rest of the way with Elizabeth Williams giving them a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Tiffany Hayes and Chennedy Carter both added 12 points as well. Unfortunately, Carter hyperextended her right elbow and will be out an undetermined amount of time. The good news is that surgery does not appear to be necessary for her at this time.
With the three victories this week the Dream moved up to the 5th seed in the WNBA standings and seem to be hitting their stride after getting off to a slow start this season.
Chicago Sky
Weekly Record: 0-3
Overall Record: 2-4
The Chicago Sky had a very rough week losing all three games they’ve played. It doesn’t help that two of their best players have been out with injuries in Candace Parker and Allie Quigley. On top of that, they’re missing Stefanie Dolson who is away playing for Team USA in the 3x3 Olympic Qualifiers. The good news for Chicago and Dolson is Team USA has qualified for the Olympics by winning their games and Dolson will be returning to the Sky within the next few days.
As mentioned above, the Sky lost to the Atlanta Dream 90-83. The Sky did have balance with five players scoring in double figures. Kahleah Copper led the Sky with 21 points. Diamond DeShields had 17 points and nine rebounds. Courtney Vandersloot contributed 14 points and a game-high six assists. Astou Ndour added 13 points and nine rebounds and Azura Stevens had 11 points.
The Sky then had a weak effort against the LA Sparks losing 76-61. The team only had three players score in double digits with Diamond DeShields leading the team with 14 points. Former Oregon Duck, Ruthy Hebard, had a strong game with 12 points and eight rebounds. Kahleah Copper added 11 points in the loss.
It appeared the Sky were going to beat the LA Sparks in the rematch, but Los Angeles was once again able to defeat the Sky, this time in overtime on Saturday. The Sky blew a 27-13 point lead in the first quarter. They were outscored by nine points total between the 4th quarter and OT. Courtney Vandersloot had a career-high 28 points, eight rebounds, and a team-high seven assists. Ruthy Hebard (12 points), Kahleah Copper (11 points), and Azura Stevens (11 points) were the other players to score in double figures for Chicago.
Whether you want to blame injuries or not, the Chicago Sky have had one of the more disappointing seasons up to this point. The Sky have had title aspirations over the past two seasons, this year especially with the major addition of Candace Parker. But with Parker injured and missing multiple games, the rest of the Sky have struggled to put together wins. The team is committing too many turnovers and will need to fix that in order to right the ship.
Connecticut Sun
Weekly Record: 1-2
Overall Record: 6-2
Connecticut had a strong week despite going 1-2 which dropped them from the ranks of the unbeaten. Their two losses both came on the road and both in overtime. On Tuesday, they went into Seattle and went blow for blow with the defending champs. They fell to Seattle 90-87 in extra time. The Storm handed the Sun their first loss of the WNBA season.
Despite the loss, Jonquel Jones played like an MVP candidate scoring 28 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. In this game, she outplayed Breanna Stewart. Brionna Jones scored 19 points, DeWanna Bonner added 15 points, and Natisha Hiedeman had 14 points including a barrage of impressive three-pointers in the 2nd quarter.
The Sun then returned home where they were able to edge the Washington Mystics 86-81. Connecticut outscored Washington 24-18 in the 4th quarter. Connecticut continues to win with balanced scoring. Jonquel Jones led the way again with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Jasmine Thomas had a strong game with 19 points, while DeWanna Bonner had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Brionna Jones added 12 points and rookie Dijonai Carrington scored double figures for the first time in her career with 10 points off the bench.
Connecticut lost its 2nd game in overtime during the week when they faced the Lynx in Minnesota on Sunday. The Sun led 27-15 after the first quarter but scored just 36 points over the final three quarters. Minnesota went on an 8-0 run to send the game into OT and outscored Connecticut 16-11 during the extra period. The Lynx won the game 79-74 over the Sun.
Once again, Jonquel Jones led the Sun with 22 points. DeWanna Bonner scored 18 points and tied for a team-high six rebounds and five assists. Jasmine Thomas was the only other player to score in double figures with 14 points.
Dallas Wings
Weekly Record: 0-3
Overall Record: 1-4
The Dallas Wings lost three games this past week and have now lost four games in a row after their impressive season debut victory over the LA Sparks. They lost all three games by single digits. Something that the young Wings team will need to learn how to overcome during these clutch moments late in games.
A disappointing third quarter where the Liberty outscored the Wings 22-11 allowed New York to defeat Dallas 88-81 on Monday. The pair of Notre Dame graduates Arike Ogunbowale (24 points) and Marina Mabrey (21 points, seven rebounds, five assists) led Dallas in the loss. Kayla Thorton had another double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Isabelle Harrison added 11 points.
The Atlanta Dream bested the Dallas Wings on Thursday 101-95. Dallas battled tough but fell short in Atlanta. Once again, Marina Mabrey (24 points) and Arike Ogunbowale (24 points) led the Wings. Kayla Thorton continued her impressive streak of play with 17 points and eight rebounds. Tyasha Harris added 10 points.
On Saturday, the Wings fell in another close game, this time in Dallas against the Phoenix Mercury by a final score of 89-85. Dallas rallied late but couldn’t overcome their first quarter deficit where they were outscored 26-17. Let me know if I’ve said this before but once again Arike Ogunbowale (24 points) and Marina Mabrey (24 points and eight rebounds) led the Wings in scoring. Ty Harris had her second game in a row scoring in double figures with 13 points and Kayla Thorton added ten.
While the Wings are not winning games they have some positives they can look forward to. Including the return of Allisha Gray who, like Stefanie Dolson, was off competing in the Team USA 3x3 Olympic qualifiers. They can also be encouraged by the impressive play of Marina Mabrey who is certainly a candidate for MIP (Most Improved Player). Mabrey averages 21.2 PPG which is good for the 5th best scoring average in the entire WNBA. Mabrey is also shooting over 51% in three-point percentage.
Indiana Fever
Weekly Record: 0-3
Overall Record: 1-7
The Indiana Fever continue to struggle as they have in recent years. They lost three games this past week. The first was against the Washington Mystics by a score of 85-69. They only had three players score in double figures with no one scoring more than 11 points (Tiffany Mitchell). Jessica Breland and Danielle Robinson each added 10 points.
Things got worse for the Fever as they were absolutely destroyed in back-to-back games by the Las Vegas Aces. In the first game, they were soundly defeated 113 to 77. The 36 point loss was the largest margin of victory for the Aces in Las Vegas. Tiffany Mitchell led the team in scoring with 17 points. Teaira McCowan had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kelsey Mitchell added 13 points and Victoria Vivians provided a spark off the bench with 12 points.
In the rematch on Sunday, it still wasn’t competitive. The Aces led 32-15 after the first quarter and won the game 101-78. Victoria Vivians led the team in scoring off the bench with 17 points. Teaira McCowan had a solid game with 15 points and nine rebounds. Kelsey Mitchell was the only other player to score in double figures with 10 points.
Things likely won’t get easier for the Fever who face the Seattle Storm next. The Fever have the worst record in the WNBA at 1-7.
Las Vegas Aces
Weekly Record: 3-0
Overall Record: 5-2
The Aces were the other WNBA team to go 3-0 this week along with the Atlanta Dream. Las Vegas earned a hard-fought victory against the Mercury in Phoenix 85-79. Jackie Young has exploded in her third season in the WNBA. The former number one overall pick has taken her game to a whole new level this season and is a serious candidate for MIP. Young scored 27 points to lead the Aces against the Mercury. A’ja Wilson added 16 points and nine rebounds. Chelsea Gray scored 15 points and a team-high nine assists. Liz Cambage added 10 points and eight rebounds in the victory.
As mentioned above, Las Vegas dominated the Indiana Fever in two consecutive games. They did what good teams do, which is destroy bad teams. Six of eight players scored in double figures in the first game where Las Vegas won 113-77. Dearica Hamby led the team in scoring with 25 points off the bench. A’ja Wilson had 23 points. Chelsea Gray had a double-double with 19 points and 12 assists. Riquna Williams contributed 18 points and six rebounds. Liz Cambage (12 points) and Jackie Young (10 points) were the other players to score in double figures.
On Sunday, when the Aces beat the Fever 101-78, they were led again by Dearica Hamby who scored 22 points. Riquna Williams had 16 points, A’ja Wilson added 15 points. Liz Cambage had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Jackie Young contributed 12 points.
At 5-2, the Aces have the 3rd best record in the WNBA. Their only two losses have come against the two teams above them in the standings (the Seattle Storm and Connecticut Sun). Las Vegas is clearly one of the best teams in the WNBA and have picked up right where they left off last season where they ended the regular season with the best record in the WNBA and reached the WNBA Finals (ultimately losing to Seattle). With the improvement of Jackie Young, the return of Liz Cambage and Kelsey Plum, and the addition of Chelsea Gray - the Aces have arguably the most talented roster in the WNBA.
They will have a good test this week as they face the Connecticut Sun (6-2) on Tuesday and the New York Liberty (5-2) on Thursday.
Los Angeles Sparks
Weekly Record: 2-0
Overall Record: 2-2
As mentioned above the LA Sparks picked up their first victory of the season in Chicago and then stole a second one in Chicago in overtime to finish up their week 2-0.
On Friday, they beat the Sky handily by a final score of 76-61. Nneka Ogwumike led the team with 14 points and nine rebounds. Erica Wheeler added 13 points and a team-high six assists. Brittney Sykes added 11 points off the bench.
They got more scoring contributions in their OT win on Sunday 82-79. LA was led by Nneka Ogwumike who had 21 points and nine rebounds. Erica Wheeler had 17 points and a team-high seven assists. Amanda Zahui B. had 17 points and eight rebounds. Nia Coffey gave them some pick shots off the bench with 15 points.
The Sparks are headed in the right direction evening up their record at 2-2 which puts them as the 7th seed currently. They now face the Wings next looking for revenge after their embarrassing loss in the opening game of the season against Dallas.
Minnesota Lynx
Weekly Record: 1-1
Overall Record: 1-4
The Minnesota Lynx were soundly beaten by Seattle on Friday with the final score of 82-72 not representing how badly they were defeated. Seattle led by 30 points in the 4th quarter before resting all of their starters. The Lynx finished the game on a 19-0 run over the final eight minutes but still lost the game by ten. Minnesota had four players score in double figures with Sylvia Fowles leading the way with 15 points. Napheesa Collier in her first game back scored 14 points and had a game-high six assists. Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton both scored 12 points for the Lynx in the losing effort.
However, they were able to right the ship and finally get into the win column with an impressive overtime victory over the Connecticut Sun 79-74. The Lynx scored the final eight points of regulation to send the game into OT. Sylvia Fowles, once again, led the team in scoring and rebounding with 24 points and nine rebounds. Layshia Clarendon who was just signed by the Lynx after being cut by the New York Liberty provided 12 points and five rebounds off the bench. Including what appeared to be the game-winner at the end of regulation from half-court, but it was waved off as the ball was still in their hands as time expired. Even still, Clarendon hit several key shots to help lead the Lynx to the victory. Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier also both scored 11 points in the win.
Minnesota will now host Atlanta for back-to-back games next at the Target Center.
New York Liberty
Weekly Record: 1-1
Overall Record: 5-2
The New York Liberty went 1-1 this week after starting the season 4-1. They had a solid victory over the Dallas Wings on Monday 88-81. Betnijah Laney continued her hot start scoring 26 points to lead the Liberty in scoring. Laney has scored 20 points or more in every game for New York this season. Natasha Howard provided a big boost giving them 17 points and six rebounds, but was sadly hurt during the game and will be out for a little while. Sabrina Ionescu was the only other player to score in double figures as she put up 15 points and had nine rebounds in the win.
The Liberty then lost a real close game, falling to the Atlanta Dream 90-87 in OT. New York had a three point lead with under a minute to play but gave up two consecutive three-pointers to Courtney Williams to lose the game. Rookie Michaela Onyenwere led the team in scoring with 29 points. Betnijah Laney had 20 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds. And Sami Whitcomb had 19 points for New York in defeat.
At 5-2, the Liberty currently have the 4th best record in the WNBA. They have more than doubled their win total from last season already which is either a testament to how much better they are this season or how awful they were in 2020. We are about to find out just how good the Liberty really are as they play some of the best teams in the WNBA over their next five games. They face the Las Vegas Aces next on Thursday and will see them three times over their next five games. They also face the Connecticut Sun and the Phoenix Mercury during that span. Is New York a contender or a pretender? We are about to find out.
Phoenix Mercury
Weekly Record: 1-1
Overall Record: 3-3
The Mercury received devastating news when they found out Diana Taurasi had a cracked sternum that will keep her out for at least four weeks. Without Taurasi, the team went 1-1 during this past week. They lost a close contest to the Las Vegas Aces 85-79 in a game they really could have won. Poor execution late in the 4th quarter cost them the lead and the game. Brittney Griner had a monster game with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Skylar Diggins-Smith also had a double-double with 16 points and 11 assists. Shey Peddy was the only other player to reach double figures with 12 points off the bench.
On Saturday, Phoenix picked up a tough win 89-85 over the Dallas Wings. Brittney Griner had an even better game in this one scoring 27 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. Skylar Diggins-Smith added 21 points and a game-high seven assists for the Mercury. Kia Nurse also provided 21 points to help secure the victory.
With Taurasi out for the foreseeable future, both Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins-Smith are really going to need to pick up the slack over the next few weeks. Fortunately, through two games it looks like they are up to the task. They will just need to stay around .500 until Diana can return.
Phoenix will face the Chicago Sky in back-to-back games next on their schedule.
Seattle Storm
Weekly Record: 2-0
Overall Record: 5-1
The defending champion Seattle Storm had a very busy week both on and off the court. While on the court they played in the best game of the WNBA season (so far) against the Connecticut Sun last Tuesday. The game went into OT, where Seattle led by Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart were able to knock down multiple shots from beyond the arc to outlast Connecticut 90-87. You can read my lengthy game recap at the link above.
The Storm used a balanced attack with four players scoring in double figures and six players scoring seven points or more. Sue Bird led the way with 21 points. Jewell Loyd continued her impressive season so far with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Breanna Stewart struggled at times but still finished with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds. And Stephanie Talbot added 11 points in the win.
Seattle and Connecticut are arguably the two best teams in the WNBA right now (Las Vegas would argue that) and I think a lot of fans would be pretty excited about the potential for a Storm/Sun WNBA Finals matchup if things were to shake out that way. If Tuesday’s contest was any indication of how the playoff series would go, fans would be in for a real treat!
On Friday night, the Storm completely trounced the Minnesota Lynx 82-72 in a game in which they led by 22 points at halftime and by 30 points early in the 4th quarter. Seattle’s starters rested the entire 4th quarter, which was much needed after playing two consecutive games in overtime prior to Friday’s game. Breanna Stewart led the team with 15 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Jewell Loyd and Candice Dupree each added 12 points. Sue Bird contributed 11 points and five assists and Epiphanny Prince gave them a boost with 10 points off the bench.
After their two victories, the team made a shocking announcement over the weekend that Head Coach Dan Hughes would be retiring from the WNBA effective immediately. After spending 20 of the WNBA’s 25 years coaching Dan is looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his family.
The team also announced that Assistant Coach Noelle Quinn will now be taking over the reins as Head Coach of the Seattle Storm. Quinn becomes the 7th coach in franchise history and the first African American woman to be the head coach of the Storm. Quinn spent 14 years in the WNBA, including five with Seattle. She won a WNBA Championship with Seattle in 2018 and transitioned to an assistant coach with the team following her retirement after the conclusion of the 2018 season.
With a record of 5-1, the Storm now sit on top of the WNBA standings in first place. They also improved to 4-0 in the WNBA’s Commissioner’s Cup standings. Seattle will host the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings twice over this next week.
Washington Mystics
Weekly Record: 1-1
Overall Record: 2-4
The Washington Mystics went 1-1 this past week, picking up a strong victory over the Indiana Fever 85-69. Tina Charles continues to put up big numbers scoring 30 points again in this game. Ariel Atkins had a nice night with 18 points and the returning Myisha Hines-Allen picked up where she left off last season adding a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Mystics then lost a close game against the Connecticut Sun 86-81. Tina Charles nearly scored 30 points again when she finished with 29 points and eight rebounds. Ariel Atkins had another strong game with 20 points, and Myisha Hines-Allen once again had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Sydney Wiese added 12 points in the losing effort.
Washington has had a disappointing season so far as they’re one of the five teams with a losing record through three weeks. A lot of it has to do with injuries, most notably to Elena Delle Donne and Alysha Clark. Clark is out for the season due to a foot injury she suffered overseas. But Delle Donne might be the more concerning injury considering the importance of her on the team and the lack of clarity about her injury or when exactly she’ll be able to play this season. With a healthy Delle Donne, the Mystics are likely a contender for the WNBA Championship. But without her, they will be battling just to make it into the playoffs.
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